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 Program Coordinator will support and assist in the management of the Master Gardener Volunteer programs and other Horticulture Extension related programs for adults and youth.
- Program Coordination and Development
- Coordinate the planning of educational activities for the program with collaboration from the County Director or Educator.
- Identifies critical priority needs and issues, with the assistance of other staff, to be addressed through Master Gardener/Master Naturalist/Master Composter programs.
- Conduct an evaluation of program activities and make appropriate changes or recommendations for the continuation or discontinuation of the program.
- Provide leadership as the primary contact to volunteers, Master Gardeners/Master Naturalist/Master Composter in support of local programs and their activities.
- Provide leadership for the local Expansion and Review Committee.
- Work with Unit staff, Extension volunteers, and Extension clientele to create and/or maintain administrative records.
- Disseminate education information provided by Extension professionals.
- Maintain required records and data.
- Provides monthly reports to the County Director.
- Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Development
- Recruit, screen and select Master Gardener/Master Naturalist/Master Composter volunteers.
- Orient volunteers to the philosophy of the Master Gardener programs/Master Naturalist/Master Composter, risk management, policies, procedures, and materials.
- Coordinate volunteer training related to program offerings and continuing educational opportunities.
- Maintain contact with volunteers on a regular basis through meetings and correspondence, including email and phone.
- Formulate and implement standard operating procedures for all program activities to ensure the safety and welfare of all volunteers and participants.
- Marketing & Networking
- Develop and implement a marketing plan and objectives to recruit adult volunteers and youth participants for Master Gardener/Master Naturalist/Master Composter opportunities.
- Utilize various promotion methods, including personal contacts, social media, and printed materials.
- Network and collaborate with other community organizations to assess needs and develop programs to meet those needs.
- Organizational Duties
- Participates in professional development opportunities.
- Attends staff meetings as scheduled, and provides updates to Extension staff and Extension Council on accomplishments and activities.
- Complies with Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of University of Illinois Extension work.
- Comply with all University of Illinois Extension and USDA policies and procedures in programs and employment.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
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. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends.
High school graduation or GED
Any one or any combination that equals four (4) years/ 48 months of responsible volunteer or professional work experience in coordinating educational and/or community programs or activities
Volunteer/work experience coordinating educational and/or community programs or activities
College coursework in any field of study
60 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
90 semester hours equals three (3) years (36 months)
120 semester hours or more equals four (4) years (48 months)
Working knowledge of topics such as forestry, master gardening, pesticides, invasive species, and soils, with the ability to effectively communicate and deliver presentations. Knowledge of developing and implementing outreach strategies that effectively engage all communities.
Valid driver's license.
- Skills in communicating and collaborating with all audiences.
- Ability to work effectively with others individually and in groups.
- Ability to operate computer systems.
- Attention to detail and prioritize tasks. Ability to multi-task.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
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 physical demands including 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.
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 0929 - Extension Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Salary is $43,000.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on August 14, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact [email protected]. For questions 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.
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 eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.
Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver’s License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.
Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.
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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected].
Requisition ID: 1037141
Job Category: Off-Campus
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
