The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to advance the organization's mission in alignment with Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Land Grant system. This role ensures the integration of vision, strategy, and community needs into impactful programs and sustainable organizational practices.
The Executive Director works in close partnership with the Board of Directors to support effective governance, policy development, and long-term strategic planning, while ensuring compliance with regulatory and system requirements.
As the organization's primary public representative and relationship builder, the Executive Director cultivates and maintains strong partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders - including staff, volunteers, board members, Cornell University partners, donors, grantors, elected officials, community leaders, and the public-to enhance visibility, trust, and support for the organization's work.
Key responsibilities include:
-Leading strategic planning, change management, and organizational performance
-Overseeing program development, evaluation, and alignment with community needs
-Ensuring financial sustainability through budgeting, fundraising, grants, and county support
-Managing organizational operations, including facilities, risk, compliance, and information systems
-Directing human resources and volunteer engagement, fostering a welcoming and high-performing culture
-Serving as a brand ambassador, effectively communicating impact and maintaining a strong public image
The Executive Director also strengthens connections with Cornell faculty, Extension networks, and system partners to leverage resources, innovation, and collaborative opportunities. Overall, the role requires a balance of leadership, relationship management, financial stewardship, and operational excellence to sustain and grow organizational impact.
Apply ByAll applications must be received on-line by
11:59 pm on November 24, 2026. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.
Required Qualifications- Master's degree with a minimum of six (6) years of related professional experience, including four (4) years in a leadership role; PhD may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
- Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, sound judgment, change management, business acumen, problem-solving, and people management skills.
- Experience within CCE, public (governmental), or nonprofit leadership.
- Demonstrated knowledge of fund development, grants, and revenue enhancement.
- Meet travel requirements of the position, including travel within the county, region, and state as needed; maintain an approved driver's license that meets insurance eligibility standards.
- Proven experience with risk management in a business environment.
- Successful track record in building and maintaining partnerships with boards, government officials, community leaders, funders, and other stakeholders.
- Technology Skills - Ability to learn and effectively use software including the internet, program related software, virtual meetings, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Work Environment - In addition to the Working Conditions; the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position works in a typical office environment.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience within Cornell Cooperative Extension, public (governmental), or nonprofit leadership.
- Knowledge or understanding of one or more Cornell Cooperative Extension key priority areas 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.
Position Responsibilities & Essential FunctionsProgram Responsibilities:
Program Assessment and Development - 0%Program Delivery, Evaluation and Applied Research - 0%Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction and Management - 90%Vision, Mission, and Strategies- CCE Mission: Deep understanding and application of Land Grant and CCE mission/history.
- CCE Resources: Familiarity with and effective utilization of system initiatives and resources.
- Local Context: Effective management of community needs, resources, and stakeholder perceptions.
- Strategic Planning: Lead collaborative strategic planning and implementation with Board and staff to meet ongoing challenges.
- Change Leadership & Goal Attainment: Lead change; achieve strategic goals.
Governance & Board Relations- Board Governance & Partnership: Cultivates a positive, collaborative relationship with the Board and actively supports the Board's effective governance and leadership responsibilities.
- Policy Development & Compliance: Identify policy and operational needs. Work in concert with Board for review and approval, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and system regulations.
Marketing and Public Image- Ambassador: Act as primary brand ambassador and public face of the organization, responsible for driving public perception to align with the mission.
- Public Relations: Represent the organization at various functions, meetings, and events.
- Communicating Value: Lead Association efforts to articulate program impact and organizational effectiveness with a variety of stakeholders.
- Relationship Management: Cultivate key partnerships and relationships with grantors, donors, elected officials, community members, and the media to enhance the organization's reputation.
- Marketing/Social Media: Oversee digital communication platforms, to include, but not limited to, website, social media sites, or blogs; monitors content and use for appropriateness and alignment with mission and goals.
- Brand compliance with University/CCE standards: Adhere to brand standards as outlined by Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Fund Development: Responsible for setting fundraising strategy, cultivating supporters, and ensuring financial sustainability.
- County Support: Responsible for managing county appropriation and resources processes.
- Fund Development: Aligns fund development efforts with strategic goals and board priorities.
- Grants and Contracts: Secures revenue sources aligned with Board priorities.
- Donor/Grantor Relationships: Manage relationships with donors, grantors, and contributors.
Fiscal Management- Budgeting: Develop and utilize budgets to support priorities.
- Accounting & Financial Oversight: Ensure compliance with financial policies, practices and internal controls. Communicate financial reports and information to appropriate stakeholders.
- Monitoring & Grant Management: Manage financial requirements of all funders.
- Compliance: Ensure compliance with audits and internal reviews.
Program Direction & Oversight- Ensure all program areas are:
- Aligned with the mission, values, and goals of the Association and the Cornell Cooperative Extension system (CCE) utilizing resources from Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration and the Land Grant system.
- Developed with clear program objectives, outcomes, and activities that address identified community needs utilizing the Extension logic model and annual Plans of Work.
- Regularly evaluated and reviewed by stakeholder and advisory committee feedback to drive continuous program improvement and innovation.
- Planned to include subject-matter experts from Cornell and other institutions to support program development and delivery.
- Documented and reported using metrics that include program outcomes and program participation. Metrics must be submitted and signed off in the CCE Program Development and Reporting system.
Management Oversight and Utilization of Facilities including Asset Management- Facilities Management: Provide oversight and appropriate utilization of rented and/or owned facilities that supports the Associations mission and program work plans.
- Asset Management: Ensure proper stewardship of physical assets including managing necessary upkeep, repairs and replacement as needed. Maintain physical assets that promote a safe programming and workplace environment.
- Risk Management & Emergency Preparedness: Implement comprehensive risk policies; ensures insurance and legal compliance. Takes primary responsibility for Association Emergency Response Plan.
- Records Management: Ensures adequate records and systems are maintained that support daily functions of the Association and comply with state, federal, and other applicable laws and contractual requirements.
Human Resources: Oversees all human resources operations of the Association.
- Workforce Planning and Recruitment: Recruits, hires, and onboards qualified staff; proactively ensures the Association has the workforce to meet business objectives. Ensures compliance with classification standards.
- Policy & Legal Compliance: Implement and manage human resources policies established by the Board of Directors, by Cornell Cooperative Extension, or by state or federal law.
- Staff Performance & Supervision: Lead staff development and supervision. Ensure annual performance evaluation process is conducted. Supervise direct reports. Provide direct feedback on performance through formal and informal channels.
- Continuous Learning: Develop and uphold a culture of continuous learning. Develop professional development initiatives to ensure staff have the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively carry out their jobs.
Volunteer Engagement: Cultivates a culture of connection and collaboration between the organization and its volunteers, fostering mutual respect, belonging, and shared purpose. Provides strategic oversight of the Association's volunteer management system and operations.
- Volunteer Involvement Policies & Procedures: Ensures compliance with policies and practices that reflect organizational values, meet CCE Administration and risk management guidelines (VIPP), and strengthen volunteer engagement.
- Volunteer Relationships & Community Building: Champions a culture that attracts and retains volunteers through authentic relationship-building. Supports staff who lead recruitment, onboarding, and performance feedback, and when necessary, transition processes for volunteers whose conduct or contributions are not aligned with organizational values - ensuring all actions are handled with fairness, transparency, and respect.
- Volunteer Experience & Support: Guides and supports staff in ensuring volunteers have the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to make meaningful contributions.
Information Technology Acumen- Ensures compliance with Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, and applicable legal, regulatory, and funder requirements for information technology, cybersecurity, data stewardship, records management, and protection of University and Association information assets, including participation in required governance, policies, procedures, compliance, continuity, training, and risk management activities.
- Collaborates with Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration, CALS and Cornell IT partners, SBN IT staff, and local Association staff to lead and support secure, sustainable, and modern technology systems and improvement initiatives that enhance service delivery, organizational effectiveness, and stewardship of Association and University resources.
Cornell University/Cooperative Extension Connections- Campus Engagement: Builds collaborative relationships with Cornell faculty and staff; connects community needs with Cornell resources; and actively participates in Extension system gatherings, including Executive Leadership Conferences, professional development opportunities, and regional Extension system meetings.
Other- Work flexible hours which includes evenings and/or weekends to meet organizational and community needs.
- Maintain a strong physical presence in the Association and the count(y/ies) to build connections with staff, constituencies, local organizations and community leaders, as outlined by the Board of Directors.
Coordination and 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- Lead the Association's efforts 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 when identified.
Policy - Applied to all duties and functions- Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Saratoga County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
- Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.
