"Alerted.org

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 Delaware County is a NYS subordinate governmental agency, under the oversight of Cornell University, with an annual operation budget of $3.1 million dollars, with approximately 21 staff and 77 4-H and 40 Master Gardener 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 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 Delaware County.

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.; a valid NYS driver's 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 organization's 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

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

+ High-level supervisory experience in a multi-layer, mission-driven organization with significant outside partnerships.

+ Track record of building and guiding the organizational public image, giving voice to organizational priorities and values. Experience with non-profit, accrual basis of accounting is desirable.

Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions

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 Association’s finances (and fiscal stewardship), human resources (staff and volunteers), technology, marketing/communications, facilities, and risk management functions.

+ Directly negotiate and assume lead to ensure contractual obligations are carried out as per agreements executed between CCEDC and Watershed partners.

Management - 45%

+ 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.

+ 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.

+ Lead the development of staff professional development plans and an overall plan for the association to promote professional growth across all positions.

Coordination/Operation - 5%

+ Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.

+ Review and approve time off requests for direct reports.

Professional Improvement - 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

+ Support 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.

+ This position is a full-time, exempt, 100% FTE. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, NYS retirement, vacation and sick leave.

Job Title:

Association Exec Director

Level:

No Grade - Annual

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Jacquelyn VanLoan

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.

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.