Assistant Program Leader, 4-H Positive Youth Development

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Champaign (IL); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks an organizational leader to oversee the Illinois State 4-H Office. This full-time role provides strategic direction for youth development programs reaching over 260,000 youth, supervising a comprehensive staff network across the state.

The position requires a Master’s degree (PhD preferred) and extensive experience in program planning, leadership, and partnerships within a university extension context.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills to build and sustain relationships across teams.
• Experience mentoring and supporting interdisciplinary teams to achieve goals.
• Experience in strategic program planning for large state-wide initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision to Illinois State 4-H Office staff (10 direct reports) and oversee staff development and performance.
• Lead statewide program planning, curriculum development, and signature programs; supervise the peer-review process for evidence-based curricula.
• Foster collaboration with county 4-H staff, state and national partners; manage budgets, partnerships, and outreach to diverse youth.
• Represent Illinois 4-H in statewide Extension and national activities; ensure accessibility and equity in programming.

Skills

Communication skills

Mentoring/interdisciplinary teams

Strategic program planning

Education

Master's degree in youth development/education/social work or related field

PhD in related field (preferred)

Job description

WHO WE ARE

As part
of the Land Grant system, the University of Illinois was established not only to provide world class education and pioneer research and discovery, but to put learning and discovery into practice, to benefit the health and wellbeing of residents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is the university's statewide network of educators, faculty experts, and staff dedicated to that mission. To learn more about University of Illinois Extension, visit https://extension.illinois.edu/global/who-we-are.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEES

We will invest in our employees, our most important resource, by providing professional development and training that enables you to learn and grow to your full potential. We will strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for all our employees, regardless of role. Together, we will maintain a culture that promotes inclusivity, teamwork, and an environment that challenges and rewards our employees.

JOB PURPOSE

Oversee the positive youth development program components of the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development program. The position is part of the State 4-H Office based in Champaign, IL that provides strategic program leadership for 4-H activities delivered by staff in all 102 counties and metro areas of the state. This position will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for programming and strategic goal planning that reaches nearly 260,000 across the state and supervise all 4-H program staff in the State 4-H Office.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in youth development, education, social work or related field. Candidates with a Master's degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.
• At least five (5) years of full-time relevant professional experience.
• Experience mentoring and supporting interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience in strategic program planning.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in a related field.
• Demonstrated progressive, innovative, and effective program leadership/management.
• Familiarity with 4-H youth programs.
• Valid driver's license.

SPECIFIC JOB INFORMATION

One full-time position is available. Location: Champaign, IL (Position will be located at the State 4-H Office). In-state hybrid work may be available with supervisor authorization and in compliance with Extension and university policies.

This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication skills. Ability to build and maintain relationships and partnerships.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervision and Management

• Provide direct supervision to the Specialists and Associates (10 direct reports) in the Illinois State 4-H Office. (STEM, Natural Resources & Shooting Sports, Creative & Cultural Arts, College & Career Readiness, Leadership, Healthy Living, Livestock/Animal Science, Food Systems, New Audiences & Outreach, Club Support & Awards)
• Supervise the Events and Communications Coordinator and provide direction in the planning of key events for Illinois 4-H staff.
• Direct state program staff in developing annual plan of work and conduct annual performance appraisals; manage and support the Specialist promotional pathway process for direct reports.
• Provide professional development opportunities to staff to enhance collaboration and connection to the Illinois Extension strategic plan and National 4-H initiatives; assist in planning and leading State 4-H staff meetings.
• Collaborate with the Senior Program Leads and Managers within the State 4-H Office as a team to ensure staff development, data collection and evaluation, financial operations, human resource management, alumni engagement, and marketing/branding opportunities.

Strategic Program Planning and Development

• Provide leadership to ongoing and innovative 4-H youth development programs programmatically led by Specialists/Associates in the State 4-H Office.
• Lead and guide project curriculum/resource development and updates and statewide signature programs and events in partnership with administrative staff.
• Supervise and manage a statewide, peer-review process to support creation of evidence-based curriculum and programs to address the needs of the state, ensuring a strong research-based foundation.
• Lead an intentional charge to be accessible to all youth of Illinois, in accordance with the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act, and the University of Illinois Extension affirmative action and Equal Employment Opportunities Program.
• Chair and lead the National 4-H Council Beyond Ready initiative in partnership with the Assistant Dean/Program Leader and Director of 4-H Youth Development (Assistant Dean, 4-H Youth Development; lead the statewide leadership team to operationalize action related to statewide priorities.

Relationships and Partnerships

• Support the Assistant Dean, 4-H Youth Development in the development of a statewide program plan and annual budget request in response to county/regional needs, as well as emerging state and national issues.
• Monitor and facilitate collaboration and strong working relationships between state and county 4-H staff in support of Illinois 4-H program goals; create feedback loop with county 4-H staff to identify and respond to club and program support needs.
• Collaborate with the Illinois 4-H Director to support state staff engagement to develop collaborations and networks with other departments on campus and outside the University system that address the needs of Illinois youth. Provide leadership for building relationships with state, multi-state, national and international stakeholders, organizations and constituents.

Additional Responsibilities

• Advise the Assistant Dean, 4-H Youth Development and staff in identifying and responding to emerging opportunities to expand and strengthen positive youth development outcomes for youth in all 102 counties.
• Represent Illinois 4-H in statewide Extension and national activities as assigned by the Assistant Dean, 4-H Youth Development.
• Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension as assigned.
• Assist staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various physical demands including ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements.

Work Schedule, Travel, Or Other Job Expectations

To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends.

Administrative Relationship

The Assistant Program Leader is administratively responsible to the Assistant Dean, 4-H Youth Development, and is a member of the State 4-H Office staff.

Appointment Information

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The previously determined salary range for this position was $105,000 to $120,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary while taking into consideration internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, as well as budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a calculation involving these elements. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at the top of the full range for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on October 16, 2026. Please upload a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Resume dates submitted must be in month/year format and employment history, at a minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of your undergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must be noted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date.

For further information about the positions please contact Search Chair Janice McCoy at [e-mail]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].

Requisition ID

1038291

Job Category

Off-Campus

Apply at

https://jobs.illinois.edu