Community Outreach Advisor - Extension

Laseagrant; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision

Job summary

University of Illinois Extension seeks a dedicated Community Affairs Specialist I to support staff interaction with communities. You will deliver high‑quality classes and workshops on nutrition, caregiving, budgeting, and wellbeing, while building strong partnerships with local agencies and organizations.

The role requires a high school diploma with public engagement experience; travel to communities is expected, with some evening/weekend work. Benefits are included.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. Three years of public-facing work experience.
• Experience engaging with community members and partners to deliver programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deepen program partner relationships and provide approved materials to community organizations.
• Represent Extension at events to promote resources and refer clients to services as needed.
• Input data into evaluation systems (including PEARS) and prepare program reports.
• Lead material shopping, class prep, and ensure proper inventory for programming.
• Coordinate program events, including supply ordering and safety protocols.

Skills

Community outreach

Public engagement

Technology literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

PEARS data system

Job description

University of Illinois Extension - Unit 22, East St Louis

WETRANSFORM LIVES.

Everything we do is designed to improve the quality oflife of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around theworld. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to addresssocietal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a waythat empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels ofunderstanding and influence.

Be a partof our story. Throughlearning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University ofIllinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better,healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connectingthe citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providingeducational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension isbased in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of theUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Job Summary

Provide continuous program information and interaction between university staff and community members (adults and youth). Provide high quality interactive classes and workshops addressing community needs including basic nutrition, care-giving, budgeting, and overall wellbeing.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Outreach and Delivery
  • Develop and deepen program partner relationships and provide approved program materials and resources to community agencies and organizations in and outside of physical program locations. Represent Extension at events to promote resources
  • Refer clients to various agencies (health care centers, WIC, food pantries, schools, shelters, etc.) and to other Extension staff based upon additional needs/concerns.
  • Assist in the implementation of synchronous and asynchronous program delivery to reach Extension audiences. Provide high quality, interactive teaching in the community for youth and adults using identified curriculum and materials as identified by the program area.
• Program Support
  • Collaborate with team members to plan and meet program goals.
  • Participate in and organize committees to assess community needs and provide feedback that supports the improvement of program delivery.
  • Collect information from program staff and participants for reporting. Input data into evaluation systems including PEARS. Provide program reports as requested.
  • Lead efforts to shop for required materials, prepping classes, and assisting other team members in having program materials.
  • Maintain program equipment and resources inventory to ensure proper working conditions and availability for programming.
  • Coordinate program events including supply ordering, shopping, and establishing safety protocols.
• Other
  • Maintain professional competence through required trainings and ongoing opportunities.
  • Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension programming as assigned.
  • Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affiitive Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of Extension work.

Physical Demands and 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.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.
Three (3) years (36 months) of work experience in public contactwith an agency or organization that is oriented toward communityactivities.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in Extension.
Certification as a Community Health Worker, Family Development or equivalent.
Three (3) years of experience in program delivery or coordination.
Valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of and ability to work in community-based settings.
• Ability to utilize technology to coordinate, deliver or convey educational information.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 3286 - Community Affairs Specialist I position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Salary is competitive and commensurate withqualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The budgeted salary range for the position is $39,975 - $48,000.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 25, 2026. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact [e-mail]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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.

TheUniversity of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all jobcandidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinoismust also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulationsand, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screeningprocedures for applicants.

Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinoisresidency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position.Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or stateof Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

Sponsorshipfor work authorization is not available for this position.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies 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: 1038125
Job Category: Off-Campus
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu