Extension Educator, Health and Community Wellness (Food and Health Systems)

As part of the Land Grant system, the University of Illinois was established not only to provide world class education and pioneer research and discovery, but to put learning and discovery into practice, to benefit the health and wellbeing of residents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is the university’s statewide network of educators, faculty experts, and staff dedicated to that mission.

About the role

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.

One full-time position is available in Unit 13 (Champaign, Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion Counties), housed in Champaign County – Champaign, IL. Additional positions may become available in other locations. This is a security-sensitive position requiring comprehensive background checks.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public health, community health, or related health education field from an accredited institution of higher education. 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 be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.
• Teaching experience in informal and formal settings.
• Experience building collaborations or community partnerships.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.
• Experience working in varied settings and communities.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative curricula and programs that address local needs and align with state and national initiatives.
• Deliver high-impact programs to community-based audiences through effective, collaborative educational outreach.
• Promote and represent Extension with external partners and stakeholders.
• Build collaborative relationships with County Directors, Educators, and Extension Council Members.
• Establish partnerships with campus colleagues to connect research and academic expertise with Extension programs.
• Evaluate program impact and measure changes in participant knowledge, behavior, and practices.
• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, and teach in the field of designated expertise.
• Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner, including networking and collaborating with community organizations.
• Develop and deliver educational programming using innovative delivery mechanisms to optimize reach and effectiveness.
• Guide program expansion and program quality processes by teaching and providing training and support to employees or volunteers.
• Support voluntary educational delivery systems with relevant subject matter expertise.
• Evaluate the impact of program initiatives focusing on both short-term impacts and long-term changes in clientele practices.
• Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele, including use of electronic technologies (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, blogs, e-learning).
• Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g., plans of work, activity and impact reporting).
• Market and represent Extension's interests to external partners and stakeholders.
• Compete for internal and external resources to enhance the development of innovative educational programs.
• Cooperate fully with the County Director to achieve budget goals, address staffing needs, fulfill grant initiatives, and report impacts.
• 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.
• Establish professional relationships and participate in campus-based partnerships that tie academic programs and research to complement Extension programming.
• 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 to improve quality.
• Share principles of evidence-based best practice with peers.
• Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements.
• Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension programming, as assigned.

Skills

• Strong communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment.
• Ability to build and maintain networks within a community setting.
• Knowledge of obesity prevention strategies using policy, systems, and environmental approaches.

Working Conditions

• Local, regional, and limited statewide travel required; personal transportation required.
• Exposure to a variety of environmental factors including hot or cold weather, noise, allergens, and uneven ground.
• Physical demands include ability to move, transfer, and/or transport items occasionally weighing up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weighing up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing, and pulling movements.
• Work schedule may include evenings and/or weekends.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• Retirement Plan.
• Paid time Off.
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $59,000 to $82,000. The final salary offer will be determined through a calculation involving internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.