County Extension Director – 1035531
Austin Community College, Champaign, IL, United States
The County Extension Director serves as a regular, full‑time, 12‑month academic professional staff member with primary responsibility for providing leadership to and communicating the educational mission of the local multi‑county unit and University of Illinois Extension. The primary responsibilities of the County Extension Director include local program management, personnel management, interpersonal effectiveness, organizational leadership and development, fiscal management, and facilities management.
Specific Responsibilities
Provide administrative supervision of all unit staff including educators and civil service employees.
Ensure that job descriptions are developed and that annual performance appraisals of academic and non‑academic staff in the unit are held and documented. Performance evaluations of academic staff will be a shared responsibility with Regional Directors and/or Program Leaders.
Participate in the County Director professional development program offerings and seek additional opportunities to maintain professional competence.
Facilitate the professional development of all staff in the unit.
Assist and collaborate with unit staff to develop a plan for recruitment, training, support and recognition of volunteers.
Implement and comply with University of Illinois and Extension policies and rules, federal and state personnel regulations, and labor contracts.
Ensure compliance with University of Illinois Extension Civil Rights, affirmative action plan and equal employment opportunity program.
Ensure onboarding of all new staff in the unit.
Conduct staff and unit team meetings as appropriate to enhance team performance.
Fiscal Management
Prepare budget, operate within budget guidelines, assure funds are distributed in accordance with fiscal policies and requirements and oversee all grants to the unit.
Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with University of Illinois and Extension policies and reporting requirements.
Work with the Extension Council, other volunteers and local entities to educate stakeholders of the value of University of Illinois Extension’s programs in order to secure financial resources for the unit.
Ensure that adequate funds are available to meet the financial and human resource goals of the unit.
Facilities Management
Provide leadership in securing adequate field office facilities, including off‑site facilities as necessary.
Ensure Extension offices and program delivery sites meet ADA requirements and other related guidelines.
Manage the unit office facilities, including relations with the lessor and lease negotiation.
Procure and maintain equipment inventory and supplies.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Determine appropriate networks and legislative contacts to build effective communications about Extension’s mission with key individuals and groups within the unit.
Communicate and identify in‑service needs for all employee groups in the unit and make recommendations to the Regional Director for appropriate training.
Effectively communicate program initiative concerns to Program Leaders and Regional Directors.
Communicate to the Regional Director the success of unit leadership and the challenges within the unit.
Effectively work to resolve conflicts constructively and implement positive solutions to challenges.
Maintain effective communication about the unit regarding program, fiscal and personnel management with the Regional Director.
Respond to all forms of communication in a timely manner.
Program Management
Work with staff and stakeholders to assess local needs and identify program priorities within the unit using data.
Ensure inclusion of all audiences to achieve parity while strengthening relationships with existing clientele.
Demonstrate support of statewide initiatives by working with Program Leaders and unit staff in needs assessment, program planning, implementation and evaluation.
Work with Regional Directors, Program Leaders and unit staff to develop new unit level programs and improve existing programs.
Provide initiatives and opportunities to further interdisciplinary program planning and development in the unit.
Provide program impact results to local groups, decision makers and administration in an Annual Report.
Market and promote University of Illinois Extension and its educational programs.
Assist and orientate staff and Extension Councils to their respective roles in the program development process.
Organizational Leadership and Development
Participate on regional, state, or national committees and initiatives.
Engage in teamwork with other unit or regional staff.
Ensure completion of documents and reporting deadlines as required in the organization.
Communicate administrative policies and procedures to the Extension staff and Extension Council leadership and assist with their implementation.
Establish and maintain effective collaborations to enhance program partnerships.
Engage local community groups, informing them of University of Illinois Extension’s positive impact.
Provide leadership to unit staff through clear communication and articulation of unit direction and vision.
Initiate and take leadership on projects that move Extension forward.
Other Information
Local, regional, and (limited) statewide travel required; personal transportation required.
Must perform work both within an office and outside in the communities served, traveling from one location to another in a timely fashion. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Some work may be required during evenings and/or weekends. Exposure to environmental factors such as hot or cold weather, noise and allergens, uneven ground, and physical demands (e.g., moving, transporting items up to 40 pounds) may occur.
Administrative Relationship County Extension Directors are administratively responsible to the Associate Director of their Region.
Qualifications
Required:
Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Appropriate fields of study include Adult and Continuing Education, Public Administration, Educational Leadership, Business Administration, Community Development, Communications, Extension Education, or other fields related to the subject matter emphasis. Master’s degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies. Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but the degree must be completed by hire date. At least 3–5 years of supervisory experience within a complex organization with a high volume/time‑sensitive workload. Experience in shared decision‑making and working collaboratively in a team environment. Experience with human resource/personnel related activities. Experience with the use of standard office technology/software and similar management tools. Experience in the management of fiscal and budgetary matters.
Preferred:
Experience in needs assessment, program development/delivery, teaching, marketing, and/or program evaluation. Experience in the area of grant management and developing external funding opportunities. Experience with facilities management.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of skills needed to work and supervise in communities with different cultural and social backgrounds.
Additional Information This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. The position is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible, non‑tenure academic professional position appointed on a 12‑month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Salary range is $72,000 to $99,000. Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.
Accommodations Statement Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity.
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Specific Responsibilities
Provide administrative supervision of all unit staff including educators and civil service employees.
Ensure that job descriptions are developed and that annual performance appraisals of academic and non‑academic staff in the unit are held and documented. Performance evaluations of academic staff will be a shared responsibility with Regional Directors and/or Program Leaders.
Participate in the County Director professional development program offerings and seek additional opportunities to maintain professional competence.
Facilitate the professional development of all staff in the unit.
Assist and collaborate with unit staff to develop a plan for recruitment, training, support and recognition of volunteers.
Implement and comply with University of Illinois and Extension policies and rules, federal and state personnel regulations, and labor contracts.
Ensure compliance with University of Illinois Extension Civil Rights, affirmative action plan and equal employment opportunity program.
Ensure onboarding of all new staff in the unit.
Conduct staff and unit team meetings as appropriate to enhance team performance.
Fiscal Management
Prepare budget, operate within budget guidelines, assure funds are distributed in accordance with fiscal policies and requirements and oversee all grants to the unit.
Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with University of Illinois and Extension policies and reporting requirements.
Work with the Extension Council, other volunteers and local entities to educate stakeholders of the value of University of Illinois Extension’s programs in order to secure financial resources for the unit.
Ensure that adequate funds are available to meet the financial and human resource goals of the unit.
Facilities Management
Provide leadership in securing adequate field office facilities, including off‑site facilities as necessary.
Ensure Extension offices and program delivery sites meet ADA requirements and other related guidelines.
Manage the unit office facilities, including relations with the lessor and lease negotiation.
Procure and maintain equipment inventory and supplies.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Determine appropriate networks and legislative contacts to build effective communications about Extension’s mission with key individuals and groups within the unit.
Communicate and identify in‑service needs for all employee groups in the unit and make recommendations to the Regional Director for appropriate training.
Effectively communicate program initiative concerns to Program Leaders and Regional Directors.
Communicate to the Regional Director the success of unit leadership and the challenges within the unit.
Effectively work to resolve conflicts constructively and implement positive solutions to challenges.
Maintain effective communication about the unit regarding program, fiscal and personnel management with the Regional Director.
Respond to all forms of communication in a timely manner.
Program Management
Work with staff and stakeholders to assess local needs and identify program priorities within the unit using data.
Ensure inclusion of all audiences to achieve parity while strengthening relationships with existing clientele.
Demonstrate support of statewide initiatives by working with Program Leaders and unit staff in needs assessment, program planning, implementation and evaluation.
Work with Regional Directors, Program Leaders and unit staff to develop new unit level programs and improve existing programs.
Provide initiatives and opportunities to further interdisciplinary program planning and development in the unit.
Provide program impact results to local groups, decision makers and administration in an Annual Report.
Market and promote University of Illinois Extension and its educational programs.
Assist and orientate staff and Extension Councils to their respective roles in the program development process.
Organizational Leadership and Development
Participate on regional, state, or national committees and initiatives.
Engage in teamwork with other unit or regional staff.
Ensure completion of documents and reporting deadlines as required in the organization.
Communicate administrative policies and procedures to the Extension staff and Extension Council leadership and assist with their implementation.
Establish and maintain effective collaborations to enhance program partnerships.
Engage local community groups, informing them of University of Illinois Extension’s positive impact.
Provide leadership to unit staff through clear communication and articulation of unit direction and vision.
Initiate and take leadership on projects that move Extension forward.
Other Information
Local, regional, and (limited) statewide travel required; personal transportation required.
Must perform work both within an office and outside in the communities served, traveling from one location to another in a timely fashion. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Some work may be required during evenings and/or weekends. Exposure to environmental factors such as hot or cold weather, noise and allergens, uneven ground, and physical demands (e.g., moving, transporting items up to 40 pounds) may occur.
Administrative Relationship County Extension Directors are administratively responsible to the Associate Director of their Region.
Qualifications
Required:
Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Appropriate fields of study include Adult and Continuing Education, Public Administration, Educational Leadership, Business Administration, Community Development, Communications, Extension Education, or other fields related to the subject matter emphasis. Master’s degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies. Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but the degree must be completed by hire date. At least 3–5 years of supervisory experience within a complex organization with a high volume/time‑sensitive workload. Experience in shared decision‑making and working collaboratively in a team environment. Experience with human resource/personnel related activities. Experience with the use of standard office technology/software and similar management tools. Experience in the management of fiscal and budgetary matters.
Preferred:
Experience in needs assessment, program development/delivery, teaching, marketing, and/or program evaluation. Experience in the area of grant management and developing external funding opportunities. Experience with facilities management.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of skills needed to work and supervise in communities with different cultural and social backgrounds.
Additional Information This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. The position is a full‑time, benefits‑eligible, non‑tenure academic professional position appointed on a 12‑month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Salary range is $72,000 to $99,000. Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.
Accommodations Statement Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity.
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