Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Horticulture)

About the role

The Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Horticulture), serves as a full-time 12-month academic professional with primary responsibility for program and partner development, delivery, evaluation, curriculum development and designing horticulture Master Gardner programs supporting the mission of the University of Illinois Extension. This is a temporary, full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenured academic professional position. One full-time position is available at the Urbana‑Champaign Campus; in‑state hybrid remote work arrangements are available. The role is security‑sensitive and requires comprehensive background checks (criminal conviction information check, CANTS check, and review of the Registered Sex Offender list).

Responsibilities

• Deliver educational programs, trainings, and resources that support program deliverables.
• Facilitate communications, meetings, and outreach strategies that organize and assist groups and communities to address information needed for the agriculture and agribusiness program area.
• Monitor activities within the area which may affect need for information and programming on related topics.
• Conduct ongoing needs assessment and related activities to ensure that unit resources and programming are meeting the needs of the local and regional audience.
• Develop and manage projects related to the work of Digital and print MG Products for those interested in horticulture and environmental stewardship.
• Develop and deliver presentations on topics related to Horticulture, Master Gardeners and curriculum training and development.
• Create and update a digital first reference source for MG Participants participating in Master Gardeners.
• Use multiple communication, outreach, and engagement approaches to connect with individuals, groups, and communities to share resources and educational information on Extension resources related to Horticulture, Master Gardeners and Curriculum.
• Work with campus faculty, educators and others in the development and planning of trainings and events related to agriculture, horticulture, entomology, master gardeners, master naturalists, forestry, holistic agriculture systems and regenerative soil practices.
• Participate in and facilitate technical assistance networks.
• Lead trainings and organize continuing education for community‑based professionals.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff and team members to promote effective use of technology and adult learning theory for program delivery.
• Collaborate and work internally and across units and departments on campus.
• Work to update the manual, curriculum for text and online training using pedagogy for inclusivity and technologies.
• Be familiar with horticulture or similar