Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development (STEM)

Laseagrant; Bourbonnais, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Extension seeks an Extension Educator for 4-H Youth Development (STEM) to lead the planning, delivery, and evaluation of STEM-focused youth programs across Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties. This full-time role supports statewide priorities and builds partnerships with schools, volunteers, and community organizations to expand youth engagement in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The position is housed in Bourbonnais, IL, with travel to partner sites required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or in-progress with degree completed by hire date.
• Evidence of youth development best practices.
• Experience teaching NGSS-aligned curricula (OpenSciEd, inquiryHub, NextGenStorylines, etc.).
• Knowledge and experience in STEM best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for 4-H Youth Development Program across multiple counties.
• Plan, deliver, and evaluate educational programs aligned with statewide priorities.
• Develop partnerships with schools, volunteers, and community organizations to support STEM youth programming.

Skills

Youth development

NGSS-aligned curricula

STEM education

Partnership building

Education

Master’s degree in Youth Development / Education / Leadership Studies / Agricultural/Environmental Sciences / Engineering

Job description

Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development (STEM)

Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development (STEM)

University of Illinois Extension

WHOWE ARE
As partof the Land Grant system, the University of Illinois was established not onlyto provide world class education and pioneer research and discovery, but to putlearning and discovery into practice, to benefit the health and wellbeing ofresidents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is theuniversity’s statewide network of educators, faculty experts, and staffdedicated to that mission. To learn more about University of IllinoisExtension, 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 trainingthat enables you to learn and grow to your full potential. We will strive toprovide a healthy work-life balance for all our employees, regardless of role.Together, we will maintain a culture that promotes inclusivity, teamwork, andan 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 thedevelopment, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs supporting themission of the University of Illinois Extension.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Youth Development, Education, Leadership Studies, Agricultural/Environmental Sciences, Engineering, 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.
• Evidenced knowledge of and experience with youth development best practices.
• Experience teaching and/or developing high-quality NGSS-aligned curricula, like OpenSciEd, inquiryHub, NextGenStorylines, etc.
• Evidence knowledge and experience in STEM best practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Qualified youth development professional with experience in informal and educational settings, specializing in STEM-related programming.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong community partnerships, recruit and support volunteers, plan and deliver youth-focused programs.
• Professional learning program development and/or facilitation experience.
• Demonstrated ability to translate science education research into practical applications.
• Experience with program planning for youth audiences.
• Experience in evaluation and impact reporting, and providing leadership to guide and support the work of others of youth programs.
• Valid driver's license.
• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.

SPECIFICJOB INFORMATION:
One full-time position is available.
Location: Unit 9 – Grundy, Kankakee, andWill Counties
(Position will be housed inKankakee County – Bourbonnais, IL)
Additional positions may becomeavailable in other locations.
This isa security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminalconviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered SexOffender list, will be conducted.

EXAMPLES OF THE WORK

• Educate youth about critical youth development issues.
• Provide overall leadership to the entire 4-H Youth Development Program throughout multiple counties, focusing on 4-H Clubs, 4-H Groups, and Youth Education Initiatives.
• Ensure program planning, program monitoring, and program evaluation are consistent with local needs and statewide priorities.
• Guideall program expansion and program quality processes.Createhigher ed, business and community partnerships to expand and support 4-Hyouth development program initiatives.
• Haveexpertise in youth development; youth program development; volunteerism;equity, access, and opportunity; partnerships; and organizational systemswhich is shared with others through trainings and professionaldevelopment.
• Leadthe creation, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality learningexperiences designed to build youths’ career readiness through Science,Technology, and Math (STEM) and Positive Youth Development experiencesacross Illinois 4-H education.
• Workwith both youth and adults to strengthen community capacity to prepareyoung people for future careers, post-secondary pathways, and leadershiproles.
• Collaborateswith schools, employers, volunteers, and community partners to deliverprograms that develop employability skills, including communication,teamwork, critical thinking, innovation, professionalism, andadaptability.
• Develop partnerships with communityorganizations, park districts, museums, forest preserves, and communitycenters, etc., to expose adults and youth to the field of science andtechnology.
• Facilitate learning experiences thatinvolve career exploration, industry guest speakers, job shadowingexperiences, teen leadership groups, and workforce developmentopportunities.
• Support youth in exploring careerpathways and developing foundational work competencies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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

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 a wide range of 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.
• Compete for internal and external resources to enhance the development of innovative educational programs with potential for high impact. Includes strategic use of available funds to increase program quality and impact.
• 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.
• 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.

PhysicalDemands/Working Conditions

When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety ofenvironmental 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
The employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in thecommunities that are served and must have the capability to travel from onelocation to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. Some workwill 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.

AppointmentInformation
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for workauthorization. This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenureacademic 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.

For further information about this specificposition, please contact Durriyyah Kemp at [e-mail]. For questions regarding the applicationprocess, 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.

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] .