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, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Local Food Systems and Small Farms)
Murphysboro, IL
The Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Local Food Systems and Small Farms), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs that strengthen local food systems and community-based agricultural production. This position focuses on research-based education for growers, schools, decision-makers, and other stakeholders in areas including fruit and vegetable production, food marketing, food safety and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), school and community gardens, integrated pest management, and agricultural collaboration. Working collaboratively with Local Food Systems/Small Farms, Horticulture, and Family and Consumer Economics Extension Educators, as well as community partners and agricultural stakeholders, the Educator builds networks, expands local food opportunities, and supports statewide Extension priorities.
This position requires a master’s degree related to the subject matter, such as agricultural economics, agronomy, animal science, entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, soil science, weed science, or a related field. Candidates must have informal and/or formal teaching experience. Preferred qualifications include agriculture experience, experience with agricultural research or demonstrations, the ability to organize educational activities for adult audiences, knowledge of program planning and resource development, and experience with University of Illinois Extension.
Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000
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
Extension Educator, Health and Community Wellness (Food and Health Systems)
Champaign, IL
The Extension Educator, Health and Community Wellness (Food and Health Systems), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs focused on improving community health through policy, systems, and environmental change strategies. This role emphasizes building partnerships with community organizations, providing technical assistance, and supporting professional development to advance health outcomes. The Educator works collaboratively with County Directors, community partners, and Extension teams to strengthen local systems, expand program impact, and ensure initiatives align with statewide priorities and community needs.
This position requires a master’s degree in public health, community health, or a related field, along with experience teaching in formal or informal settings and building community partnerships. Preferred qualifications include experience with University of Illinois Extension and working across diverse communities.
Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000
Extension Educator, Health and Community Wellness (Food and Health Systems)
Murphysboro, IL
The Extension Educator, Health and Community Wellness (Food and Health Systems), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs focused on improving community health through policy, systems, and environmental change strategies. This role emphasizes building partnerships with community organizations, providing technical assistance, and supporting professional development to advance health outcomes. The Educator works collaboratively with County Directors, community partners, and Extension teams to strengthen local systems, expand program impact, and ensure initiatives align with statewide priorities and community needs.
This position requires a master’s degree in public health, community health, or a related field, along with experience teaching in formal or informal settings and building community partnerships. Preferred qualifications include experience with University of Illinois Extension and working across diverse communities.
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 Manger
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
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.