Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cortland County Executive Director – Cortland, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. Rooted in every county of the state, CCE Associations bring local experience and research-based solutions together, helping New York state families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

CCE of Cortland County is a NYS subordinate governmental agency, under the oversight of Cornell University, with an annual operation budget of one million dollars, with approximately 7 year-round staff, 13 seasonal staff, and 55 volunteers.

The Executive Director provides overall leadership for the Association — setting local program priorities in collaboration with the Board of Directors. This position also ensures equitable, diverse, and inclusive programs and practices, operational compliance and risk management, fiscal oversight, and effective people management. The Executive Director successfully navigates competing priorities while also building and maintaining tactful, collaborative relationships with multiple audiences. This position can sometimes be “hands-on” with no task too big or too small to tackle, helping to ensure constituents value the expertise and vital work of CCE of Cortland County.

The Executive Director is expected to provide high-level program development and delivery for the Association Programs within Cornell and local policy direction.

This position also supports the Shared Business Network (SBN) by engaging decision makers locally, regionally within the SBN, and at Cornell in order to be effective in providing leadership for staff that work to back-office functions in the areas of Finance, HR, and IT. The Executive Director develops and maintains effective working relationships among the staff, other Extension Associations, the Central Region Shared Business Network, Extension Administration, Cornell faculty, and stakeholders.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS: PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

All applicants must apply online by close of day on October 31, 2024 to be considered for this position. All applicants must complete an application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references .

All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the “APPLY” button located within this job posting.

All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/.

Please contact the CCE Office at 607-391-2660 with questions.

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a full-time, exempt position, 100% FTE. The annual salary for this position is $80,000.00 to $85,000.00 commensurate with experience. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, retirement, vacation, sick and personal leave.

POSITION INFORMATION:

Required Qualifications:

Master’s Degree plus a minimum of six (6) years of related experience, including four (4) years in a leadership capacity. A PhD may substitute for 1 year of experience.

Commitment to working with diverse populations, contributing to organizational diversity efforts, and/or evidence of cultural competence.

Ability to meet the regular travel requirements associated with this position.; ability to travel between multiple locations for business purposes.; a valid NYS drivers license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for Association insurance coverage are required.

Ability to demonstrate engagement in the association by regularly providing in-person organizational leadership and oversight.

A commitment to being a strong physical presence in the county to build community connections with constituencies, local organizations and community leaders.

Ability to work flexible hours which includes evenings and/or weekends.

Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.

Knowledge – Knowledge or understanding of one or more key CCE issues including: agriculture and food systems; community and economic vitality; environment & natural resources sustainable energy and climate change; nutrition, food safety and security and obesity prevention; 4-H youth development and strengthening families.

Leadership – Inspires and motivates others to perform; inspires respect and trust; provides vision; displays passion and optimism; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.

Strategic Thinking – Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organizations strengths & weaknesses; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.

Judgment – Displays willingness to make timely decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; ensures compliance standards are met; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process.

Change Management – Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results.

Business Acumen – Understands business implications of decisions; aligns work with strategic goals; works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; conserves organizational resources. Embraces and develops competency in software and data management tools (financial systems, HR systems, etc.).

Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations and builds consensus.

Managing People – Provides regular performance feedback; develops subordinates skills and encourages growth, delegates work assignments; sets expectations and monitors designated activities; provides recognition for results.

Work Environment – In addition to the Working Conditions; the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position works in a typical office environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience within CCE, public (governmental), or nonprofit leadership.

Demonstrated knowledge of fund development, grants, and revenue enhancement.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Responsibilities:

​Development – 10%

Provide overall program leadership in the application of subject matter knowledge to develop educational strategies for Association programs.

Develop relationships with partner agencies, organizations, youth-based groups, industries, and community leaders in order to obtain their assistance in program development.

Based on program evaluation data, formulate and implement specific strategies to improve overall program quality, deliverables and impact and meet the need of diverse program participants.

Research, identify and select existing resources for use in program offerings.

Ensure that program development and program structure are within both the Association and the state-wide Plan of Work and that they meet the diverse needs of program participants.

Maintain direct connection with Cornell University faculty and other Land Grant Universities as appropriate, for guidance in program development.

Develop/create high quality educational program materials to address the needs of the program and program participants for Association programs using proven educational methodologies as well as innovative techniques to reach diverse target populations within the community and region.

​Delivery – 5%

Provide overall program leadership to foster acceptance of programs, methods and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.

Provide overall program leadership in the delivery of innovative and multi-disciplinary program efforts utilizing a variety of teaching methods, including formal and informal workshops, seminars, social and mass media consistent with identified educational needs.

Provide overall program leadership to ensure program delivery is within the scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.

Consult and utilize target audiences/stakeholders, collaborators, organizations, agencies, government, and other key partners in program delivery efforts.

Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty, program units and other Land Grant Universities as appropriate for program delivery guidance.

Provide limited direct programming for Association programs as required.

Evaluation – 5%

Provide overall program leadership in the application of subject matter knowledge to evaluate educational programming.

Provide overall program leadership in the design and creation of program evaluation framework.

Implement program evaluation and analyze collected program evaluation data.

Communicate evaluation results and findings to constituents as appropriate.

Ensure program evaluation is within the scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction – 45%

Working with the Board of Directors, encourage and ensure engagement with the CCE mission, vision, and values; guide the development of the Association’s Plan of Work, strategic plans, goals, and objectives.

Oversee the process of interpreting the Association and University program direction to assess, develop, plan and evaluate educational programs which are reflective of the needs and demographics of the local citizens and communities. Facilitate connections between University staff/faculty and Association program staff. Evaluate the needs for expansion, reduction, or termination of programs.

Develop and expand relationships with local, county, or federal governments, key elected officials, Cornell University, other CCE Associations, agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders that help advance the mission and goals of CCE.

Guide the development of the Associations finances (and fiscal stewardship), human resources (staff and volunteers), technology, marketing/communications, facilities, and risk management functions.

Management – 30%

Lead the daily operations of the Association through its leadership, supervisors, and staff.

Frequently inform, negotiate, and collaborate with the Association Board of Directors and Cornell University on Association matters and decisions when needed or required.

Lead the implementation of the Association’s strategic plan.

Oversee programs to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives.

Maintain and develop revenue streams to sustain and grow Association programming through a diversified fund development plan such as appropriations, grants, contracts, capital campaigns, foundations, individual donors, corporate support, bequests, etc.

Represent the Association before a variety of constituencies including alumni, friends, clientele, corporations, and foundations.

Strengthen and support Association volunteer recruitment, management, and recognition.

Carry out supervisory responsibilities either directly or through subordinate supervisors.

Ensure positive program, employee, and volunteer relations.

Ensure Association finances (and fiscal stewardship), human resources, technology, marketing/communications, and risk management functions are managed appropriately and in accordance with CCE standards.

Ensure all Association activities and operations are carried out in compliance with CCE policy, local, state, and federal regulations and laws.

Participate as a collaborative member in the Central Shared Business Network Administrative Management (AMG) group.

Oversee the maintenance of Association facilities and assets, such as property, vehicles, etc.

Lead the Association in ensuring that all data and information collected, accessed and/or maintained remains confidential to the extend required by policy, regulations and/or laws.

Oversee the 4-H Camp Owahta program and facilities and provide support to the Camp Director in leading the direction of camp.

Provide leadership to support the 4-H Junior Fair.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

In cooperation with 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.

Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions.

Lead the Associations efforts 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 when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy – Applied to all duties and functions.

Ensure equal program and employment opportunities within the Association.

Lead and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.

Seek out and assign professional development opportunities designed to increase awareness and skills in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences; lead local efforts to accomplish the same.

Lead and ensure adherence to established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Cortland County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.

Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Job Title:

Association Exec Director

Level:

No Grade – Annual

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Jerilynn Cross

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 (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . 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.