Executive Director - Millbrook, NY

The Executive Director for the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Dutchess County represents and is accountable to the Association Board of Directors and the Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension system. The Executive Director is expected to be an effective leader, helping to develop and project a compelling and contemporary vision for Extension programming to stakeholders, both internal and external. The Executive Director must be engaged with decision makers both locally and at Cornell in order to be effective.
The Executive Director is expected to provide high level leadership and management of the Association within Cornell and local policy direction. The Executive Director develops and maintains effective working relationships among the staff, other Extension Associations, the Hudson Valley Region Shared Business Network, Extension Administration, Cornell faculty, and stakeholders. This position will build positive relationships with legislators, local government leaders, community leaders, funding agencies, and civic groups. The Executive Director exercises professional judgment and executive skills in administering overall Association operations. This position provides leadership in overall educational program development, implementation, establishing program priorities, provide leadership for the ongoing development of a welcoming and inclusive organizational climate for diversity, and program integration across disciplines and within the broader extension system. The Executive Director is expected to develop enhanced revenue streams to sustain and grow Association programming.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's Degree appropriate to the responsibilities of the position.
• A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience, including at least three years in Cooperative Extension or a closely related field of employment. PhD may substitute for 2 years of experience.
• At least four years of substantive leadership and management responsibilities including human resources, finance, and organizational management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the operation, philosophy, and objectives of a non-formal education system such as Cooperative Extension.
• Demonstrated ability in strategic planning, 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 development and management, proposal writing, and personnel management.
• Demonstrated ability to staff, develop, motivate, and work with personnel (paid staff, board, committees, and implementation volunteers).
• Demonstrated ability to work with the general public, community leaders and government officials, and to assess local community issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fund development, grantsmanship and revenue enhancement.
• Demonstrated effective use of varied oral and written communication methods (e.g., radio, TV, print, computer, and meetings).
• Reliable transportation and the ability to meet the travel requirements of the job.
• Ability to accommodate flexible working hours including nights and weekends as needed.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Substantial coursework and/or experience in education preferred.
• Substantial training or experience with applied research, non-formal education and/or public outreach.
• Demonstrated experience with the political process as it relates to obtaining funding and other support, highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, contributing to organizational diversity efforts, and/or evidence of cultural competence.
• Knowledge of Dutchess County's needs and public and private service providers relevant to Cooperative Extension programming, highly desirable.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction - 45%

Program Direction

• Provide leadership for the Association's educational program development process.
• Oversee the creation of the Association's Plan of Work, within the scope of the CCE statewide Plan of Work, to guide the work and desired outcomes of Association programs.
• Oversee the process of interpreting the Association's program direction to develop, plan and evaluate educational programs.
• Oversee the process of interpreting University program direction to develop, plan and evaluate educational programs; and to facilitate connections between University staff/faculty and Association program staff.
• Provide leadership for planning the delivery of established short-and long-range educational program goals via various methods.
• Provide leadership for planning the structure of delivery education programs via various methods.
• Design a system for ongoing involvement of citizens which expresses the demographics of the community.

Financial Direction

• Provide leadership in financial planning for the Association
• Establish financial strategies in compliance with CCE standards and policies, in partnership with Board members and appropriate staff.
• Oversee the budget development process by engaging appropriate Board members and staff, and present to Board for approval.
• Plan effective strategic funding efforts to sustain and grow Association programming through appropriations, grants and fundraising efforts.

Communications/Marketing Direction

• Provide leadership in communication and marketing strategy for the Association
• Develop shared Association vision, to build understanding around the mission and develop appropriate goals and strategies to advance the mission.
• Develop and/or enhance/expand relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries and community leaders that help advance the mission and goals of CCE.
• Oversee the development of a brand awareness that aligns with the CCE statewide Plan of Work.

Staffing Direction

• Provide leadership and direction for Association staff.
• Develop and approve staffing plan.
• Develop professional development initiatives to ensure staff have the knowledge, skills and resources to effectively carry out their jobs.
• Develop and uphold a culture of continuous learning.

Management - 45%

General Management

• Vision, Mission and Strategies - Working with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director encourages local application and engagement with the CCE mission, vision and values.
• Manage and administer the overall Association operations.
• Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the operation of the Association, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
• Implement and administer policies established by Board of Directors.
• Perform day to day management including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and CCE policies.
• Participate as an active member in the Hudson Valley Shared Business Network Administrative Management (AMG) meetings and other duties as specified in the MOU with CCE Administration and the approved Plan of Work.
• Actively pursue opportunities to expand program capacity, improve administrative efficiency and reduce operation expenses with other CCE associations.
• Participate in quarterly CCE Executive Leadership Conferences and in regional meetings; provide liaison and linkages between the Association and the CCE system.

Program Management

• Provide leadership in the management and administration of the overall Association's educational programs.
• Delegate program management responsibilities to Extension Educators as appropriate.
• Oversee programs to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the Association and is research knowledge based.
• Oversee the management of program activities within the Association's Plans of Work.
• Identify, develop, enhance and engage networks of volunteers and volunteer leaders.

Financial Management

• Provide management oversight of all Association financial matters.
• Support the Board of Directors in carrying out their fiduciary responsibilities.
• Assure planning and budgeting systems are in place, and that the Plan of Work and strategic plan serves as the basis for financial planning for the Association.
• Present and promote budgets to stakeholders.
• Engage Board of Directors and appropriate staff to ensure all involved have full understanding of the financial status of the Association.
• Guide and ensure grant proposal, management and reporting processes are accurate and complete.

Communications/Marketing Management

• Guide the implementation of communication strategies for the Association
• Represent the Association to a variety of constituencies, including alumni, friends, clientele, corporations, and foundations.
• Monitor all electronic and print communications for content and adherence to CCE and other legal and regulatory requirements, including Equal Program Opportunity requirements.
• Oversees the implementation of the marketing strategy for marketing the Association and promoting program participation.
• Oversee the process to develop and maintain effective working relations with legislators, local government leaders, community leaders, funding agencies, etc.

Staffing Management

• Guide the implementation of the Association staffing plan, making adjustments as needed.
• Effectively oversee the allocation and alignment of human resources to accomplish the Association's objectives.
• Select, orient, lead and manage a staff of educators, office support personnel, and other staff as appropriate.
• Supervise direct reports; provide direct feedback on performance through formal and informal channels; conduct formal annual performance reviews for direct reports.
• Evaluate and implement progressive human resource programs, policies and procedures, as well as ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity.

Coordination/Operation - 5%

• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned as related to the Association's operational, program, financial or human resource needs.

Professional Improvement - 5%

• In cooperation with the Board President, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.

Health and Safety - Applies to all duties and functions.

• Lead the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy - Applies to all duties and functions.

The Executive Director is responsible for understanding, supporting and implementing all CCE policies and procedures related to EEO and EPO compliance. In addition, the Executive Director is responsible for creating and sustaining an organizational culture that reflects CCE values and goals in diversity and inclusiveness.

This is a full time, exempt position. Compensation starting at $90,000 per year commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal time
• Paid Holidays
• NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
• NYS Retirement
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity
• Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
• Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance
• Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
• Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
• Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
• Voluntary Auto and Homeowner's Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Voluntary New York's College Savings Program

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants.

How To Apply: Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/

All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume and indicate three individuals who may be contacted as a reference. Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting. For instructions, visit:

http://cce.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/applying_external.pdf.

All applications must be received on-line by July 2, 2020. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Administrative Systems at 607-255-6120, or via email at: [email protected]

For additional questions please contact Leah Cadwallader, Regional Human Resources Manager, e-mail [email protected] or (845) 340-3990x314.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.