Statewide 4-H Program Leader — Youth Development

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Champaign (IL); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks an organizational leader to oversee the Illinois State 4-H Office. This full-time role provides strategic direction for youth development programs reaching over 260,000 youth, supervising a comprehensive staff network across the state.

The position requires a Master’s degree (PhD preferred) and extensive experience in program planning, leadership, and partnerships within a university extension context.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills to build and sustain relationships across teams.
• Experience mentoring and supporting interdisciplinary teams to achieve goals.
• Experience in strategic program planning for large state-wide initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision to Illinois State 4-H Office staff (10 direct reports) and oversee staff development and performance.
• Lead statewide program planning, curriculum development, and signature programs; supervise the peer-review process for evidence-based curricula.
• Foster collaboration with county 4-H staff, state and national partners; manage budgets, partnerships, and outreach to diverse youth.
• Represent Illinois 4-H in statewide Extension and national activities; ensure accessibility and equity in programming.

Skills

Communication skills

Mentoring/interdisciplinary teams

Strategic program planning

Education

Master's degree in youth development/education/social work or related field

PhD in related field (preferred)

Job description

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks an organizational leader to oversee the Illinois State 4-H Office. This full-time role provides strategic direction for youth development programs reaching over 260,000 youth, supervising a comprehensive staff network across the state.

The position requires a Master’s degree (PhD preferred) and extensive experience in program planning, leadership, and partnerships within a university extension context.