Description:

County Extension Director (serving Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Pope, Saline and White Counties) and Director of Dixon Springs Agricultural Center (DSAC) - 118436

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES)

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.

Everything the College of ACES does is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders.

Be a part of our story. University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. We offer relevant and timely educational programs and services to residents in all of Illinois’ 102 counties and far beyond. We are extending knowledge and changing lives.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The County Extension Director and Director of DSAC will provide leadership to the educational missions of the local multi-county unit and DSAC, and communicate the educational and research missions of the multi-county unit, DSAC, and University of Illinois Extension and Outreach. This includes local program management, Extension and DSAC civil service personnel management, interpersonal effectiveness, organizational leadership and development, and fiscal and financial management. This position will report to the Regional Director for Region 3 and will work closely with the Associate Dean for Extension and Outreach and the Associate Dean for Research to promote DSAC initiatives. This position is a 100% administrative position.

Specific responsibilities of the County Extension Director and Director of DSAC are as follows:

Personnel Management:

• Provide administrative supervision of all unit staff including educators and civil service employees, as well as academic professionals and civil service employees of DSAC reporting to the County Director/Director of DSAC.
• Ensure that job descriptions are developed and that annual performance appraisals of academic and non-academic staff in the unit and DSAC are held and documented. Performance evaluations of academic staff will be shared responsibility with Regional Directors, Program Leaders, and/or Associate Dean for Research as appropriate, with all reviewers honoring confidentiality throughout the process.
• Participate in County Director professional development program offerings and seek additional opportunities to maintain professional competence.
• Facilitate the professional development of all staff in the unit and DSAC.
• Assist and collaborate with unit staff and DSAC staff to develop a plan for recruitment, training, support, and recognition of volunteers.
• Implement and comply with University of Illinois and Illinois Extension and Outreach 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 and DSAC.
• Conduct all staff, unit team, and DSAC team meetings as appropriate to enhance and coordinate strong team performance.

Fiscal Management:

• Prepare a budget, operate within budget guidelines, assure funds are distributed in accordance with fiscal policies and requirements and oversee all grants to the unit and DSAC.*
• Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with University of Illinois Extension and Outreach 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.
• Coordinate a DSAC Advisory Committee to garner financial resources for DSAC and engage in fundraising as needed to advance and develop the unit and DSAC.
• Ensure that adequate funds are available to meet the financial and human resource goals of the unit and DSAC, including pursuit of grants, donations, and in-kind gifts.

Facilities Management:

• Provide leadership in securing adequate field office facilities, including off-site facilities as necessary.
• Ensure Extension and DSAC 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.
• Manage the DSAC facilities, including collaborating with the Associate Dean for Research on building maintenance, repair, expansion, and usage.
• Coordinate unit and DSAC facilities management with the Manager of the Beef Cattle operations, including communicating with the Head, Department of Animal Sciences as appropriate.
• 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 and DSAC.
• Communicate and identify in-service needs for all employee groups in the unit and DSAC and make recommendations to the Regional Director for appropriate training.
• Effectively communicate program initiative concerns to Program Leaders and Regional Directors for the unit and to Associate Dean for Research for DSAC.
• Communicate to the Regional Director the success of unit leadership and the challenges within the unit and to the Associate Dean for Research activities of DSAC.
• Effectively work to resolve conflicts constructively and implement positive solutions to challenges.
• Maintain effective communication about the unit and DSAC regarding program, fiscal and personnel management with the Regional Director and Associate Dean for Research.
• Respond to all forms of communication in a timely manner.

Program Management:

• Work with staff and stakeholders, including but not limited to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development, U.S. Forest Service, U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service, area community colleges and state universities, etc., to assess local needs and strategically identify program priorities within the unit and DSAC using data.
• Ensure inclusion of new and diverse 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 both for the unit and for DSAC.
• Provide initiatives and opportunities to further interdisciplinary program planning, development, and integration within the unit and between the unit and DSAC.
• Provide program impact results to local groups, decision makers and administration in an Annual Report.
• Market and promote University of Illinois Extension and Outreach and DSAC and its educational programs.
• Assist and orient staff, the Extension Council and Advisory Committee to their respective roles in the program development process.
• Facilitate research within the unit and DSAC and/or engage in research as needed to further programs of the unit and DSAC.

Organizational Leadership and Development:

• Participate on regional, state, or national committees and initiatives.
• Engage in teamwork with all unit, DSAC, and regional staff.
• Ensure completion of documents and reporting deadlines as required in the organization.
• Communicate administrative policies and procedures to the Extension and DSAC staff, Extension Council leadership and Advisory Committee leadership and assist with their implementation.
• Establish and maintain effective collaborations to enhance program partnerships.
• Engage local community groups through community outreach efforts, informing them of University of Illinois Extension’s and DSAC’s positive impacts.
• Provide leadership to unit and DSAC staff through clear communication and articulation of unit and DSAC direction and vision.
• Initiate and take leadership on projects that move Extension and DSAC forward.

Other Information:

• Local, regional, and statewide travel required; personal transportation required.
• To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served, and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, lifting and moving items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. More detailed information regarding the functions of this position (including the physical, mental and environmental requirements of the position) may be obtained from Human Resources for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) by contacting hr@aces.illinois.edu.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

All candidates must hold a M.S. degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in a relevant field complementary with Illinois Extension and the College of ACES. Candidates must have at least 3 to 5 years of supervisory experience within a complex organization with a high volume/time sensitive workload. Candidates must have experience in shared decision making and working collaboratively as a team, experience with human resources/personnel related activities, and experience in fiscal management and budgetary matters. A valid driver’s license is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Desired qualifications include a Ph.D. degree and/or interdisciplinary training with related teaching and/or research experience. Experience in needs assessment, program development/delivery, teaching, marketing, and/or program evaluation is desired. Experience with grant management, facilities management, use of standard office technology/software, and external fundraising are preferred.

ABOUT THE UNIT AND DSAC

Illinois Extension Unit 24 is located in the southeastern part of the state and includes Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Pope, Saline, and White Counties. The DSAC is located near Simpson, Illinois, in Pope County. It is the largest experiment station of its kind east of the Mississippi River. Located on about 5,100 acres of unglaciated Ozark Uplift land, DSAC links research, teaching, and extension. Researchers at DSAC coordinate programs to meet needs of area residents, including cattle research, pest management, horticulture, and other topics.

LOCATION

The County Extension Director and Director of DSAC will be located at the DSAC facility (Simpson, IL) and will be expected to travel throughout the multi-county Extension Unit. This is a full-time administrative position with responsibility for leading Illinois Extension Unit 24 and DSAC.

SALARY

Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

PROPOSED START DATE

As soon after October 15 as a suitable candidate is identified and available.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To ensure full consideration, candidates should apply by Thursday, August 22, 2019. Please create your candidate profile at https://go.illinois.edu/118436 and upload a letter of application/interest, curriculum vita and contact information for three (3) professional references (include name, title, address, phone, fax, email) by Thursday, August 22, 2019. Resume dates must be in month/year format and employment history, at a minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of your undergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must be noted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be given full consideration.

This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. All appointments require Board of Trustees approval.

For additional information or discussion, please contact Mr. Joe Toman, Search Committee Chair via e-mail (tomanj@illinois.edu). For technical assistance with the online application process please email jobs@ illinois.edu.

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. To learn more about the University’s commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu.

College Name or Administrative Unit:ACES - Extension Category:9-Off-Campus Title:County Extension Director and Director of Dixon Springs Agricultural Center - University of Illinois Extension (118436) Open Date:07/17/2019 Close Date:08/22/2019 Organization Name:Unit 24