University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Extension Educator, Agriculture AND Agribusiness

Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Local Food Systems and Small Farms) – 1036078

The Extension Educator serves as a regular, 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. Extension Educators support one of the four core Extension program areas and may focus on interdisciplinary initiatives such as Community, Environment, Economy, Food, and Health. Programmatic objectives are consistent with national and statewide initiatives important to residents of Illinois.

Location: Unit 20 – Clark, Crawford and Edgar Counties (Position will be housed in Edgar County – Paris, IL). Additional positions may become available in other locations.

This is a security‑sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, and maintain competencies to develop and deliver educational programming. Assist clients with appropriate resource bases.
• Assess the needs of local clientele systematically and analytically, networking and collaborating with community organizations and other groups.
• Develop innovative curricula and programs in the designated area(s) to address local needs and align with broader state and national initiatives.
• Deliver high‑impact programs to all audiences using innovative delivery mechanisms and teaming with Extension employees, volunteers, and other staff when appropriate.
• Guide program expansion and quality processes by training and supporting employees or volunteers who teach or work within the program area.
• Support voluntary educational delivery systems with relevant subject‑matter expertise.
• Evaluate program impact in a statistically relevant manner, focusing on short‑term and long‑term changes in clientele practices.
• Develop contemporary communication approaches, including evolving electronic technologies (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, blogs, e‑learning).
• Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (plans of work, activity and impact reporting, etc.).

• Market and represent Extension’s interests to external partners and stakeholders in related areas of expertise.
• Compete for internal and external resources to develop innovative educational programs with high impact, utilizing available funds strategically.
• Cooperate fully with the County Director to achieve budget goals, address staffing needs, fulfill grant initiatives, report impacts, and carry out all other operational items.
• Develop professional collaborations with the County Director, other Educators, and Extension Council Members.
• Assist 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 the unit team under the direction and in consultation with the County Director.
• Perform additional duties that contribute to the mission of Extension programming, as assigned.
• Establish professional relationships and participate in campus‑based partnerships that tie academic programs and research to complement Extension programming.
• Be an active member within professional societies to keep abreast of changes within your discipline.
• Continuously seek professional development opportunities to enhance subject‑matter competency.
• Use research and evaluation findings to innovate programs and improve existing programs.
• Share evidence‑based best practices with peers.

• Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements.
• Local, regional and limited statewide travel required; personal transportation required.
• Work will occur both in an office and outside in…