Job Description
Extension Unit Educator
4-H Youth Development, Boone Unit
(Search # 0819)
Location
University of Illinois
Boone County Extension Unit
930 West Locust
Belvidere, IL 61008
Description of Job
The Extension Unit Educator, 4-H Youth Development, is an academic professional staff member with primary responsibility for delivering education programs supporting the local mission of University of Illinois Extension. The primary responsibility of the Extension Unit Educator, 4-H Youth Development, is to work as a team member with the County Extension Director, Extension Educators, Extension Specialists and Boone County Extension Unit staff; to assess needs, determine program priorities, and deliver and evaluate high quality programs. The Extension Unit Educator will use professional experience, academic training, and networks created in the community and on campus to implement the Plan of Work.
The Extension Unit Educator will provide educational leadership in integrated content areas related to youth development education including child and youth development, educational design and youth program management. This is a regular, full-time, 12-month academic professional position.
This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.
Administrative Relationship
The Extension Unit Educator is administratively responsible to the University of Illinois Extension Northwest Regional Director.
Program Relationship
The educator collaborates with the County Extension Director for programmatic purposes.
The Extension Unit Educator 4-H Youth Development is responsible to the Department of Human and Community Development and the State 4-H Youth Office at the University of Illinois for subject matter content of programs delivered.
Responsibilities
- Provide program leadership; teach in the youth development area; interpret and integrate new information; and maintain competencies to develop and deliver youth education programs.
- Facilitate organization of Extension 4-H youth groups. Recruit youth and adults as participants and as volunteers.
- Collaborate with the County Extension Director, Extension Educators, Extension Specialists, Program and Professional Development Team members and advisory groups to develop and implement interdisciplinary, culturally sensitive programs. Accept statewide leadership responsibilities for program and professional development when opportunities arise and parallel Boone County/Unit priorities.
- Participate in the prescribed professional development team programs in the youth development field and seek additional opportunities to maintain professional competence through in-service education, formal coursework, personal study, and periodic study leaves.
- Cooperate with the County Extension Director, other unit staff, councils and committees to assess local programming needs to develop the Plan of Work for Boone County. Develop, deliver and coordinate youth development educational programs identified in the Plan of Work.
- Develop a plan and management system for involving volunteers in specific youth development educational programs, which includes recruitment, training, support and recognition.
- Promote, organize and deliver educational programs targeted to youth utilizing a variety of delivery systems including school and after-school programs.
- Create access to and apply the 4-H youth development knowledge base in Boone County/Unit and contribute to the youth development research and knowledge base.
- Network and/or collaborate with community organizations and groups to assess needs and develop youth development educational programs to address those needs.
- Develop marketing plans and goals to recruit participants for youth development educational programs; develop advertising and publicity for the programs.
- Cooperate with Unit Staff and Extension Specialists in evaluating programs to improve their impact, and to achieve accountability by sharing the results with local groups, decision makers, and administrators.
- Assist with the total University of Illinois Extension Unit program including related assistance and support of the Unit’s budget goals, fund raising, grants, etc.
- Provide management and supervision of volunteer staff, paraprofessional staff and support staff with 4-H assignments as assigned by Regional Director.
- Perform other duties that contribute to University of Illinois Extension youth development programming and the overall Extension mission, as assigned.
- Comply with Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of University of Illinois Extension work.
Qualifications
Required
- Master’s degree in education, social sciences, youth development, communications, Extension or closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education. Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be considered for an interview, but the degree must be completed by the hire date. Current Educators are encouraged to apply.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred
- Experience working in the youth development field or in a closely related field.
- An understanding of the history, objectives, organization, scope and methods of University of Illinois Extension.
- Teaching experience in informal and formal setting.
- Interest in and ability to work effectively with people, individually and in groups.
- Teaching experience with adults and youth.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain diverse networks.
- Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and teamwork.
- Knowledge and use of computer technology in educational programming and management.
- Knowledge of rural settings.
- Personal mobility/transportation. Moderate travel required.
Salary
Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Base salary with MS Degree and no experience is $40,000.
For Further Information, Contact
T. Gerald Correthers, Northwest Regional Director, (309) 792-8151
Application Deadline
For full consideration all application materials must be received by October 17, 2008.
Application Process
Application will consist of the following:
- Letter of application/interest (specify the position title, location and search number in the letter)
- Current resume
- List of three (3) current professional references with all contact information (including a complete address, phone number, and Email address)
Send all above application materials by Email (preferred) to:
Email: region_nwhr@extension.uiuc.edu
Hard copies (with an email address) may be sent to:
Kim Lazenby
Administrative Aide
Northwest Region Office
University of Illinois Extension
4550 Kennedy Drive, Suite 1
East Moline, IL 61244
(309) 792-8151
NOTE: Official transcripts of all college work (sent directly from colleges to the individual named above) and three (3) current letters of recommendation from the references previously identified will be required of all finalists prior to the interview date.
Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible after closing date.
University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. |
