Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development (Community Development and Planning) at [...]

Neier Inc.; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Neier Inc. is seeking a full-time Extension Educator for Community and Economic Development at the University of Illinois Extension. This role involves developing and delivering educational programs that support community needs, including program evaluation and stakeholder collaboration.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and experience in guiding coalitions. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential, along with a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required, with relevant work experience considered.
• Experience in guiding local coalitions.
• Teaching experience preferred in various settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide program leadership and teach in your field of expertise.
• Develop innovative curricula to address local needs.
• Evaluate program impact and report findings.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Curriculum development

Evaluation and assessment

Education

Master’s degree in urban and regional planning or related field

Job description

Position Overview

Extension Educator – Community and Economic Development (Community Development and Planning) at the University of Illinois Extension. This is a full‑time, 12‑month academic professional position focused on developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs that support the Extension mission in community, environment, economy, food, and health.
Location: Unit 12 – Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties (Housed in McLean County – Bloomington, IL).
One full‑time position is available.

Responsibilities

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in your field of expertise, and assist clients with appropriate resources.
• Assess the needs of local clientele systematically and collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders.
• Develop innovative curricula and programs that address local needs and align with statewide and national initiatives.
• Deliver high‑impact programs to diverse audiences using varied delivery mechanisms, including collaboration with Extension employees and volunteers.
• Guide program expansion and quality processes by training and supporting other employees or volunteers who teach within the program area.
• Support voluntary educational delivery systems with subject‑matter expertise.
• Evaluate program impact in a planned, statistically relevant manner, focusing on both short‑term and long‑term changes in client practices.
• Develop contemporary communication approaches using evolving electronic technologies.
• Comply with reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g., plans of work, activity and impact reporting).
• Represent Extension’s interests to external partners and stakeholders; compete for internal and external resources to enhance program quality.
• Cooperate fully with the County Director to achieve budget goals, address staffing needs and report impacts; develop professional collaborations with County Director, other Educators, and Council Members.
• Assist the total University of Illinois Extension program and accept statewide responsibilities as recommended by the Program Leader.
• Serve as an effective team member; volunteer for leadership roles as appropriate.
• Lead unit team in consultation with the County Director and perform other duties that contribute to the mission of Extension programming.
• Establish professional relationships and engage in campus‑based partnerships that link academic programs and research to Extension programming.
• Maintain active membership in professional societies and seek continuous professional development opportunities.
• Use research and evaluation findings to create innovative programs and improve existing programs.
• Share principles of evidence‑based best practice with peers.
• Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements.
• Travel locally, regionally, and on occasion statewide; personal transportation is required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, community development, business management, food systems, or a related field from an accredited institution. Master’s degrees in other fields may be considered with relevant work experience.
• Experience guiding local coalitions and food system delivery.
• Preferred experience within the specialty field and teaching experience in informal and formal settings.
• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work within a team environment and build and maintain varied networks.

EEO Statement

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.