Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development (Livestock)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Belvidere (IL); On-site; USD 59,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Extension in Champaign-Urbana seeks an Extension Educator for 4-H Youth Development with a Livestock focus. The role is full-time and 12-month, responsible for developing, delivering, and evaluating programs that support youth and communities across Illinois.

You will collaborate with coordinators and volunteers, build partnerships, and lead youth leadership opportunities while maintaining rigorous evaluation and reporting to statewide and national priorities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution.
• Experience in program specialty area with youth development.
• Knowledge of youth development best practices.
• Experience in leadership roles guiding others.

Responsibilities

• Provide program leadership for 4-H Youth Development with a focus on Livestock.
• Develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs aligned with statewide priorities.
• Collaborate with coordinators and volunteers to manage program activities.
• Lead program expansion and ensure quality across units.
• Develop partnerships with higher education, business, alumni and community groups.
• Train and support volunteers; cultivate youth leadership opportunities.

Skills

Youth development

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Agricultural/Env Sciences or related field

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field

Job description

Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development (Livestock)

University of Illinois Extension

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

The Extension Educator serves as a full-time, 12-month academic professional with primary responsibility for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs supporting the mission of the University of Illinois Extension.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Agricultural/Environmental Sciences, Youth Development, Education, Community/Public Health, Leadership Studies or related field from an accredited institution of higher education. Master's degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies. Candidates with a Master's degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.
• One degree in Agriculture or related field from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Experience in program specialty area.
• Knowledge of youth development best practices and experience working with youth audiences.
• Experience in leadership role and/or evidence of an ability to guide the work of others.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4-H experience.
• Teaching experience in informal and formal settings.
• Experience managing volunteers, including recruitment and support. Experience with program planning for youth and adult audiences.
• Experience in evaluation and impact reporting.
• Experience working with youth from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and varied communication needs.
• Valid driver's license.
• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.

SPECIFIC JOB INFORMATION

One full-time positions is available.

Location: Unit 2 - Boone, DeKalb, and Ogle Counties (Position will be housed in one of the offices in the unit.) Additional positions may become available in other locations.

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.

EXAMPLES OF THE WORK

• Provide overall leadership to the entire 4-H Youth Development Program with a specialty focus on Livestock and Animal Sciences.
• Ensure program planning, program monitoring, and program evaluation are consistent with local needs and statewide priorities.
• Implement organizational systems and programs by teaming with Program Coordinators and Volunteers who assist with program management functions and teaching roles when appropriate.
• Guide all program expansion and program quality processes.
• Create higher ed, business, alumni, community, and financial partnerships to expand and support program initiatives.
• Provide training and support to volunteers.
• Provide leadership development opportunities for 4-H youth and young adults seeking careers in Agriculture.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment. Ability to build and maintain networks.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development, Delivery and Evaluation

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain the competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases.
• Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner. This will include networking and collaborating with community organizations and other relevant groups.
• Within the designated area(s) of specialization, develop innovative curricula and programs to address local needs as well as to mesh with the broader state and national interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Deliver high impact programs to varied audiences utilizing a selection of innovative delivery mechanisms to optimize reach and effectiveness, by teaming with additional Extension employees and volunteers who assist with program management functions and teaching roles when appropriate.
• Guide program expansion and program quality processes by teaching and providing training and support to employees or volunteers who teach and work within the program area.
• Support voluntary educational delivery systems with relevant subject matter expertise.
• Evaluate the impact of program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevant fashion. Evaluation plans should focus not only on short-term impacts but also on long-term changes in clientele practices.
• Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele. This may include constantly evolving electronic technologies (e.g. twitter, Facebook, blogs, e-learning, etc.).
• Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g. plans of work, activity and impact reporting, etc.)

Organizational Leadership and Development

• Market and represent Extension's interests to external partners and stakeholders in areas related to expertise.
• Cooperate fully with the County Director to achieve budget goals, address staffing needs, fulfill relevant grant initiatives, report impacts, and carry out all other items relevant to the operation.
• Develop professional collaborations with the County Director, other Educators and Extension Council Members.
• Assist with and support the total University of Illinois Extension program.
• Accept statewide responsibilities as recommended by the Program Leader and approved by the County Director.
• Serve as an effective team member and volunteer for leadership roles as appropriate.
• Lead unit team under the direction and in consultation with the County Director.
• Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension programming, as assigned.

Scholarship

• Establish professional relationships and participate in campus-based partnerships that tie academic programs and research to complement Extension programming by partnering with Extension Specialists and/or faculty members on research projects as appropriate within the initiatives.
• Be an active member within a professional society(s) to keep abreast of changes within your discipline.
• Continually seek professional development opportunities to enhance competency in subject matter area.
• Use research and evaluation findings to create innovative programs and make changes to existing programs in order to improve quality.
• Share principles of evidence-based best practice with peers.

Other Information

• Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements.
• Local, regional and (limited) statewide travel required; personal transportation required.

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 Extension Educator is administratively responsible to the County Director.

Programmatic Relationship

The Extension Educator is programmatically responsible to the Program Leader(s) for the delivery of programs that mesh with identified national and state priorities.

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 $59,000 to $82,000. 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.

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.

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.

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: 1038817

Job Category: Off-Campus

Champaign-Urbana

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 startup 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.