Position Description

General Statement
Montana State University (MSU) Extension improves the lives of Montana citizens by providing unbiased research-based education and information that integrates learning, discovery, and engagement to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of individuals, families, and communities. MSU Extension is committed to the land grant mission and engaging with communities to address locally identified and statewide needs. MSU Extension has a field faculty staff of 97 Extension Agents serving 56 counties and 7 reservations, and 45 subject matter experts located in Bozeman and other locations across the state. Program offerings include agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and community vitality programs. For additional information see the web site: Extension

Montana State University Extension seeks individuals who work professionally and effectively with communities, who foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, who exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills, and who can contribute positively to the people and places of Montana under the guidelines and mission of Montana State University.

Specific position responsibilities:

Administer regional personnel activities, including leading the hiring process for new Extension agents; supporting, guiding and onboarding new Extension agents; offering ongoing regional training, conducting annual performance evaluations; motivating and advising agents; educating agents and their office staff about and assuring their compliance with all MSU, state, and federal requirements; determining, developing, and implementing professional development plans and opportunities for agents; mediating conflicts; and monitoring and guiding the promotion and tenure process for agents.
Provide strong leadership to field faculty to effectively develop and implement county, multi-county, regional and multi-state educational programming and reporting efforts.
Assist and supervise agents with program planning, local advisory processes, identification of programming needs, development of plans of work and reporting programmatic impacts.
Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with county commissioners, tribal leaders, and other local, regional, and state decision-makers and entities.
Represent the Western Region as a member of the Extension leadership team, represent Extension leadership at statewide events, and contribute to processes and initiatives that advance Extension.
Promote teamwork and regional “networking” with agents, specialists, on campus department heads, and Extension and University administration.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Completed master’s degree. Preferred areas; family and consumer sciences, agriculture, community development, youth development, education, natural resources, or a closely related field of study.
Training or experience in administrative leadership, personnel, and fiscal management.
Demonstrated skill in working with others as individuals, groups, staff members and decision-makers with emphasis on teamwork to accomplish individual or group goals.
Demonstrated experience in the areas of planning, facilitation, organization, and conflict management.
Demonstrated knowledge of organization, philosophy, operation, and objectives of Extension and the mission of the land grant system.
Demonstrated ability and experience in administering and managing educational programs, including conducting needs assessments, planning and evaluating programs, and reporting impacts.

Preferred Qualifications

Extension experience, particularly field faculty experience.
Record of achievement as an Extension faculty member.

Other Requirements

The Successful Candidate Will
Possess excellent human relations skills.
Work with a high level of professionalism.
Possess the ability to work effectively with other team members and the public.
Strong decision-making skills and initiative.
Able to take directions from multiple people.
Possess an understanding of the land grant university mission and an appreciation for rural and urban populations.
Possess strong written and oral communication skills.
Able to establish relationships and work with individuals who have diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Ultimately, the successful candidate will be relational, responsive, and reliable.

Travel Requirements

Frequent travel throughout the state.

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Contact Name

Carrie Ashe

Contact Email

Contact Phone

406-994-3293

Application Instructions

Apply online at www.montnaa.edu/extension/careers

Equal Employer Statement(s)

In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Montana State University does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

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