Position Description – Extension Executive Director

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County

General Responsibilities:

Chief Executive Officer for the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of  Sullivan County. Perform high level leadership and management of the association within Cornell and local policy and direction. Represents and accountable to the Association Board of Directors and the Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension system.  

The Executive Director develops and maintains effective working relationships among the association, staff, volunteers, extension administration, Cornell faculty, and local stakeholders. Will provide leadership for association relations with legislators, local government leaders, community leaders, funding agencies as well as with civic and special interest groups. This individual exercises professional judgment and executive skills in administering overall association operations. The Executive Director provides leadership in overall educational program development and implementation.

Association Leadership and Management: (50%)

I. Organizational Leadership

A. Vision, Mission, and Strategies - Working with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director develops a written shared vision for the future of the organization, builds understanding around the mission, and develops appropriate goals and strategies to advance that mission articulated in a strategic plan.

B. Executive Director/Board Partnership - The Executive Director implements and manages policy established by the Board of Directors. They have a joint responsibility for developing and maintaining a strong working relationship and an effective communication system. Together, they enable an effective working partnership with county government and Cornell University.

C. Marketing and Public Image - In conjunction with the Board and staff, establish and maintain positive relationships with the many individuals and groups that support the work of the organization.

D. Financial Planning and Resource Development - In partnership with board members and appropriate staff, establish and implement financial development strategies.

E. Extension System Liaison - Participate in quarterly Extension Executive Leadership Conferences and in regional meetings; provide liaison and linkages between the Cornell Cooperative Extension system and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County.

II. Program Leadership and Management (15%)

A. Program Leadership - Provide leadership for the program development process, including the establishment of priorities, a staffing plan, resource acquisition and allocation and evaluation processes to assure program quality and consider the diversity of the community and to meet Equal Program Opportunity guidelines.

B. Program Management - Responsible for overall program management in concert with extension educators, volunteers, and Cornell University.

III. Management and Operations (20%)

A. Accomplishment of Management Objectives - Lead the staff in implementation of the strategic plan and program plans of work.

B. Fiscal Management - Assure that solid planning budgeting and fundraising systems are in place and that the organization’s goals and strategic planning serve as the basis for financial planning.

C. Operations and Facilities Management - Responsible for day-to-day management including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Works with staff and delegates as appropriate.

D: Human Resources - Select, orient, lead and manage a staff of educators, office support personnel, and other staff as appropriate including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Evaluate and implement progressive human resource programs and procedures as well as to ensure equal employment opportunity.

 Program Development and Implementation (10%)

Develop, deliver and evaluate an educational program consistent with the goals of the Association and drawing upon the experience and background of the individual. The program areas established by the Association are: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Science and 4-H Youth Development. 

Supervision:

Supervision of the Executive Director is shared by the Association President and the Cornell State Extension Specialist on behalf of the Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

 Professional Development: (5%)

Jointly develop a learning plan with the supervisor(s) and peruse its accomplishment to increase competency in the position.

 Degree and Experience Requirements:

Master’s degree appropriate to responsibilities of the position, with preference given to Education or Public Administration. Six years of professional experience which includes four years of substantive organizational leadership and management experience including human resources, finance, and organizational management.  (PhD may substitute for 2 years of experience.)  Substantive coursework and/or experience in education required.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·Demonstrated knowledge of the operation, philosophy, and objectives of an informal education system such as cooperative extension.

· Demonstrated ability in strategic planning and the ability to establish and communicate goals and objectives and to set meaningful and achievable plans-of-work.

· Demonstrated knowledge of effective management practices and procedures, including a working knowledge of fiscal planning, budget management, proposal writing, and personnel management.

· Demonstrated ability to staff, develop, motivate, and work with personnel (paid staff, board, committee and implementation volunteers).

· Demonstrated ability to work with the general public, community leaders, government officials and to assess local community issues.

· Demonstrated effective use of varied oral and written communication methods (e.g., radio, TV, print, computer, and meetings).

· Ability to meet the travel requirements of the job.

· Demonstrated ability to respond decisively, accurately, confidently, and courteously to challenges and opportunities.

· Working knowledge of state-of-the-art technology and the ability to apply it to administrative and educational functions.

·Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.

Minimum Salary: 65,000 depending on experience and qualification. Excellent benefit package available. For details, please see http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/benefits/summaryDocs/ExtStaff.pdf

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning on 8/28/09, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA#494, Box 26, Kennedy Hall, Cornell U, Ithaca, NY 14853.

**Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.cce.cornell.edu