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?
Featured Job Openings
Associate Director, Budget and Finance
Urbana-Champaign Campus
The Associate Director, Budget and Finance, provides leadership in developing, managing, and overseeing the fiscal operations and budget strategy for University of Illinois Extension. This academic professional leads statewide budget planning, financial analysis, and policy development while ensuring effective management of diverse funding sources including state, federal, grants, and self-supporting funds. Working collaboratively with the Associate Dean and Director, Extension leadership, and campus partners, the Associate Director supports strategic decision-making, supervises business office staff, and strengthens financial processes to enhance organizational effectiveness and program impact.
This position requires a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of experience in fiscal management within a large, complex organization. Preferred qualifications include an MBA, MPA, or related advanced degree, experience with Extension or land-grant systems, and knowledge of University of Illinois financial and business operations.
Salary Range: $110,000–$135,000.
Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Horticulture)
Edwardsville, IL
The Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Horticulture), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs focused on horticulture and plant systems. This role emphasizes urban and suburban landscape management, fruit and vegetable production, and plant protection strategies including organic and integrated pest management (IPM). The Educator also leads and supports volunteer engagement through the Master Gardener Program. Working collaboratively with County Directors, community partners, volunteers, and Extension teams, the Educator builds strong networks, supports statewide initiatives, and ensures programs meet the needs of diverse audiences.
This position requires a master’s degree in horticulture, plant sciences, or a related field. Candidates must have knowledge and experience in program planning, promotion, and resource development. Preferred qualifications include experience in urban agriculture, teaching in formal or informal settings, and experience with University of Illinois Extension.
Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000.
Extension Specialist, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Commercial Agriculture)
Urbana-Champaign Campus or negotiable Extension Unit location.
The Extension Specialist, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Commercial Agriculture), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating research-based educational programs focused on commercial crop production and management across Illinois. This role emphasizes applied research and outreach in field crops and specialty crops, including fruits and vegetables, and supports pest monitoring and dissemination of findings to stakeholders. The Specialist collaborates with campus faculty, Extension professionals, and industry partners to design and implement programs that address statewide needs. Working across Extension and academic networks, this position supports high-impact programming, strengthens partnerships, and advances agricultural innovation for diverse audiences.
This position requires a master’s degree in a relevant agricultural discipline and experience delivering educational programs. Candidates must be able to obtain or maintain Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification. Preferred qualifications include a PhD in a related field, experience in crop, soil, pest, and nutrient management, teaching experience in formal or informal settings, and experience with University of Illinois Extension.
Salary Range: $73,000–$90,000.
View Job Information Apply (Applications Due by April 9, 2026)
County Extension Director
Pekin, IL
The County Extension Director provides leadership for the development, management, and promotion of University of Illinois Extension programs within a multi-county unit. This role oversees local program planning, personnel supervision, fiscal and facilities management, and organizational leadership to ensure high-quality, research-based educational programming that meets community needs. The Director serves as the primary representative of Extension within the unit, building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, partners, and local leaders. Working collaboratively with Extension staff and community partners, the Director supports statewide initiatives, strengthens partnerships, and ensures inclusive, impactful programming for diverse audiences.
This position requires a master’s degree in a related field such as public administration, education, business administration, community development, or a similar discipline. Candidates must have 3–5 years of supervisory experience in a complex organization, along with experience in fiscal management, personnel management, and collaborative leadership. Preferred qualifications include experience in program development and evaluation, grant management, marketing, and facilities management.
Salary Range: $72,000–$99,000.
View Job Information Apply (Applications Due by April 7, 2026)
Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Farm Business Management and Marketing)
Oregon, IL
The Extension Educator, Agriculture and Agribusiness (Farm Business Management and Marketing), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs focused on farm business management, marketing, and agricultural sustainability. This role emphasizes supporting producers and landowners in improving profitability, succession planning, and resource management through data-driven decision-making and education. The Educator facilitates connections between farmers, markets, and industry partners; provides guidance on business planning, marketing, and agricultural economics; and delivers programming on topics such as farm policy, estate planning, leasing, and input costs. Working collaboratively with County Directors, community partners, and Extension teams, the Educator builds strong networks, supports statewide initiatives, and ensures programs meet the needs of diverse agricultural audiences.
This position requires a master’s degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, agricultural education, or a related field, along with experience delivering educational programs. Preferred qualifications include experience in farm management or agribusiness, program planning and development, teaching in formal or informal settings, and experience with University of Illinois Extension.
Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000.
View Job Information Apply (Applications Due by April 6, 2026)