Extension Program Coordinator (4-H) - University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 31,000 - 38,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Illinois Extension is seeking an Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development, to promote, expand, and implement Extension 4-H Youth Development Programs in schools and communities.

Responsibilities include coordinating educational activities, recruiting and supporting volunteers, evaluating programs, and maintaining records such as 4-HOnline and Fair Entry. The role emphasizes collaboration, outreach, and program leadership across Illinois counties.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED.
• 4 years (48 months) coordinating educational and/or community programs or activities.
• Volunteer/work experience coordinating educational and/or community programs or activities.
• College coursework in any field of study.
• 60 semester hours equals two years; 120 semester hours equals four years.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and implement youth-focused educational programs.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the planning of educational activities for the program with collaboration from the 4-H Youth Development Educator or Specialist.
• Identify priority needs for Extension 4-H youth programs, including underserved youth audiences.
• Conduct evaluation of program activities and recommend changes or continuation.
• Provide leadership to volunteers, 4-H members and families in support of local 4-H Clubs.
• Maintain administrative records including 4-HOnline and 4-H Fair Entry.
• Disseminate education information provided by Extension professionals.
• Provide monthly reports to the County Extension Director.
• Recruit, screen and select adult 4-H volunteers.
• Orient volunteers to program philosophy, risk management, policies and materials.
• Coordinate volunteer trainings and maintain regular contact with volunteers.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Teamwork

Computer literacy

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

College coursework in any field

4 years/48 months coordinating programs

60-120 semester hours equivalence

Job description

WE TRANSFORM LIVES. Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

Extension - Unit 7, Milan Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois 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 connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Job Summary

The Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development supports the promotion, expansion, and implementation of University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Programs in the schools and communities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Coordination and Development
  • Coordinate the planning of educational activities for the program with collaboration from the 4-H Youth Development Educator or Specialist.
  • Identifies critical priority needs and issues, with the assistance of other staff, to be addressed through Extension 4-H youth programs, including under-served youth audiences.
  • Conduct evaluation of program activities and make appropriate changes or recommendation for continuation or discontinuation of the program.
  • Provide leadership, as primary contact, to volunteers, 4-H members and their families in support of local 4-H Clubs and their activities.
  • Provide leadership for the local Expansion and Review Committee.
  • Works with Unit staff, Extension volunteers, and Extension clientele to create and/or maintain administrative records including 4-HOnline and 4-H Fair Entry.].
  • Disseminate education information provided by Extension professionals.
  • Maintain required records and data.
  • Provides monthly reports to the County Extension Director.
• Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Development
  • Recruit, screen and select adult 4-H volunteers.
  • Orient volunteers to the philosophy of the 4-H programs, risk management, policies, procedures, and materials.
  • Coordinate volunteer trainings related to program offerings and continuing educational opportunities.
  • Maintain contact with volunteers on a regular basis through meetings and correspondence, including email and phone.
  • Formulate and implement standard operating procedures for all program activities, to ensure the safety and welfare of all volunteers and participants.
• Marketing & Networking
  • Develop and implement a marketing plan and objectives to recruit adult volunteers and youth participants for 4-H opportunities.
  • Utilize a variety of promotion methods including, personal contacts, social media and printed materials.
  • Network and collaborate with other community organizations to assess needs and develop programs to meet those needs.
• Organizational Duties
  • Participates in professional development opportunities.
  • Attends staff meetings as scheduled, and provides updates to Extension staff and Extension Council on accomplishments and activities.
  • Comply with all University of Illinois Extension and USDA policies and procedures in programs and employment.
  • Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

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 graduation or GED
• Any one or any combination that equals four (4) years/ 48 months of responsible volunteer or professional work experience in coordinating educational and/or community programs or activities
• Volunteer/work experience coordinating educational and/or community programs or activities
• College coursework in any field of study
• 60 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• 90 semester hours equals three (3) years (36 months)
• 120 semester hours or more equals four (4) years (48 months)
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and implement youth-focused educational programs. Working knowledge of youth development topics such as career readiness, leadership, health, volunteer management, natural resources, creative arts, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, present, and engage youth audiences in educational settings.

Preferred Qualifications

Valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Skills in communicating and collaborating with all audiences.
• Ability to work effectively with others individually and in groups.
• Ability to operate computer systems.
• Attention to detail and prioritize tasks. Ability to multi-task.

Appointment Information

This is an 80% part-time Civil Service 0929 - Extension Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Salary is $34,400.

Application Deadline

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 24, 2026.

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 conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

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

Sponsorship for 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 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] .