University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign COUNTY Extension Director

The County Extension Director serves as a regular, full time, 12 month academic professional staff member with primary responsibility for providing leadership to and communicating the educational mission of the local multi-county unit and University of Illinois Extension. The primary responsibilities of the County Extension Director are local program management, personnel management, interpersonal effectiveness, organizational leadership and development, fiscal management and facilities management.

The County Extension Director is the local representative of University of Illinois Extension and is responsible for facilitating and establishing relationships with all audiences, and collaborating and partnering with people to improve the lives of individuals and the communities in which they live. The County Extension Director is also responsible for marketing and promoting University of Illinois Extension and its educational programs.

The County Extension Director fosters sensitivity to the needs of all audiences while working with the local leadership in program planning. This position will demonstrate behaviors that reflect high levels of performance, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuing education and the letter and intent of University of Illinois Extension’s mission.

One full time position is available.

Location: Unit 11 – Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell Counties

(Position will be housed in one of the unit offices.)

Additional positions may become available in other locations.

This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

Specific responsibilities of the County Extension Director are as follows:

• Provide administrative supervision of all unit staff including educators and civil service employees.
• Ensure that job descriptions are developed and that annual performance appraisals of academic and non‑academic staff in the unit are held and documented. Performance evaluations of academic staff will be a shared responsibility with Regional Directors and/or Program Leaders.
• Participate in the County Director professional development program offerings and seek additional opportunities to maintain professional competence.
• Facilitate the professional development of all staff in the unit.
• Assist and collaborate with unit staff to develop a plan for recruitment, training, support and recognition of volunteers.
• Implement and comply with University of Illinois and Extension policies and rules, federal and state personnel regulations, and labor contracts.
• Ensure compliance with University of Illinois Extension Civil Rights, Affimative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity Program.
• Ensure onboarding of all new staff in the unit.
• Conduct staff and unit team meetings as appropriate to enhance team performance.

Fiscal Management:

• Prepare budget, operate within budget guidelines, assure funds are distributed in accordance with fiscal policies and requirements and oversee all grants to the unit.
• Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with University of Illinois and Extension policies and reporting requirements.
• Work with the Extension Council, other volunteers and local entities to educate stakeholders of the value of University of Illinois Extension’s programs in order to secure financial resources for the unit.
• Ensure that adequate funds are available to meet the financial and human resource goals of the unit.

Facilities Management:

• Provide leadership in securing adequate field office facilities, including off‑site facilities as necessary.
• Ensure Extension offices and program delivery sites meet ADA requirements and other related guidelines.
• Manage the unit office facilities, including relations with the lessor and lease negotiation.
• Procure and maintain equipment inventory and supplies.

Interpersonal Effectiveness:

• Determine appropriate networks and legislative contacts to build effective communications about Extension’s mission with key individuals and groups within the unit.
• Communicate and identify…