County Extension Director

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Job Title: County Extension Director

Company Name:	University of Illinois
Location:	Pekin, IL
Position Type:	Full Time
Post Date:	03/27/2026
Expire Date:	04/26/2026
Job Categories:	Education, Government and Policy, Collegiate Faculty, Staff, Administration, Executive Management

Job Description

County Extension Director
<h2 style="text-align: center">County Extension Director</h2><h3 style="text-align: center">University of Illinois Extension</h3> WE TRANSFORM LIVES. Everything we do is designed toimprove the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across thenation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminateknowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of expertsand leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science tohigher levels of understanding and influence.Be a part of our story. Through learning partnershipsthat extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extensionprovides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer,and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extensionhas operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens ofIllinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programmingaround the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College ofACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois atUrbana-Champaign.The County Extension Directorserves as a regular, full time, 12 month academic professional staff memberwith primary responsibility for providing leadership to and communicating theeducational mission of the local multi-county unit and University of IllinoisExtension. The primary responsibilities of the County Extension Director arelocal program management, personnel management, interpersonal effectiveness,organizational leadership and development, fiscal management and facilitiesmanagement. The County Extension Director is the local representative ofUniversity of Illinois Extension and is responsible for facilitating andestablishing relationships with all audiences, and collaborating and partneringwith people to improve the lives of individuals and the communities in whichthey live.  The County Extension Directoris also responsible for marketing and promoting University of IllinoisExtension and its educational programs. The County Extension Director fosterssensitivity to the needs of all audiences while working with the localleadership in program planning. This position will demonstrate behaviors thatreflect high levels of performance, a strong work ethic, and a commitment tocontinuing education and the letter and intent of University of IllinoisExtension’s mission. One full time position isavailable. Location: Unit 11 – Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell Counties (Position will be housed in one ofthe unit offices.) Additionalpositions may become available in other locations. This is a security-sensitiveposition. Comprehensive backgroundchecks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, aCANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.Duties and Responsibilities:Personnel Management:<ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0"> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Provide administrative supervision of all unit staff including educators and civil service employees.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Ensure that job descriptions are developed and that annual performance appraisals of academic and non-academic staff in the unit are held and documented. Performance evaluations of academic staff will be a shared responsibility with Regional Directors and/or Program Leaders.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Participate in the County Director professional development program offerings and seek additional opportunities to maintain professional competence.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Facilitate the professional development of all staff in the unit.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Assist and collaborate with unit staff to develop a plan for recruitment, training, support and recognition of volunteers.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Implement and comply with University of Illinois and Extension policies and rules, federal and state personnel regulations, and labor contracts.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Ensure compliance with University of Illinois Extension Civil Rights, Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity Program.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Ensure onboarding of all new staff in the unit.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Conduct staff and unit team meetings as appropriate to enhance team performance.</li></ul>Fiscal Management: <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0"> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Prepare budget, operate within budget guidelines, assure funds are distributed in accordance with fiscal policies and requirements and oversee all grants to the unit.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with University of Illinois and Extension policies and reporting requirements.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Work with the Extension Council, other volunteers and local entities to educate stakeholders of the value of University of Illinois Extension’s programs in order to secure financial resources for the unit.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Ensure that adequate funds are available to meet the financial and human resource goals of the unit. </li></ul>Facilities Management: <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0"> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Provide leadership in securing adequate field office facilities, including off-site facilities as necessary.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Ensure Extension offices and program delivery sites meet ADA requirements and other related guidelines.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Manage the unit office facilities, including relations with the lessor and lease negotiation.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Procure and maintain equipment inventory and supplies.</li></ul>Interpersonal Effectiveness: <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0"> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Determine appropriate networks and legislative contacts to build effective communications about Extension’s mission with key individuals and groups within the unit.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Communicate and identify in-service needs for all employee groups in the unit and make recommendations to the Regional Director for appropriate training.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Effectively communicate program initiative concerns to Program Leaders and Regional Directors.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Communicate to the Regional Director the success of unit leadership and the challenges within the unit.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Effectively work to resolve conflicts constructively and implement positive solutions to challenges.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Maintain effective communication about the unit regarding program, fiscal and personnel management with the Regional Director.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Respond to all forms of communication in a timely manner.</li></ul>Program Management:<ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0"> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Work with staff and stakeholders to assess local needs and identify program priorities within the unit using data.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Ensure inclusion of all audiences to achieve parity while strengthening relationships with existing clientele.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Demonstrate support of statewide initiatives by working with Program Leaders and unit staff in needs assessment, program planning, implementation and evaluation.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Work with Regional Directors, Program Leaders and unit staff to develop new unit level programs and improve existing programs.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Provide initiatives and opportunities to further interdisciplinary program planning and development in the unit.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Provide program impact results to local groups, decision makers and administration in an Annual Report.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Market and promote University of Illinois Extension and its educational programs.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Assist and orientate staff and Extension Councils to their respective roles in the program development process. </li></ul>Organizational Leadership and Development: <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0"> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Participate on regional, state, or national committees and initiatives.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Engage in teamwork with other unit or regional staff.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Ensure completion of documents and reporting deadlines as required in the organization.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Communicate administrative policies and procedures to the Extension staff and Extension Council leadership and assist with their implementation.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Establish and maintain effective collaborations to enhance program partnerships.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Engage local community groups, informing them of University of Illinois Extension’s positive impact.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Provide leadership to unit staff through clear communication and articulation of unit direction and vision.</li> <li style="margin-bottom: 0">Initiate and take leadership on projects that move Extension forward.</li></ul>Other Information:<ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0"><li style="margin-bottom: 0">Local, regional, and (limited) statewide travel required; personal transportation required.</li></ul>Physical Demands To perform the functions of this position, the employee willbe required to perform work both within an office and outside in thecommunities that are served and must have the capability to travel from onelocation to the other in a timely fashion.  Employee is responsible forsecuring personal transportation.  A valid driver’s license ispreferred.  Some work will be required during evenings and/orweekends.  When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety ofenvironmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather,exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground.  In performing thefunctions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental andphysical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independentlytraveling 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 andpulling movements. More detailed information regarding the functions of thisposition (including the physical, mental, and environmental requirements of theposition) may be obtained from Human Resources for the College of Agricultural,Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) by contacting hr@aces.illinois.edu.Administrative Relationship County Extension Directors areadministratively responsible to the Associate Director of their Region.<h4>Minimum Qualifications</h4>Education:<ul><li>Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Appropriate fields of study include Adult and Continuing Education, Public Administration, Educational Leadership, Business Administration, Community Development, Communications, Extension Education, or other fields related to the subject matter emphasis. 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 beconsidered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date. </li></ul>Experience:<ul><li>At least 3-5 years of supervisory experience within a complex organization with a high volume/time-sensitive workload.</li><li>Experience in shared decision-making and working collaboratively in a team environment. </li><li>Experiences with human resource/personnel-related activities. </li><li>Experience with the use of standard officetechnology/software and similar management tools. </li><li>Experience in the management of fiscal and budgetary matters.</li></ul><h4> Preferred Qualifications:</h4><ul><li>Experience in needs assessment, program development/delivery, teaching, marketing, and/or program evaluation.</li><li>Experience in the area of grant management and developing external funding opportunities. </li><li>Experience with facilities management. </li></ul><h4>Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:</h4><ul><li>Knowledge of skills needed to work and supervise in communities with different cultural and social backgrounds.</li></ul>AppointmentInformation This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for workauthorization. This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenureacademic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon aspossible after the closing date. The previouslydetermined salary range for this position was $72,000 to $99,000. We strive toprovide a competitive salary while taking into consideration internal equity,candidate experience and qualifications, as well as budget constraints. Thefinal salary offer will be determined through a calculation involving theseelements. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at the topof the full range for this position.ApplicationProcedures & Deadline Information Applications must bereceived by 6:00 pm (CST) on April 7, 2026. Apply for this positionusing the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload a resume, cover letter, andthe names and contact information for three professional references. Resumedates submitted must be in month/year format and employment history, ata minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of yourundergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must benoted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. <a href="https://jobs.illinois.edu"></a>Forfurther information about the position please contact search chair Doug Harlanat dharlan@illinois.edu. Forquestions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.<a href="https://makeitcu.com/" title="https://makeitcu.com/">Champaign-Urbana</a>Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.This position is intended to be <a href="https://go.illinois.edu/workatillinois">eligible for benefits</a>. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.<hr>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 <a href="https://go.uillinois.edu/noticesandposters" target="_blank">Required Employment Notices and Posters</a> to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through <a href="https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf" target="_blank">E-Verify</a>.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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the <a href="http://go.illinois.edu/accommodationportal" title="http://go.illinois.edu/accommodationportal">reasonable accommodation portal</a>, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or <a title="mailto:accessibility@illinois.edu">accessibility@illinois.edu</a>.<hr>Requisition ID: 1035531 Job Category: Off-Campus Apply at: <a href="https://jobs.illinois.edu">https://jobs.illinois.edu</a><a name="HEJobs" type="hidden" value=""></a><a name="Billing_Name" type="hidden" value=""></a><a name="Billing_Email" type="hidden" value=""></a>

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University of Illinois

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https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/16479?c=illinois

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