Visiting Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development (Community Assessment and Planning)

Laseagrant; Matteson (IL); On-site; USD 59,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Extension in Cook County (Matteson, IL) seeks a Visiting Extension Educator in Community and Economic Development to lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs aligned with Extension’s mission.

The role requires advanced degree experience, strong communication, and ability to build partnerships with local organizations to address community needs.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in urban planning, public administration, community development, business, management, or related field.
• Experience in Needs Assessment and Strategic Planning.
• Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.

Responsibilities

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases.
• Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner, networking with community organizations.
• Develop innovative curricula and programs to address local needs and align with state and national initiatives.
• Deliver high impact programs using a variety of delivery mechanisms, partnering with Extension staff and volunteers.
• Guide program expansion and quality by training employees and volunteers in the program area.
• Evaluate the impact of program initiatives using planned, statistically relevant methods.
• Develop contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele, including digital platforms.
• Comply with reporting deadlines and requirements (plans of work, activity, impact reporting).

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

Master’s degree in urban planning/public administration/community development/business/management/related field

Master’s degree in progress acceptable (considered for interviews)

Job description

Visiting Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development (Community Assessment and Planning)

Visiting Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development (Community Assessment and Planning)

University of Illinois Extension

WHOWE ARE
As partof the Land Grant system, the University of Illinois was established not onlyto provide world class education and pioneer research and discovery, but to putlearning and discovery into practice, to benefit the health and wellbeing ofresidents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is theuniversity’s statewide network of educators, faculty experts, and staffdedicated to that mission. To learn more about University of IllinoisExtension, visit https://extension.illinois.edu/global/who-we-are.
OURCOMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEES
We willinvest in our employees, our most important resource, by providing professionaldevelopment and training that enables you to learn and grow to your fullpotential. We will strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for all ouremployees, regardless of role. Together, we will maintain a culture thatpromotes inclusivity, teamwork, and an environment that challenges and rewardsour employees.
JOBPURPOSE
TheExtension Educator serves as a full-time, 12-month academic professional withprimary responsibility for the development, delivery, and evaluation ofeducational programs supporting the mission of the University of IllinoisExtension.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in urban planning, public administration, community development, business, management, or related field. Master's degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies. Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may beconsidered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.
• Experience in Needs Assessment and Strategic Planning.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within the specialty field.
• Teaching experience in informal and formal settings.
• Experiencewith University of Illinois Extension.
• Valid driver’s license.

SPECIFICJOB INFORMATION:
One full-time position is available.
Location: Unit6 – Cook County
(Position will be housed in Cook County – Matteson, IL)
Additionalpositions may be available in other locations.

This isa security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminalconviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered SexOffender list, will be conducted.

EXAMPLES OF THE WORK

• Provideprogram leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in thefield of designated expertise, maintain the competencies to develop anddeliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriateresource bases.
• Assessthe needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner. Thiswill include networking and collaborating with community organizations andother relevant groups.
• Within thedesignated area(s) of specialization, develop innovative curricula andprograms to address local needs as well as to mesh with the broader stateand national interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Deliverhigh impact programs to audiences utilizing a selection of innovativedelivery mechanisms to optimize reach and effectiveness, by teaming withadditional Extension employees and volunteers who assist with programmanagement functions and teaching roles when appropriate.
• Guideprogram expansion and program quality processes by teaching and providingtraining and support to employees or volunteers who teach and work within the program area.
• Supportvoluntary educational delivery systems with relevant subject matterexpertise.
• Evaluatethe impact of program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevantfashion. Evaluation plans should focus not only on short-term impacts butalso on long-term changes in clientele practices.
• Developeffective and contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele. Thismay include constantly evolving electronic technologies (e.g. twitter,Facebook, blogs, e-learning, etc.).
• Complywith all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g. plans of work,activity and impact reporting, etc.)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment. Ability to build and maintain networks.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development, Delivery and Evaluation

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain the competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases.
• Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner. This will include networking and collaborating with community organizations and other relevant groups.
• Within the designated area(s) of specialization, develop innovative curricula and programs to address local needs as well as to mesh with the broader state and national interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Deliver high impact programs to audiences utilizing a selection of innovative delivery mechanisms to optimize reach and effectiveness, by teaming with additional Extension employees and volunteers who assist with program management functions and teaching roles when appropriate.
• Guide program expansion and program quality processes by teaching and providing training and support to employees or volunteers who teach and work within the program area.
• Support voluntary educational delivery systems with relevant subject matter expertise.
• Evaluate the impact of program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevant fashion. Evaluation plans should focus not only on short-term impacts but also on long-term changes in clientele practices.
• Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele. This may include constantly evolving electronic technologies (e.g. twitter, Facebook, blogs, e-learning, etc.).
• Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g. plans of work, activity and impact reporting, etc.)

Organizational Leadership and Development

• Market and represent Extension's interests to external partners and stakeholders in areas related to expertise.
• Compete for internal and external resources to enhance the development of innovative educational programs with potential for high impact. Includes strategic use of available funds to increase program quality and impact.
• Cooperate fully with the County Director to achieve budget goals, address staffing needs, fulfill relevant grant initiatives, report impacts, and carry out all other items relevant to the operation.
• Develop professional collaborations with the County Director, other Educators and Extension Council Members.
• Assist with and support the total University of Illinois Extension program.
• Accept statewide responsibilities as recommended by the Program Leader and approved by the County Director.
• Serve as an effective team member and volunteer for leadership roles as appropriate.
• Lead unit team under the direction and in consultation with the County Director.
• Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension programming, as assigned.
• Establish professional relationships and participate in campus-based partnerships that tie academic programs and research to complement Extension programming by partnering with Extension Specialists and/or faculty members on research projects as appropriate within the initiatives.
• Be an active member within a professional society(s) to keep abreast of changes within your discipline.
• Continually seek professional development opportunities to enhance competency in subject matter area.
• Use research and evaluation findings to create innovative programs and make changes to existing programs in order to improve quality.
• Share principles of evidence-based best practice with peers.

Other Information

• Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements.
• Local, regional and (limited) statewide travel required; personal transportation required.

PhysicalDemands/Working Conditions
When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety ofenvironmental 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 tomove, 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 willbe required to perform work both within an office and outside in thecommunities that are served and must have the capability to travel from onelocation to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. Some workwill be required during evenings and/or weekends.

AppointmentInformation

• This position is noteligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. This is atemporary, full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenured academic professionalposition. This position may become non-visiting at a later time dependent uponfunding and/or programmatic needs. The expected start date is as soon aspossible after the closing date.The previously determined salary rangefor this position was $59,000 to $82,000. We strive to provide a competitivesalary while taking into consideration internal equity, candidate experienceand qualifications, as well as budget constraints. The final salary offer willbe determined through a calculation involving these elements. It is not typicalfor an individual to be offered a salary at the top of the full range for thisposition.

ApplicationProcedures & Deadline Information

• Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on October 23, 2026.
• Please upload a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Resumedates submitted must be in month/year format and employment history, ata minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of yourundergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must benoted as being part-time.
• Transcripts may be requested at a later date.

For further information about this specificposition, please contact Leonard Parker at [e-mail]. For questionsregarding 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.

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 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] .

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