Visiting Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development (Community Development and Planning)

Visiting Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development (Community Development and Planning)

University of Illinois Extension

WHO WE ARE
As part of the Land Grant system, the University of Illinois was established not only to provide world class education and pioneer research and discovery, but to put learning and discovery into practice, to benefit the health and wellbeing of residents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is the university’s statewide network of educators, faculty experts, and staff dedicated to that mission. To learn more about University of Illinois Extension, visit https://extension.illinois.edu/global/who-we-are.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEES
We will invest in our employees, our most important resource, by providing professional development and training that enables you to learn and grow to your full potential. We will strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for all our employees, regardless of role. Together, we will maintain a culture that promotes inclusivity, teamwork, and an environment that challenges and rewards our employees. 

JOB PURPOSE
The Extension Educator serves as a 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in urban planning, public administration, community development, business, management, or related field. Experience in planning processes, facilitating groups, community engagement efforts, working with adult learners, or other relevant experience. Master's degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies. Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date. 
• Experience in Needs Assessment and Strategic Planning.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within the specialty field.
• Teaching experience in informal and formal settings.
• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.
• Valid driver’s license
  
  

SPECIFIC JOB INFORMATION:
One full-time position is available.
Location: Unit 22 – Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair Counties
(Position will be housed in St. Clair County – East St. Louis, IL)
Additional positions may be 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.

EXAMPLES OF THE WORK

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain the competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases.
• Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner. This will include networking and collaborating with community organizations and other relevant groups.
• Within the designated area(s) of specialization, develop innovative curricula and programs to address local needs as well as to mesh with the broader state and national interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Deliver high impact programs to varied audiences utilizing a selection of innovative delivery mechanisms to optimize reach and effectiveness, by teaming with additional Extension employees and volunteers who assist with program management functions and teaching roles when appropriate.
• Guide program expansion and program quality processes by teaching and providing training and support to employees or volunteers who teach and work within the program area.
• Support voluntary educational delivery systems with relevant subject matter expertise.
• Evaluate the impact of program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevant fashion. Evaluation plans should focus not only on short-term impacts but also on long-term changes in clientele practices.
• Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele. This may include constantly evolving electronic technologies (e.g. twitter, Facebook, blogs, e