Extension Educator, Health and Community Wellness (Food and Health Systems)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Effingham, IL, United States
University of Illinois Extension
(Job ID: 1035890)
Location
Unit 21 – Clay, Effingham, Fayette, and Jasper Counties (Position will be housed in Effingham County – Effingham, IL). Additional positions may be available in other locations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with appropriate resources.
Assess the needs of local clientele systematically and analytically, 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 and mesh with broader state and national initiatives.
Deliver high-impact programs to all audiences using innovative delivery mechanisms, teaming with extension employees and volunteers when appropriate.
Guide program expansion and quality processes by training employees or volunteers who teach in the program area.
Support voluntary educational delivery systems with subject matter expertise.
Evaluate impact of program initiatives in a planned, statistically relevant fashion, focusing on short- and long-term changes in client practices.
Develop contemporary communication approaches, including evolving electronic technologies (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, blogs, e-learning).
Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g., plans of work, activity and impact reporting).
Organizational Leadership and Development
Market and represent Extension’s interests to external partners and stakeholders.
Compete for internal and external resources to enhance innovative educational programs with high impact.
Cooperate fully with County Directors to achieve budget goals, staffing needs, grant initiatives, impact reporting, and other operational items.
Develop professional collaborations with County Directors, other Educators, and Extension Council Members.
Assist and support the total Extension program.
Accept statewide responsibilities as recommended by Program Leader and approved by County Directors.
Serve as an effective team member and volunteer for leadership roles when appropriate.
Lead unit team under direction and consultation with County Directors.
Perform other duties contributing to the mission of Extension programming as assigned.
Scholarship
Establish professional relationships and partner with campus-based units that tie academic programs and research to Extension programs.
Be an active member of professional societies to stay abreast of changes within discipline.
Seek continuous professional development to enhance competency in subject area.
Use research and evaluation findings to create innovative programs and improve quality.
Share principles of evidence-based best practice with peers.
Other Information
Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information for civil rights reporting compliance.
Local, regional, and limited statewide travel required; personal transportation required.
Physical Demands
Work both in office and in community settings, traveling between locations. Must secure personal transportation; a valid driver’s license preferred. Work may occur evenings and/or weekends. Exposure to various environmental factors (weather, noise, allergens, uneven ground) and tasks that may require moving items up to 40 pounds.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Master’s degree in public health, community health, or related health education field. Degrees in other fields considered with work experience. Master’s in progress acceptable if completed by hire date.
Experience:
Teaching experience in informal and formal settings; experience building collaborations or community partnerships.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with University of Illinois Extension; experience in varied settings and communities.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork abilities; network building within community setting; knowledge of obesity prevention strategies using policy, systems, and environmental approaches.
Benefits
Eligible for benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Retirement Plan, Paid Time Off, Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.
Disability Accommodations
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests can be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity.
Application Deadline
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on May 4, 2026.
Contact
For questions regarding the application process, contact 217-333-2137 or email dharlan@illinois.edu.
Apply At
https://jobs.illinois.edu
Requisition ID
1035890
Job Category
Off-Campus
#J-18808-Ljbffr
(Job ID: 1035890)
Location
Unit 21 – Clay, Effingham, Fayette, and Jasper Counties (Position will be housed in Effingham County – Effingham, IL). Additional positions may be available in other locations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with appropriate resources.
Assess the needs of local clientele systematically and analytically, 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 and mesh with broader state and national initiatives.
Deliver high-impact programs to all audiences using innovative delivery mechanisms, teaming with extension employees and volunteers when appropriate.
Guide program expansion and quality processes by training employees or volunteers who teach in the program area.
Support voluntary educational delivery systems with subject matter expertise.
Evaluate impact of program initiatives in a planned, statistically relevant fashion, focusing on short- and long-term changes in client practices.
Develop contemporary communication approaches, including evolving electronic technologies (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, blogs, e-learning).
Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g., plans of work, activity and impact reporting).
Organizational Leadership and Development
Market and represent Extension’s interests to external partners and stakeholders.
Compete for internal and external resources to enhance innovative educational programs with high impact.
Cooperate fully with County Directors to achieve budget goals, staffing needs, grant initiatives, impact reporting, and other operational items.
Develop professional collaborations with County Directors, other Educators, and Extension Council Members.
Assist and support the total Extension program.
Accept statewide responsibilities as recommended by Program Leader and approved by County Directors.
Serve as an effective team member and volunteer for leadership roles when appropriate.
Lead unit team under direction and consultation with County Directors.
Perform other duties contributing to the mission of Extension programming as assigned.
Scholarship
Establish professional relationships and partner with campus-based units that tie academic programs and research to Extension programs.
Be an active member of professional societies to stay abreast of changes within discipline.
Seek continuous professional development to enhance competency in subject area.
Use research and evaluation findings to create innovative programs and improve quality.
Share principles of evidence-based best practice with peers.
Other Information
Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information for civil rights reporting compliance.
Local, regional, and limited statewide travel required; personal transportation required.
Physical Demands
Work both in office and in community settings, traveling between locations. Must secure personal transportation; a valid driver’s license preferred. Work may occur evenings and/or weekends. Exposure to various environmental factors (weather, noise, allergens, uneven ground) and tasks that may require moving items up to 40 pounds.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Master’s degree in public health, community health, or related health education field. Degrees in other fields considered with work experience. Master’s in progress acceptable if completed by hire date.
Experience:
Teaching experience in informal and formal settings; experience building collaborations or community partnerships.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with University of Illinois Extension; experience in varied settings and communities.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork abilities; network building within community setting; knowledge of obesity prevention strategies using policy, systems, and environmental approaches.
Benefits
Eligible for benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Retirement Plan, Paid Time Off, Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.
Disability Accommodations
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests can be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity.
Application Deadline
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on May 4, 2026.
Contact
For questions regarding the application process, contact 217-333-2137 or email dharlan@illinois.edu.
Apply At
https://jobs.illinois.edu
Requisition ID
1035890
Job Category
Off-Campus
#J-18808-Ljbffr