Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development; Community Development and Planning

Position Overview

Extension Educator – Community and Economic Development (Community Development and Planning) at the University of Illinois Extension. This is a full‑time, 12‑month academic professional position focused on developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs that support the Extension mission in community, environment, economy, food, and health.

Location:

Unit 12 – Livingston, McLean, and Woodford Counties (Housed in McLean County – Bloomington, IL).
One full‑time position is available.

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in your field of expertise, and assist clients with appropriate resources.
• Assess the needs of local clientele systematically and collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders.
• Develop innovative curricula and programs that address local needs and align with statewide and national initiatives.
• Deliver high‑impact programs to diverse audiences using varied delivery mechanisms, including collaboration with Extension employees and volunteers.
• Guide program expansion and quality processes by training and supporting other employees or volunteers who teach within the program area.
• Support voluntary educational delivery systems with subject‑matter expertise.
• Evaluate program impact in a planned, statistically relevant manner, focusing on both short‑term and long‑term changes in client practices.
• Develop contemporary communication approaches using evolving electronic technologies.
• Comply with reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g., plans of work, activity and impact reporting).
• Represent Extension’s interests to external partners and stakeholders; compete for internal and external resources to enhance program quality.
• Cooperate fully with the County Director to achieve budget goals, address staffing needs and report impacts; develop professional collaborations with County Director, other Educators, and Council Members.
• Assist the total University of Illinois Extension program and accept statewide responsibilities as recommended by the Program Leader.
• Serve as an effective team member; volunteer for leadership roles as appropriate.
• Lead unit team in consultation with the County Director and perform other duties that contribute to the mission of Extension programming.
• Establish professional relationships and engage in campus‑based partnerships that link academic programs and research to Extension programming.
• Maintain active membership in professional societies and seek continuous professional development opportunities.
• Use research and evaluation findings to create innovative programs and improve existing programs.
• 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.
• Travel locally, regionally, and on occasion statewide; personal transportation is required.

• Master’s degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, community development, business management, food systems, or a related field from an accredited institution. Master’s degrees in other fields may be considered with relevant work experience.
• Experience guiding local coalitions and food system delivery.
• Preferred experience within the specialty field and teaching experience in informal and formal settings.
• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work within a team environment and build and maintain varied networks.

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.