Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Illini Science Policy Scholar

Overview

Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Illini Science Policy Scholar – 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 Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Illini Science Policy Scholar serves as a regular, full time, 12-month academic professional with primary responsibilities in a host agency where the Scholar will support projects and initiatives that research, explore, and inform policy that are central to both the mission of the University of Illinois Extension and the Scholar’s host agency. The position will work on providing solutions through policy and public service on issues such as agricultural equity, digital equity, disaster preparedness and economic equity throughout Illinois.

This role aims to enhance the intersection of public service and public policy to improve the lives of people in historically underserved and underrepresented communities in Illinois. This position may provide job experience to a recent graduate with a Master, PhD or professional degree between 2023 and spring 2026. Full-time positions are available. Selected candidates will be placed in one of the following state or legislative offices and may travel to various areas of the state including locations where public transportation may not be readily available.

Location
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Agency dependent – Position housed in Chicago, Springfield, or Urbana. Hybrid work is available but onsite work is required.

• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Broadband
• Illinois Department of Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security
• Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation
• Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation

• Program Planning, Delivery and Design
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  Use research and evaluation findings to help inform policy and legislative action. Assist with the development of educational materials/templates/guidebooks for resource prioritization, policy, fundraising, and outreach. Design and conduct surveys and focus groups to understand the needs of the communities served. Design programmatic outreach through webinars, conferences, and presentations that elevate the mission of Illinois Extension and host agency.
• Research, Evaluation and Social Media Awareness
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  Use research and evaluation findings to help inform policy and legislative action. Share principles of evidence-based best practice with peers. Prepare materials for listening sessions, town halls, and other community events. Assist in the development and maintenance of social media communications and web resources as directed by host agencies.
• Organizational Leadership and Requirements
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  Collaborate with colleagues across agencies and stakeholders to conduct research and assist in the development of strategies, policies and action plans addressing educational, agricultural, digital and/or economic equity. Participate as a policy support expert in planning and implementing programs that address public policy priorities for Illinois Extension and/or your legislative or state agency.
• Other Information
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  Gather program…