TITLE:Program Leader for Agriculture and Natural Resources
DEPARTMENT:Cooperative Extension
REPORTS TO: Associate Extension Administrator
CLASSIFICATION:Staff-12 months
EFFECTIVE DATE:TBD
STANDARD WORK HOURS:37.5 hours per week
LOCATION: On-Site Main Campus
EMPLOYMENT STATUS:Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION:Exempt
The Program Leader for Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) provides statewide leadership for Agriculture and Natural Resources programming within Kentucky State University's Cooperative Extension Program. This position is responsible for the strategic planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of statewide ANR Extension programs that address the needs of agricultural producers, landowners, communities, and other stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth.
The Program Leader provides leadership to Extension faculty and staff, develops strategic partnerships with governmental agencies, educational institutions, industry organizations, and community partners, and ensures that programs are research-based, responsive to stakeholder needs, and aligned with the University's Land Grant mission and strategic priorities.
This position requires a consistent on-campus presence while supporting statewide programming and travel throughout Kentucky.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Provides statewide leadership for Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperative Extension programming.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive strategic plan for Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension programs.
- Provides leadership, guidance, mentoring, and support to Extension faculty and staff responsible for Agriculture and Natural Resources programming.
- Oversees statewide program planning, implementation, evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships with federal, state, regional, and local agencies, educational institutions, commodity organizations, industry representatives, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders.
- Identifies emerging issues and educational needs affecting agriculture and natural resources throughout Kentucky and develops responsive educational programming.
- Coordinates professional development opportunities and training programs for Extension personnel.
- Monitors program performance, outcomes, compliance, and accountability measures.
- Assists with identifying funding opportunities and supports the development and administration of grants and cooperative agreements.
- Participates in state, regional, and national professional organizations, advisory groups, and Cooperative Extension leadership networks.
- Maintains records, prepares reports, and evaluates program effectiveness using data-informed decision making.
- Promotes excellent customer service and positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Represents Kentucky State University and Cooperative Extension at meetings, conferences, public events, and professional activities.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Demonstrated leadership and administrative experience.
- Extensive knowledge of agriculture, natural resources, and Cooperative Extension programming.
- Knowledge of Extension program planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting.
- Knowledge of agricultural production systems, natural resource management, and emerging issues affecting Kentucky agriculture.
- Ability to develop strategic partnerships and collaborative working relationships.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
- Ability to supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff.
- Ability to analyze data and use results to improve program effectiveness.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other technology used in program administration.
- Ability to travel extensively throughout Kentucky.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Valid driver's license.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- This position has supervisory responsibility for assigned Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension faculty and staff.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Performs other related duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of Kentucky State University's Cooperative Extension Program.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Agricultural Education, Agronomy, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Forestry, Agricultural Economics, or a closely related field is required.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in Cooperative Extension, agriculture, natural resources, higher education, or a related field.
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience is preferred.
- Experience with strategic planning, program evaluation, grant administration, and partnership development is preferred.
Licensing and Certifications:
- Valid Driver’s License Required.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work is performed in office, classroom, agricultural, and outdoor environments.
- Extensive statewide travel is required.
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support Extension programming and University events.
- May involve exposure to varying weather conditions, agricultural settings, and environmental conditions.
- Requires standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.
