at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development (Creative and Cultural Arts)University of Illinois Extension
WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, Creative & Cultural Arts, will focus on creating youth education, leadership, advocacy, community service, and career exploration program opportunities. Topics include but are not limited to visual arts, creative writing, photography, theatre arts, video, and clothing. This person will provide leadership in creating a pathway of experiences for youth from county to state to national/international levels. This position serves as a regular, full-time, 12-month academic professional staff member of the State 4-H Office of University of Illinois Extension within the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES). The State 4-H Office provides leadership to the 4-H Youth Development Program delivered through University of Illinois Extension staff and offices throughout the state. This position will integrate program leadership, partnership, scholarship, and public engagement into its everyday practice. In collaboration with University of Illinois faculty, Extension staff and partners, this position will lead and consult on statewide research and programs related youth health and wellness.
One full time position is available.
Location: State 4-H Office, Champaign, IL
In state hybrid and remote work arrangements may be considered.
This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Development
- Assess the statewide needs for Creative & Cultural Arts youth programs in a systematic and analytical manner. Topics include but are not limited to art creation and performance, art careers, intersections of arts and culture, art therapy and wellness, art as a tool for advocacy and education.
- Develop youth programs for formal and informal education contexts in areas of Creative & Cultural Arts that support the 4-H mission to provide hands-on learning, equip youth with skills and experiences for mastery, create opportunities for related career exploration, and empower youth to use what they learn to influence and impact others.
- Develop, communicate and execute a strategic plan for growth and quality of 4-H Creative & Cultural Arts programs; includes vision for programs delivered by county 4-H staff and volunteers, as well as state and national events.
- Evaluate both short and long-term impact of 4-H youth Creative & Cultural Arts initiatives.
- Participate in identification and use of research as it relates to 4-H youth Creative & Cultural Arts initiatives in collaboration with University of Illinois faculty and Extension staff across different disciplines.
- Provide leadership for the design and implementation of state and national Creative & Cultural Arts learning experiences. Those include but are not limited to the annual 4-H Illini Summer Academies and State Fair.
- Develop opportunities for youth leadership, advocacy and service in relation to Creative & Cultural Arts challenges at local, state and national levels.
- Work as part of a State 4-H Office team to support statewide events such as State Fair and connect to other aspects of the state 4-H Youth Development plan of work as needed.
- Identify, design, and teach professional development experiences for Extension staff, volunteers, and other partners located throughout the state related to research-informed best practices in Creative & Cultural Arts programs and positive youth development, as well as training related to working with diverse audiences of youth.
- Promote and provide technical assistance to county staff implementing 4-H Signature Programs related to Creative & Cultural Arts.
- Keep informed of research best practices in the field of positive youth development and work related to Creative & Cultural Arts with others to provide technical assistance and training to Extension staff and volunteers.
- Serve as a liaison between county-based staff and the State 4-H office for help in implementing 4-H policies, grants and 4-H Signature programs.
- Serve as Illinois liaison for state and national committees related to work around Creative & Cultural Arts youth programs.
- Establish professional relationships and participate in campus-based partnerships to inform and support 4-H youth Creative & Cultural Arts programs delivered across the state.
- Establish community and industry partnerships to support 4-H program goals.
- Apply for and participate in target grants that will support youth Creative & Cultural Arts programs. Includes budget management, staff supervision and program planning, oversight, and evaluation.
- Assume additional related responsibilities to enhance and further the mission of University of Illinois Extension.
- Local, regional and (limited) statewide travel required.
- Comply with all Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of Extension work; assist Unit staff with data collection for Affirmative Action, Gender, and Targeted reports as needed.
To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. A valid driver's license is preferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. More detailed information regarding the functions of this position (including the physical, mental, and environmental requirements of the position) may be obtained from Human Resources for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) by contacting hr@aces.illinois.edu.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master's degree in field related to arts education or youth development. Master's degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies. Candidates with a Master's degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.
- Experience in design and implementation of youth programs.
- Experience working with diverse youth audiences.
- PhD in related field.
- Experience within University of Illinois Extension.
- Experience working with youth as program collaborators and/or engaging youth in community service, advocacy or leadership roles.
- Experience in applied research.
- Experience with grant writing and implementation.
- Experience in cross-organizational partnerships.
- Understanding of positive youth development. Understanding of Creative & Cultural Arts issues as they relate to both rural and urban communities.
The Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development (Creative & Cultural Arts) is administratively responsible to the Senior Program Lead, Positive Youth Development and is a member of the State 4-H Office staff.
Appointment Information
Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The salary range for this position starts at $73,000. Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on June 17, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Resume dates submitted must be in month/year format and employment history, at a minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of your undergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must be noted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.
For further information about this specific position, please contact Christina Edgington at chrisedg@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .
Requisition ID: 1024767
Job Category: Off-Campus
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
