Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

Job Purpose

The Extension Educator serves as a full-time, 12-month academic professional with primary responsibility for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs supporting the mission of the University of Illinois Extension.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Youth Development, Education, Community/Public Health, Leadership Studies, Agricultural/Environmental Sciences or related field from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Evidenced knowledge of and experience with youth development best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Teaching or youth development experience in informal setting.
• Experience working with volunteers, including recruitment and support.
• Experience with program planning for youth audiences.
• Experience working with working with youth from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and varied communication needs.
• Experience in evaluation and impact reporting of youth programs.
• Experience in leadership role and/or evidenced ability to guide the work of others.
• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.
• Valid driver’s license.

Specific Job Information

One full-time positions is available. Location: Unit 9 – Grundy, Kankakee, and Will Counties (Position will be housed in Kankakee County – Bourbonnais, IL). Additional positions may become available in other locations. This is a security-sensitive position.

Examples of the Work

• Provide overall leadership to the entire 4-H Youth Development Program throughout multiple counties, focusing on 4-H Clubs, 4-H Groups, and Youth Education Initiatives.
• Ensure program planning, program monitoring, and program evaluation are consistent with local needs and statewide priorities.
• Implement organizational systems and programs by teaming with Program Coordinators, Community Workers, and Volunteers who assist with program management functions and teaching roles when appropriate.
• Guide all program expansion and program quality processes.
• Create higher ed, business and community partnerships to expand and support 4-H youth development program initiatives.
• Provide training and support to volunteers who teach and work with youth.
• Have expertise in youth development; youth program development; volunteerism; equity, access, and opportunity; partnerships; and organizational systems which is shared with others through trainings and professional development.

Job 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.
• 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 a wide range of 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.
• Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele.
• 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.
• Aid in 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.
• Scholarship:
• 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.