Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Farmdoc

College of ACES - Department of Agricultural & Consumer Economics

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, farmdoc serves as a regular, full time, 12-month academic professional with primary responsibility to develop, deliver, and evaluate programming associated with the farmdoc project while supporting the mission of University of Illinois Extension. The position will work closely with the farmdoc project director and other team staff to improve communications and cultivate relationships with project stakeholders.

Job Summary

Develop, deliver, and evaluate programming associated with the Farmdoc project while supporting the mission of University of Illinois Extension. Work closely with the Farmdoc project director and other team staff to improve communications and cultivate relationships with project stakeholders.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Planning, Development, Management, and Evaluation
  • Review agriculture news publications, USDA data and other sources to identify the most relevant ag policy stories of the day.
  • Research and analyze selected agriculture policy topics of the day to determine impacts on Extension stakeholders.
  • Coverage of federal and state-level legislative hearings and information releases relevant to the project’s stakeholders.
  • Preparation and publication of the daily Farm Policy News update.
  • Preparation and publication of the weekly Farmdoc LinkedIn newsletter.
  • Track performance metrics for Farmdoc content (i.e. website analytics, event evaluations, etc.) and compile into an annual report for the project.

• Program Reporting and Communication
  • Disseminate and promote work of the Farmdoc team (articles, videos, tools, etc.) on the project’s social media accounts (X, Facebook, Bluesky, etc.).
  • Attend major in-person team events, providing live coverage on social media.
  • Live social media coverage of online events (i.e. webinars).
  • Coordinate with other staff to promote events (i.e. webinars, in-person meetings).
• Organizational Leadership and Support
  • Assist other staff with publication and promotion of articles published to farmdoc daily.
  • Coordinate and assist with media requests and interviews for farmdoc team members.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics, agribusiness, agricultural journalism, agricultural communications or related field. Degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies.
• At least one (1) year of experience working in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) or more years of professional experience in education on agricultural topics for the general public.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 6/29/2026. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The salary range for this position $60,000 - $75,000. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. This position may become permanent. Position can be performed remotely. Will require occasional travel to campus and farmdoc meetings and events held at various locations in Illinois.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 11, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.

For further information about this specific position, please contact Jonathan Coppess (jwcoppes@illinois.edu). 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.

Champaign-Urbana

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.

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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 accessibility@illinois.edu.

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Requisition ID: 1036236
Job Category: Off-Campus
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu