Deadline: Tue, 02/27/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: University of Illinois; Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Job Field: Other Job Type: Full Time Location: Illinois Location Detail: Chicago, Illinois Job Description: The Extension Outreach Associate, Great Lakes K-12 Education serves as a regular, full time, 12-month academic professional with primary responsibilities are to increase Great Lakes literacy among Illinois and Indiana youth through development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programming supporting the mission of Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and University of Illinois Extension. 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, Delivery and Evaluation Develop a Great Lakes K-12 research-based education program that addresses local needs and increases literacy about Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s Great Lakes priority research and outreach issues (e.g., coastal resilience, invasive species, aquaculture, foodweb ecology). This includes developing education resources and opportunities such as curricula and field days, training teachers and non-formal educators in use of the new and existing curricula via workshops, and promoting resources at professional conferences. Support educators in implementation of IISG curricula through check-ins, connecting them with partners and other educators who are incorporating Great Lakes literacy into their classrooms, and providing grant-funded financial support as appropriate. Develop and maintain partnerships with state, regional, and national partners including University of Illinois and Purdue 4-H, the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network’s Center for Great Lakes Literacy, educational institutions, research scientists, professional societies, and other entities as appropriate. Develop effective and contemporary approaches with educators including electronic technologies (e.g., Google Classroom, Facebook, etc.). Compete for internal and external resources (i.e., grants) to enhance the development of innovative educational programs with potential for high impact. Conduct evaluation research to determine effectiveness of programming regarding short-term impacts and long-term changes in clientele practices; use findings to create innovative programs and improve quality of existing offerings. Seek professional development opportunities to enhance competency in relevant programmatic areas. Assume additional related responsibilities to enhance the mission of the unit. Administration Hire, train, mentor, and conduct performance evaluations for subordinate staff. Approve time/leave and assign/review work of Sea Grant education academic professionals, academic hourlies, and students. Use funding to increase program quality and impact and comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g., plans of work, activity, and impact reporting, etc.). Other Information Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of Extension work; assists Unit staff with data collection for Affirmative Action, Gender, and Targeted reports. Bi-state and regional travel required; personal transportation required. Qualifications: Master’s degree in education, environmental education, natural sciences, or related field. 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: Three years of experience teaching natural science or a combination of five years teaching and environmental science work experience; required teaching experience can be in non-formal and/or formal educational settings. Experience with curriculum development. Preferred Qualifications: Spanish proficiency. Experience with environmental education, securing grants, and supervising staff. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Robust organizational skills and demonstrated attention to detail. Proven networking abilities. Expertise in equity, access, and opportunity. Familiarity with the Great Lakes and state and/or Next Generation Science Standards is preferred. Miscellaneous: The Extension Outreach Associate, Great Lakes K-12 Education, is administratively and programmatically responsible to the Outreach Program Leader, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. Appointment Information Immigration sponsorship 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 $59,000. Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance. How to Apply: To view the complete job description and apply, visit https://go.illinois.edu/1022034. 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.
