Director (Area Extension Director)
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Title: Director
Functional Title: Area Extension Director
Position Number: Multiple Positions
Category Status: Exempt Staff, Regular, Full-Time
Unit: AGNR-UME-Multiple Locations
University of Maryland Extension is seeking to fill two (2) Area Extension Director positions, with one position at each of the following county Extension office locations:
• Central Cluster (Position 103390) - This Office is located in Ellicott City, MD, and provides
programming to the Central Maryland Cluster, which includes Montgomery, Howard, and Frederick Counties.
• Northern Cluster (Position 103609) - This office is located negotiable within the three counties and provides programming to Baltimore, Carroll, and Harford Counties.
When applying to this posting, applicants are encouraged to indicate all location preference (s).
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The Area Extension Director will serve as the administrative leader and director of three county offices located within the Central or Northern Cluster providing day to day supervision and administration within each of the county offices. The Area Extension Director serves as the liaison between the University of Maryland Extension administration and county governments, provides logistical coordination for local programming, manages fiscal, personnel and facilities operations at the local level and provides leadership for public relations/marketing efforts. In carrying out these duties, the individual reports to the Assistant Director of Operations. This position has no program supervision responsibilities.
Responsibilities:
Fiscal Management: With assistance from the Assistant Director of Operations office and Administrative Services office prepare annual budget request for submission to the county (with a goal of increasing county funding) and submit copies of approved county appropriations to Administrative Services. Monitor all accounts on a monthly basis to ensure accounts are within the approved budget. Monitor all office expenditures, including but not limited to, postage, office supplies and travel. Identify grant proposal opportunities and external funding partnerships/collaborations that increase financial support. Provide leadership for county faculty and staff to write, submit, and manage grant funds. Manage equipment inventory by keeping accurate reports and filing them on time.
Personnel Management: Coordinate, plan and request county staffing needs and manage employee contracts through the Assistant Director of Operations office. Provide on-boarding and training to new faculty and staff for all aspects regarding organizational functions. Review faculty Individual Extension Plans for accuracy and completeness with regard to identified state program initiatives. Collaborate with Program Leaders to conduct the annual faculty review. Facilitate annual Performance Review and Development process for support staff. Schedule and lead monthly faculty/staff meetings; assure an equitable and appropriate working environment; assure that policies of the University, and county are understood and followed. Review and approve time and attendance for faculty and staff. Attend various compliance training meetings with faculty and staff.
County Government and Community Partner Relations: Facilitate and strengthen working relationship between county government offices and UME county offices. Provide training to county agencies/organizations on leadership and community development as requested. Serve on local boards and agencies with the intent to connect them to UME programs where appropriate. Coordinate space and facility requirements with county officials and landlords.
Program Coordination/Public Relations: Coordinate an Extension Advisory Committee which is reflective of county demographics. Schedule and facilitate quarterly Extension Advisory Committee, working with the chairperson and in accordance with their bylaws. Work with faculty, the Extension Advisory Committee members, and other community leaders to develop a strategic plan to assess and meet local needs. Work with the Extension Advisory Committee, Faculty and Staff to develop and implement a county marketing plan to include an annual report and other resources to market the goals and impacts of Extension’s educational programming in each county. Understand the University of Maryland Extension Volunteer Policies to provide support to the faculty and staff who have volunteer programs, including recruitment efforts. Facilitate the maintenance of Affirmative Action files and assist faculty and program staff with Affirmative Action issues.
Service: Serve on local, regional, college and non-University community committees; provide leadership for committees, professional associations and special assignments.
Qualifications:
Required –
• M.S. degree in public administration, business administration, agribusiness, natural resources
management, organizational leadership or related fields.
• Five years of experience in management, agribusiness, non-profit, government, program
development, education or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience with fiscal management, in particular budget preparation and account
tracking.
• Demonstrated experience in personnel management to include coaching and mentoring.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage an organization engaged in delivering services to the
public.
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining organizational policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, communicate clearly, and interact with
a variety of audiences.
• Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through
Extension program model.
• The ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and some weekends. Must be able to travel
within the state, have personal transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland
Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the
Criminal History Record Check.
Preferred –
• Experience in working with volunteers, boards, councils or elected officials and other stakeholders.
• Experience in working with grants.
• Experience with fundraising and the acquisition of extramural funds.
Physical Demands of the Position:
• This position is the Administrative Leader of three offices, and will travel extensively throughout
the three-county area dividing time between all the offices on a weekly basis, with periodic travel
to meetings, trainings, and events throughout the state. Work is primarily performed in an office
environment based on the demands of business that day. Evening and weekend work is required
and may occur several times per month.
• The position will frequently exchange information through verbal and written communication, with individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Visual acuity is required to review and/or analyze written reports, spreadsheets, data and figures
for accuracy. This position will also research information and prepare written materials and
presentations for annual reports, budget presentations, and/or Advisory Council or staff meetings.
Extensive viewing of a computer screen is normal.
• Ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages, and other items (up to 20 lbs.) between offices.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
Applications:
All candidates must apply online at http://ejobs.umd.edu. A complete application packet includes a letter of application, a current resume, copies of transcripts, and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Closing Date: For best consideration, apply by July 15, 2022 or until an acceptable candidate is
identified.
Vaccine Protocol
The University of Maryland has made the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our
surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University System of Maryland (USM) recently announced that students, faculty, and staff on USM campuses this fall, including UMD, are required to be vaccinated against COVID. As a prospective and/or a new employee at UMD, you will be required to comply with the University's vaccination protocol. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment in order to work at any University of Maryland location. Prospective or new employees may seek a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement at return.umd.edu and must have an approved exemption prior to the start of their employment. Failure to provide proof of vaccination or to obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,
complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The
University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate
on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental
disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual
orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of
rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and
activities, and admissions.