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
Visiting Program Administrator, Health and Community Wellness
Urbana-Champaign Campus
The Visiting Program Administrator, Health and Community Wellness, provides leadership, oversight, and supervision for grant-funded projects and special initiatives within the Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration (FSNSHI) and the broader Health and Community Wellness team at University of Illinois Extension. This role oversees statewide and regional program implementation, supervises grant-funded staff, supports hiring, onboarding, and professional development, monitors program delivery and grant objectives, and collaborates with Extension leadership, community organizations, and partners to ensure high-quality program implementation and successful achievement of grant goals. The Program Administrator also assists with budget management, reporting, outreach, and identifying funding opportunities to strengthen Extension programming and community impact.
This position requires a bachelor's degree in public administration, public health, community health, family and consumer sciences, nutrition, human development, or a related field. Candidates must have at least two years of experience facilitating and guiding teams and experience meeting project goals and deliverables. Preferred qualifications include a master's degree in a related field, experience with University of Illinois Extension, experience supervising staff, experience supporting a remote workforce, and a valid driver's license.
Salary Range: $58,000–$73,000
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
Bourbonnais, IL
The Extension Educator coordinates educational programs in 4-H Youth Development, focusing on positive youth development, volunteer leadership, and educational outreach. Responsibilities include program development, delivery, and evaluation; leading multi-county youth programs; guiding volunteers and staff; building community partnerships; and supporting statewide initiatives.
This position requires a Master’s degree in Youth Development, Education, Public Health, Leadership Studies, Agricultural/Environmental Sciences, or a related field. Experience in youth development programming and the ability to work effectively with diverse audiences is preferred. The position involves travel and physical tasks.
Salary Range: $59,000 to $82,000
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development (STEAM/AG)
Bourbonnais, IL
The Extension Educator, Youth Development (STEAM and Agriculture), provides leadership in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs that support youth development and prepare young people for future careers, post-secondary pathways, and leadership opportunities. This position focuses on creating high-quality learning experiences through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts/Agriculture, and Math (STEAM/Ag), Positive Youth Development, career readiness, and 4-H programming. Working collaboratively with youth, volunteers, schools, employers, community organizations, and other partners, the Educator strengthens community capacity, expands access to learning opportunities, and supports statewide youth development initiatives.
This position requires a master’s degree in youth development, education, community or public health, leadership studies, agricultural or environmental sciences, engineering, or a related field. Candidates must have knowledge of and experience with youth development best practices and STEAM and agriculture programming. Preferred qualifications include experience working with youth in informal and educational settings, planning and evaluating youth programs, supporting diverse youth audiences, and experience with University of Illinois Extension.
Salary Range: $59,000–$82,000
Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Health and Community Wellness
Urbana-Champaign Campus
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 Senior Manager, Health and Community Wellness
Urbana-Champaign Campus
The Visiting Senior Manager, Health and Community Wellness, provides statewide leadership for grant-funded programs and special initiatives within the Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration and affiliated Health and Community Wellness programs. This senior-level position oversees strategic program implementation, quality assurance, grant compliance, staff supervision, and operational systems to ensure programs achieve their goals and deliver high-quality educational experiences. Working collaboratively with Center leadership, grant teams, state agencies, funders, campus partners, and community stakeholders, the Senior Manager leads program delivery, supports adult education and training, manages budgets and vendor relationships, and strengthens systems that advance nutrition, health, and community wellness across Illinois.
This position requires a master’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, public health, community health, adult education, family and consumer science, human development, or a related field. Candidates must have at least three years of relevant experience, including experience leading and managing projects or teams and creating and delivering synchronous and asynchronous education or training programs. Preferred qualifications include experience with University of Illinois Extension, educational software and learning platforms, and collaborating with partners and teams to meet project deliverables.
Salary Range: $70,000–$90,000
Visiting Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development (Community Development and Planning)
East St. Louis, 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
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.