County Extension Director

Position Summary

Start Date

Oct 01, 2024

Position Description

The County Extension Director is a leadership position with Cooperative Extension at North Carolina State University. The major responsibility of the job is to provide leadership for and coordinate the efforts of the county Extension staff in developing an effective total county Extension educational program

The position requires someone with exceptional communication, managerial and leadership skills. Excellent public relations skills and the ability to connect the local program needs with N.C. State University’s mission are required.

The ability to work with a broad range of people, staff, customers, elected officials, and volunteers is essential. The CED must maintain an effective, collaborative relationship in delivering educational programs by working closely with county government agencies and organizations, county departments, local officials, area agencies, NC State University, and Extension personnel in nearby counties.

The successful candidate must have demonstrated the ability to plan, organize, and work well with people.

Successful performance of the duties encompassed in the CED’s job requires that the individual possess educational leadership and statesmanship qualities, habits of industry, a sense of responsibility, a genuine appreciation for the work of the individual, a high degree of objectivity, and effective oral and written communication skills.

Required Qualifications

The minimum requirements for the County Extension Director is a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field related to Extension/educational programming and/or administration. Administrative and supervisory experience including experience with human resource development, fiscal resource management, and external relations is strongly preferred. In addition to the education requirement, candidates must have a minimum of three years of service with Cooperative Extension or similar work experience in a university or community outreach organization or program. Internal candidates must hold or be eligible to hold an appointment at the level of Associate Extension Agent or higher. External candidates must be eligible to hold an appointment at the level of Associate Extension Agent.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates must possess educational leadership, strong work ethic, a sense of responsibility, a high degree of objectivity, excellent and effective oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work successfully with staff, volunteers, community leaders, and county officials.

Other Requirements

Candidates should have abilities or experience in at least one of the following areas: agriculture or horticulture, community and resource development, administration, or appropriate Extension related subject matter; demonstrated leadership in Extension programming and management; supervisory experience and skills in human relations, negotiations, public relations, and team building; managing public policy issues; and securing and managing outside funding and resources to develop innovative educational programming; and the ability to work with people, staff, customers, elected officials, and volunteers.

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Equal Employer Statement(s)

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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