Associate Director, Cooperative Extension, Penn State

Posted by on May 24, 2002

I am extending the search for the position of Associate Director, Penn State Cooperative Extension. The position will be announced in an upcoming issue of Penn State INTERCOM and in advertisements and postings in other publications and appropriate search venues. Previous candidates are no longer under consideration.

I seek your assistance in bringing this position announcement to the attention of qualified and interested individuals. Nominations, inquiries, and applications should be sent to the address given in the position description below. Applications will be reviewed by the search committee beginning July 15, 2002, and the search will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Your input and help in this search will be greatly appreciated.

Associate Director, Penn State Cooperative Extension
College of Agricultural Sciences

Penn State Cooperative Extension is seeking candidates for the position of associate director.

Penn State Cooperative Extension is a leading cooperative extension organization in the nation. Based in the College of Agricultural Sciences, it is a primary partner in Penn State’s University-wide outreach partnership. Currently there are 113 faculty with extension responsibilities and 282 professional extension educators across Pennsylvania. The Penn State Cooperative Extension budget totals $59 million in FY2001/02. Major educational initiatives include agricultural and food system productivity and profitability; food safety; nutrition and wellness; natural and environmental resource management; children, youth, and families; 4-H/youth development; and economic and community development. More information about Penn State Cooperative Extension can be found at http://www.extension.psu.edu.

The associate director provides leadership and administration for the day-to-day operations of Penn State Cooperative Extension and reports to and supports the director, who also serves as associate dean in the College of Agricultural Sciences and associate vice president for University Outreach. The associate director is a key member of the extension leadership team of three state program leaders and eight regional directors and the administrative team of the College of Agricultural Sciences. Specific responsibilities include 1) providing leadership, advocacy, and facilitation in support of cooperative extension programming; 2) ensuring implementation of policies and procedures related to program planning, delivery, and evaluation; 3) ensuring implementation of policies and procedures related to fiscal and human resource management; 4) providing leadership for outreach to diverse clientele, including responsibilities related to affirmative action, civil rights, and equal employment opportunity; 5) communicating policies, procedures, and processes to internal and external audiences; 6) facilitating close working relationships and effective collaborations within the College, with other University outreach partners, and with other colleges’ programs within the University; 7) establishing and maintaining close working relationships and collaborations with external constituencies and local, state, and federal government agencies; and 8) ensuring compliance with all applicable institutional, state, and federal reporting requirements.

Candidates must have an earned doctorate in a discipline or a combination of disciplines that provide strong background for day-to-day operational leadership of a large, complex cooperative extension organization. Significant evidence of successful experience in leading and administering cooperative extension and outreach programs is required. Demonstrated excellence in leadership; effective interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills; and experience in securing and managing funding to enhance cooperative extension and outreach programming are essential. Strong commitment to cooperative extension and the land-grant university system philosophy and mission; demonstrated commitment to diversity, EEO, and Affirmative Action requirements; and the ability to relate to a wide variety of interest groups also are essential.

This is an academic administrator position with a tenured faculty appointment if appropriate.

Candidates should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, two-page summary of their view of the challenges facing a leading cooperative extension organization, and complete contact information for four references. Please send nominations, applications, or inquiries to:

Theodore R. Alter, Director
Penn State Cooperative Extension
College of Agricultural Sciences
217 Agricultural Administration Building – Box SRCH
University Park, PA 16802-2600

Submissions will be reviewed beginning July 15, 2002 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.