Extension Program Coordinator; ANR - University of Illinois Extension

Extension Program Coordinator (ANR) - University of Illinois Extension Extension Unit 9, Joliet

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state.

University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The Extension Program Coordinator will support and assist in the management of the Master Gardener Volunteer programs and other Horticulture Extension related programs for adults and youth.

• Program Coordination and Development
  • Coordinate the planning of educational activities for the program with collaboration from the County Director or Educator.
  • Identifies critical priority needs and issues, with the assistance of other staff, to be addressed through Master Gardener/Master Naturalist/Master Composter programs.
  • Conduct an evaluation of program activities and make appropriate changes or recommendations for the continuation or discontinuation of the program.
  • Provide leadership as the primary contact to volunteers, Master Gardeners/Master Naturalist/Master Composter in support of local programs and their activities.
  • Provide leadership for the local Expansion and Review Committee.
  • Work with Unit staff, Extension volunteers, and Extension clientele to create and/or maintain administrative records.
  • Disseminate education information provided by Extension professionals.
  • Maintain required records and data.
  • Provides monthly reports to the County Director.
• Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Development
  • Recruit, screen and select Master Gardener/Master Naturalist/Master Composter volunteers.
  • Orient volunteers to the philosophy of the Master Gardener programs/Master Naturalist/Master Composter, risk management, policies, procedures, and materials.
  • Coordinate volunteer training related to program offerings and continuing educational opportunities.
  • Maintain contact with volunteers on a regular basis through meetings and correspondence, including email and phone.
  • 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 and objectives to recruit adult volunteers and youth participants for Master Gardener/Master Naturalist/Master Composter 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
  • Participates in professional development opportunities.
  • Attends staff meetings as scheduled, and provides updates to Extension staff and Extension Council on accomplishments and activities.
  • Complies with affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of University of Illinois Extension work.
  • Comply with all University of Illinois Extension and USDA policies and procedures in programs and employment.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends.

High school graduation or GED
Any one or any combination that equals 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
60 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
90 semester hours equals three (3) years (36 months)
120 semester hours or more equals four (4) years (48 months)

Working knowledge of topics such as forestry, master gardening, pesticides, invasive species, and soils, with the ability to effectively communicate and deliver presentations.…