Title
Transformative Work You'll Love
Our programs serve a wide range of individuals, including youth, adults, families, business owners, and community leaders. We offer diverse career opportunities in education, agriculture, environmental stewardship, foods and nutrition, leadership development, and community development. We are always seeking individuals skilled in office administration, program planning, information technology, and communications. As a statewide network of professionals, University of Illinois Extension is dedicated to creating local community impact and driving statewide transformation by translating research and knowledge into practical programs for Illinois residents.
Why Work For Us?
The University of Illinois values, respects, and supports all employees and emphasizes the diverse ways that employees carry out and support the university’s mission.
Featured Job Openings
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development (STEM)
Bourbonnais, IL
The Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development (STEM), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs that support youth development and career readiness through STEM and Positive Youth Development experiences. This position leads 4-H Youth Development programming across Grundy, Kankakee, and Will Counties, while developing partnerships with schools, employers, volunteers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to expand opportunities for young people. The Educator strengthens community capacity to prepare youth for future careers, post-secondary pathways, and leadership roles through high-quality learning experiences that build communication, teamwork, critical thinking, innovation, professionalism, and adaptability.
This position requires a master’s degree in youth development, education, leadership studies, agricultural or environmental sciences, engineering, or a related field. Candidates must have experience with youth development, STEM best practices, and developing or teaching high-quality curricula. Preferred qualifications include youth programming, community partnerships, curriculum development, and University of Illinois Extension experience.
Salary Range: $59,000 to $82,000
Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Commercial Agriculture)
Nashville, IL
The Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Commercial Agriculture), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating research-based educational programs focused on field crop production and management. This position conducts applied research and outreach related to crop management, soils, pests, and plant nutrients while serving local, regional, and statewide Commercial Agriculture needs. Working collaboratively with campus specialists, faculty, the Commercial Agriculture team, and agricultural stakeholders, the Educator supports pest surveys, locally relevant research, educational programming, and selected regional and statewide Commercial Agriculture initiatives.
This position requires a master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as field crop production, crop management, weed science, plant pathology, entomology, or a related field. Candidates must have experience with educational programs and the ability to earn or maintain active Certified Crop Advisor certification. Preferred qualifications include experience in crop sciences, teaching experience in formal or informal settings, and experience with University of Illinois Extension.
Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000
Visiting Extension Educator, CED (Community Assessment and Planning)
Matteson, IL
The Visiting Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development (Community Development and Planning), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs that strengthen communities through planning and economic development initiatives. This academic professional focuses on participatory planning, building entrepreneurial communities, workforce development, leadership development, and community decision-support tools. Working collaboratively with County Directors, community partners, volunteers, and interdisciplinary Extension teams, the Educator builds partnerships, supports statewide initiatives, and ensures programs address local needs and enhance community capacity.
This position requires a master’s degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, community development, business management, or a related field. Candidates must have experience in planning processes, facilitating groups, community engagement, and needs assessment or strategic planning. Preferred qualifications include teaching experience, experience in the specialty area, and familiarity with University of Illinois Extension.
Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000
Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Health and Community Wellness
Urbana, IL
The Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Health and Community Wellness, provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating digital education content, curricula, instructional materials, and other resources that support workforce training in food service, nutrition, health, and allied health fields. This position focuses on creating accessible, research-based learning experiences for adult professionals through online modules, synchronous and asynchronous training, workshops, and other digital education formats. Working collaboratively with subject matter experts, creative professionals, internal and external partners, and the statewide Health and Community Wellness team, the Outreach Associate supports the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of educational programs that expand access to workforce learning opportunities across Illinois.
This position requires a master’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, community health, family and consumer sciences, or a related field. Candidates must have at least two years of relevant experience and experience developing nutrition or health education materials. Preferred qualifications include experience with digital education platforms, online module creation, digital editing software, external creative vendors, varying literacy levels, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans or Child Nutrition Programs, and University of Illinois Extension. Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credentials are also preferred.
Salary Range: $60,000-$80,000
Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Horticulture)
Urbana, IL
The Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Horticulture), supports the development, delivery, evaluation, and advancement of research-based horticulture education and Master Gardener programming across Illinois. This position develops training and curriculum materials for Master Gardener volunteers, homeowners, consumers, and University colleagues while supporting programs related to horticulture, environmental stewardship, entomology, forestry, Master Naturalists, and regenerative agriculture. Working collaboratively with campus faculty, Extension Educators, staff, volunteers, and community partners, the Outreach Associate facilitates trainings, develops digital and print resources, supports needs assessment and outreach, and applies adult learning principles and technology to strengthen educational programs.
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in education, agriculture, agricultural sciences, horticulture, or a related field. Candidates must have experience organizing information and groups of stakeholders or volunteers and experience with project or curriculum development in a professional or educational setting. Preferred qualifications include a background in agriculture programming, experience with Extension programs, and a valid driver’s license.
Salary Range: $58,000–$70,000
Director of Marketing and Communications
Urbana, IL
The Director of Marketing and Communications, provides strategic leadership for an integrated communications and marketing strategy that advances Illinois Extension’s mission, strengthens organizational reputation, and increases public awareness and engagement. Serving as the organization’s chief communications strategist, the Director leads statewide efforts in brand management, marketing, media relations, digital communications, executive communications, storytelling, crisis communications, and public engagement. The Director works closely with Extension leadership, the 27 off-campus Extension Units, ACES Marketing and Communications, University Strategic Communications and Marketing, and other partners to ensure consistent messaging, strengthen partnerships, support organizational priorities, and demonstrate the value of Extension’s research-based programs.
This position requires a master’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field. Candidates must have at least five years of professional communications or marketing experience, experience developing and evaluating print and digital materials, and experience with educational program promotion and crisis communications. Preferred qualifications include public sector communications and marketing experience, personnel supervision, and a valid driver’s license.
Salary Range: $90,000–$105,000
Marketing and Communications Project Manager
Urbana, IL
The Marketing Project Manager manages Illinois Extension’s marketing and communications project management systems, coordinating assignments, priorities, deadlines, workflows, and client relationships across the organization. This position supports consistent brand management across all 27 Extension Units, oversees MarCom processes and special projects, and supervises the Office Manager in collaboration with the Director of Communications. The Associate also supports staff professional development and helps strengthen marketing and communications effectiveness through efficient project coordination and client service.
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a related field. Candidates must have five years of relevant professional experience and demonstrated project management experience in a multi-client, multi-project environment. Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree, higher education experience, and knowledge of University of Illinois Extension.
Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000
Assistant Program Leader, 4-H Positive Youth Development
Champaign, IL
The Assistant Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development, provides strategic leadership for positive youth development programming delivered through Illinois 4-H across all 102 counties and metro areas. This position leads statewide program planning, curriculum and signature program development, and efforts to expand access and strengthen youth outcomes. The Assistant Program Leader supervises State 4-H Office staff, supports professional development and collaboration, and works with Extension leadership, county staff, campus partners, and state and national organizations to advance Illinois 4-H priorities.
This position requires a master’s degree in youth development, education, social work, or a related field. Candidates must have at least five years of relevant professional experience, experience supporting interdisciplinary teams, and experience in strategic program planning. Preferred qualifications include a Ph.D., progressive program leadership experience, familiarity with 4-H youth programs, and a valid driver’s license.
Salary Range: $105,000–$120,000
Our Work in Action
Discover the passion and purpose that drives University of Illinois employees as they work to support and uplift local communities. From their beginnings at Illinois to the impactful projects they’re leading today, they share their journeys, motivations, and how they’re shaping the future of community engagement and development.