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MODEL POSITION DESCRIPTION

COUNTY EXTENSION DIRECTOR

ADMINISTRATIVE RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to the regional director. Provides administrative leadership to the professional county staff. Has supervisory responsibility for clerical and support staff members. Serves as CES department head within the county government structure.
 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Is responsible for providing leadership for the overall planning, development, execution, reporting and evaluation of the county Extension program; for administration and management of the county CES; and for conducting educational programs in specific program areas. Position functions include:
 

• Works with county staff members in utilizing short-term and long-range program planning to develop plans of work which reflect annual priorities for the county as well as state and federal CES commitments.
  
  
• Provides leadership for the development and successful operation of an overall county advisory council and leadership development program.
  
  
• Coordinates the county staff's issue identification process.
  
  
• Provides leadership for effective Extension programs. Monitors and guides programming efforts of staff for relevance, completeness and effectiveness.
  
  
• Coordinates the preparation of annual reports and other reports of activity and accomplishment for the public, county government and CES administration.
  
  
• Works with county staff members to assure compliance with equal employment, affirmative action and other civil rights requirements.
  
  
• Shares responsibility with county staff members for meeting MSU/CES commitments to diversity/pluralism at the county level.
  
  
• Serves as spokesperson for the county CES program, establishes a harmonious and productive work environment, and creates and maintains positive public relations for CES at the local level.
  
  
• Develops county CES budget requests. Manages county CES budget and monitors expenditures according to established organizational procedures.
  
  
• Shares with county staff members the preparation of requests for special funding, contracts and grants, and develops proposals that enhance programs and the organizational mission at the county level.
  
  
• Procures office space, equipment and supplies.
  
  
• Provides leadership for the selection, orientation and performance appraisal of county professional staff members according to established organizational procedures. Has input into the selection process for provost-appointed staff members.
  
  
• Is responsible for personnel management for county clerical and support staff members.
  
  
• Works toward resolution of disagreements and problem relationships within the county.
  
  
• Participates in professional development activities to maintain effectiveness in leadership and management roles and to maintain a disciplinary competence in the educational role.
  
  
• Carries out an effective educational program in one or more identified program areas as approved by the regional director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Attainment of at least a bachelor's degree (master's desirable) in an area directly related to fulfilling the responsibilities of the position; minimum of three years of Cooperative Extension Service experience or equivalent position-related experience; demonstrated effective leadership ability; effective human relations and communication skills; documented understanding of and commitment to equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity/pluralism; upon employment, must maintain residence in assigned county (waiver possible under special circumstances.)