Extension Program Coordinator (ANR) - University of Illinois Extension

Laseagrant; Breese, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Extension in Breese seeks an Extension Program Coordinator to support Master Gardener volunteer programs and horticulture extension initiatives for adults and youth.

This Civil Service 0929, full-time role involves coordinating educational activities, recruiting and developing volunteers, and marketing outreach to communities. Expect occasional evenings and weekends to serve local needs.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED
• Any combination equaling four years of volunteer or work experience coordinating educational programs
• College coursework in any field of study

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage Master Gardener volunteer activities and horticulture programs.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers; develop standard operating procedures.
• Develop marketing plans to recruit adults and youth; network with community partners.
• Attend meetings, provide updates, and ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

College coursework in any field

Job description

Extension Program Coordinator (ANR) - University of Illinois Extension

Extension Program Coordinator (ANR) - University of Illinois Extension

Extension Unit 23, Breese

WETRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed to improve the quality oflife of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around theworld. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to addresssocietal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a waythat empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels ofunderstanding and influence.
Be a partof our story. Throughlearning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University ofIllinois 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 connectingthe citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providingeducational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension isbased in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of theUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Job Summary

The Extension Program Coordinator will support and assist in the management of the Master Gardener Volunteer programs and other Horticulture Extension related programs for adults and youth.

Extension Program Coordinator (ANR) - University of Illinois Extension

Extension Unit 23, Breese

WETRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed to improve the quality oflife of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around theworld. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to addresssocietal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a waythat empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels ofunderstanding and influence.
Be a partof our story. Throughlearning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University ofIllinois 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 connectingthe citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providingeducational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension isbased in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of theUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Job Summary

The Extension Program Coordinator will support and assist in the management of the Master Gardener Volunteer programs and other Horticulture Extension related programs for adults and youth.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Coordination and Development Coordinate the planning of educational activities for the program with collaboration from the County Director or Educator. Identifies critical priority needs and issues, with the assistance of other staff, to be addressed through Master Gardener programs. 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, Master Gardeners in support of local Master Gardener programs and their activities. Provide leadership for the local Expansion and Review Committee. Work with Unit staff, Extension volunteers, and Extension clientele to create and/or maintain administrative records. 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 Master Gardener volunteers. Orient volunteers to the philosophy of the Master Gardener 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 Master Gardener 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. Complywith all University of Illinois Extension Workforce Equity/Equal Opportunitypolicies and guidelines in all aspects of Extension and Outreach work and assist,as requested, with data collection for Equal Employment and reporting

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 ofresponsible volunteer or professional work experience in coordinatingeducational 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)

Specialty Factors

Working knowledge of topics such as forestry, master gardening, pesticides, invasive species, and soils, with the ability to effectively communicate and deliver presentations. Knowledge of developing and implementing outreach strategies that effectively engage all communities.

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 a 100% full-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 $43,000.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 16, 2026. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact [e-mail]. For questions regarding the application process, 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.

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 regulationsand, 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 stateof Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180calendar 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] .

Requisition ID: 1038556
Job Category: Off-Campus
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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