Extension Program Coordinator (4-H) - University of Illinois Extension

About the role

University of Illinois Extension transforms lives by improving the quality of life for people in Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We connect citizens to their land-grant university to provide educational programming that addresses societal concerns and trains future experts and leaders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate educational activities for 4-H Youth Development programs with collaboration from 4-H Youth Development Educators or Specialists.
• Identify critical priority needs and issues for Extension 4-H youth programs, including under-served youth audiences.
• Evaluate program activities and make recommendations for continuation or discontinuation.
• Provide leadership and support to volunteers, 4-H members, and their families in local 4-H clubs and activities.
• Lead the local Expansion and Review Committee.
• Create and maintain administrative records including 4-H Online and 4-H Fair Entry.
• Disseminate education information provided by Extension professionals.
• Maintain required records and data.
• Prepare monthly reports to the County Extension Director.

Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Development

• Recruit, screen, and select adult 4-H volunteers.
• Orient volunteers to 4-H programs, risk management, policies, procedures, and materials.
• Coordinate volunteer trainings related to program offerings and continuing educational opportunities.
• Maintain regular contact with volunteers through meetings and correspondence.
• 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 to recruit adult volunteers and youth participants for 4-H opportunities.
• Utilize various 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

• Participate in professional development opportunities.
• Attend staff meetings and provide updates to Extension staff and Extension Council.
• Comply with Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines.
• Comply with all University of Illinois Extension and USDA policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors, including hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. Physical demands include moving, transferring, and/or transporting items weighing up to 40 pounds and frequently up to 20 pounds, twisting, pushing, and pulling movements.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED.
• Any one or any combination of four (4) years/48 months of responsible volunteer or professional work experience in coordinating educational and/or community programs or activities.
• Volunteer/work experience coordinating educational and/or community programs or activities.
• College coursework in any field of study, equivalent to 60 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months), 90 semester hours equals three (3) years (36 months), and 120 semester hours or more equals four (4) years (48 months).
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and implement youth-focused educational programs.
• Working knowledge of youth development topics such as career readiness, leadership, health, volunteer management, natural resources, creative arts, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, present, and engage youth audiences in educational settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid driver's license.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on July 20, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. 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 wsc@illinois.edu. 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.