Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Early Childhood (Dawson County)

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission for full-time employees

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Nebraska is seeking an Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator specializing in Early Childhood. This role requires developing educational programs that engage parents and early childhood professionals. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree in a related field, strong communication, and teaching skills, and experience in collaborative environments. This position is based in Lexington and includes opportunities for ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to communicate information to various audiences.
• Successful experience teaching in formal or non-formal education settings.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver educational programs and resources.
• Engage and teach in collaborative learning environments.
• Foster positive relationships among the University and the community.

Skills

Communication skills

Teaching experience

Leadership skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in child development or related field

Bachelor’s degree in child development or related field

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Early Childhood (Dawson County)

Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the faculty information form. Attach the following documents:

• A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.
• Your curriculum vitae or resume (attach as "Curriculum Vitae").
• Contact information for three professional references.

In addition, within the application, please complete the required supplemental question(s), one specifically describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments where every person and every interaction matters. See https://go.unl.edu/ianrguide for guidance in writing this statement.

Position Information

Working Title

Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Early Childhood (Dawson County)

Department

NE Ext Engagement Zone 3-12352

Requisition Number

F_260021

Posting Open Date

02/23/2026

Application Review Date

03/26/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

OVERVIEW

This position is based in Lexington, NE with the geographic accountability region of Arthur, McPherson, Logan, Custer, Dawson, Lincoln, Perkins and Keith Counties. Focused on young children and their caregivers (e.g., parents, early childhood teachers), this position will contribute to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land‑grant mission of the home unit and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources as an effective scholar and citizen.

The primary responsibility for this position is to develop and deliver high quality, innovative educational programs and resources as an active participant in the work of the Early Childhood team and may be active in a statewide issue team that addresses current issues facing Nebraska. This position is expected to interact closely with parents, teachers, early childhood professionals, and caregivers of young children in their geographic area and possibly statewide based on the current projects and goals of the Early Childhood team.

Nebraska Extension’s Early Childhood team supports adults who play a role in young children’s lives by providing educational programming and resources about early child development and early care and education. Adults play a significant role in setting the stage for young children’s lifelong learning, discovery, and success. The Early Childhood team is committed to empowering these adults to support and provide effective learning experiences for Nebraska’s young children. Such early learning experiences enhance children’s readiness (physical, cognitive, social, and emotional) for school and setting them up for lifelong success.

This twelve‑month, non‑tenure track position carries the title of open rank extension educator or extension instructor, depending on the candidate’s level of education. Those possessing a graduate‑level degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an educator position, a full‑time, promotable, non‑tenure track appointment. Those in possession of an undergraduate degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an instructor position, a full‑time, non‑promotable, non‑tenure track appointment that will be renewed annually for a maximum of five years in the appointment. If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress toward and complete a master’s degree within the initial five‑year appointment period. As part of the Nebraska benefits package, UNL offers tuition remission for full‑time employees, up to 15 credit hours per year. Once the master’s degree is earned within that period, the position will advance to an assistant extension educator appointment.

PROGRAMMATIC RESPONSIBILITIES (approximately 80%)

• Exemplifies positive and professional behavior and attitude towards colleagues, clients, and partner organizations.
• Develops and delivers proactive, innovative, and engaging educational programs and products, using teaching methods and strategies that have significant reach, engagement, and impact in your county, accountability region, and, as appropriate, statewide and nationally.
• Establishes and sustains a strong local and regional clientele base and programming portfolio that is documented and shared with colleagues.
• Employs innovative strategies and technologies to design, develop, implement, and assess programs for a strong Extension education program/engagement at the county, accountability region, and statewide levels.
• Engages and teaches in a collaborative learning and problem‑solving environment, working with assistants, educators, and specialists to encourage learners to adopt research‑based decision‑making information.
• Deliberately engages and works closely with one or more Extension specialists to fulfill your Extension responsibilities.
• Collaborates with specialists and research faculty to conduct applied and validation research (e.g., health and wellbeing, and community) that can be amplified via multiple engagement platforms.
• Shows robust contributions to multidisciplinary team settings with Extension professionals and other internal and external partners to translate and convey the latest research‑based information.
• Engages local, regional, and statewide partners to identify and address high‑priority issues where Extension is particularly well positioned to contribute.
• Fosters a culture of collaboration with local, regional and statewide leaders that nurtures and strengthens positive relationships among the University, its partners, and the people we serve.
• Employs entrepreneurial practices to obtain funding and partnerships, enhancing Extension’s program reach and impact.
• Creates ongoing programming revenue that supports the viability of individuals, teams, units, and the System.
• Leads and contributes value to high‑performing Extension programming teams.
• Engages in personal and professional development opportunities that enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to your role.
• Supports youth development programs by contributing to areas related to your specific assignment.
• Conducts need assessments, identifies priorities, develops various program and engagement platforms to connect with a variety of audiences, measure program impact, and report the results in your annual report as well as to Extension boards, County Commissioners and Supervisors, State Senators, key stakeholders, at professional meetings, and in professional and Extension publications when appropriate.
• Educators will collaborate with lead educators, Extension specialists, Extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders within their accountability region to assess needs and offer access to engagement opportunities through various platforms (e.g., focus groups, surveys, stakeholder meetings, etc.).
• Participates in teams comprised of assistants, educators, specialists, other staff or faculty, industry, and community leaders. These teams focus on current or future needs or strengths and strategize in program areas where you contribute.
• Fosters a culture of collaboration with local leaders and accountability in the region that nurtures and builds positive relationships among the University, its partners, and the communities we serve.
• Cultivates open and welcoming learning environments.
• Completes PEARS data entry and reporting requirements.
• Fulfills annual IANR reporting requirements, including an individual impact report.

ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP / LEAD EDUCATOR ROLE (approximately 20%)

• Coordinates with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other Extension professionals locally and in accountability region to develop a robust Nebraska Extension presence by
  • Cooperating with local faculty and staff in a team environment to promote Extension’s educational opportunities and impact in the host county.
  • Cultivating a culture of collaboration with local leaders and community members that builds positive relationships between the University and the community.
  • Supporting engagement of advisory or policy groups such as the Extension Board, Ag Society, or County Commissioners/Board of Supervisors.
• Understands and adheres to Equal Employment Opportunity compliance efforts.
• Accepts committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.

Some travel is required. Must meet driver standards according to UNL policy and have a valid driver’s license.

Recognizing that collaboration and participation in teams enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Nebraska Extension are committed to creating learning, research, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. At IANR, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission.

This position is not eligible for employment‑based permanent residency sponsorship. UNL may be able to sponsor temporary work authorization (e.g., H‑1B) for the successful candidate.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in child development, human development, early childhood education, or a closely related field (extension educator); OR bachelor’s degree in child development, human development, early childhood education, or a closely related field (extension instructor). If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress toward and complete a master’s degree within the initial five‑year appointment period.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate information (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media) to various audiences.
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non‑formal education setting (i.e., preschool, K‑12).

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and programs.
• Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by college, career, and/or community activities.Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Knowledge and/or experience working with early childhood professionals and/or caregivers (e.g., providers and teachers).
• Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish (written and verbal).

Work Location (City, State)

Lexington, NE

Pre‑Placement Driving Record Review Required

Required

Criminal History Background Check Required

Yes

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Yes

Supplemental Questions

• Provide a statement describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments where every person and every interaction matters. (Open Ended Question)
• Identify formal classwork, professional development, continuing education, or experiences in the past 5 years relevant to the position for which you are applying. (Open Ended Question)
• Describe your teaching experiences with adult learners. (Open Ended Question)
• Share an experience where you used innovative strategies or current technologies to design, develop, or deliver an educational program. (Open Ended Question)
• What qualities do you have that make you an effective team player? (Open Ended Question)