OverviewThe Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University, is seeking a dynamic
County Extension Director to provide visionary leadership, oversee county-level programs, and serve the citizens of Lowndes County.
This individual will build partnerships and collaborate with multiple entities to deliver research-based educational opportunities that transform lives and communities. The County Extension Director is a community-based professional of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) who knows and represents the research-based resources and other resources available through Alabama A&M University and Auburn University. They are recognized as a community leader who addresses the contemporary challenges, issues, and opportunities facing the citizens of the county through university programs and knowledge.
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ResponsibilitiesProgram Competence and Capacity- Learns major programs and resources available across program areas (Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Human Sciences, 4-H and Community & Economic Development) to become actively involved in serving traditional audiences and new audiences in and outside the office.
- Develops leadership and engagement skills to be confident and credible when engaging communities of place, practice, interest, and identity across a broad spectrum of issues.
- Functions as a member of the County 4-H Team and contributes administrative and programmatic support.
- Maintains a subject matter emphasis related to one of four major program areas and participates in the appropriate priority program team (PPT).
- Participates in professional development related to educational programming, county office administration, customer service, and public relations and marketing.
County Office Administration- Serves as ACES primary representative in the county and develops an ethic of customer service as the front-door to the state's land grant universities.
- Responsible for the recruitment, hiring, supervision, professional development, mentoring and performance assessment of administrative support position, agent assistants, 4-H Extension Agents (4-H EA), and potentially an administrative professional position or temporary staff.
- Responsible for the daily operation of the office, including staffing, scheduling, promoting a positive culture, and teamwork within and outside the office.
- Responsible for county budget administration and the interface with County Commissions and municipalities to provide local support for office space, utilities, equipment, and program supplies.
- Ensures compliance with laws, statutes, and University policy that regulate the handling of public funds and program implementation.
- Understands, implements, and promotes EEO, ADA, Civil Rights, and other affirmative action policies and procedures within the County Extension Office and in the countywide community.
Program Leadership- Provides leadership for county program initiatives, a balanced and comprehensive county plan-of-work, some program delivery related to subject matter emphasis, to ensure county office is current on programs and resources.
- Serves as role model for others in using innovative and creative approaches to program development and delivery.
- Organizes a County Extension Advisory Committee and provides leadership in analyzing and interpreting information to assess needs through stakeholder input.
- Meets regularly with colleagues across multiple counties (region) to share needs assessment results, coordinate programs, and establish priorities and new initiatives.
- Cooperates and informs Extension Agents, State Extension Specialists, and appropriate Assistant Director for Programs and Assistant Director for Field Operations and has a positive working relationship with staff and clients in region and PPT.
- Manages local data collection in line with program area requirements. Prepares an evaluation and success stories of delivered educational programs focused on short, intermediate, and long-term outcomes and impacts.
Program Management and Marketing- Provides leadership to develop working relationships with local stakeholder groups, organizations, and agencies and to function as ambassador for ACES.
- Follows appropriate fiscal management for programmatic needs and appropriately administers the resources and completes all system reports when due.
- Secures resources (volunteers, contracts, grants, fees, and donations) to support local and priority programs and initiatives within county and may participate in grant funded projects led by State Extension Specialists.
- Utilizes multiple delivery modes to include face-to-face interactions, printed materials, online and digital formats that provide greater audience access, quick delivery of information, and convenience.
- Serves as the primary contact for all forms of traditional and social media to disseminate information and market programs and has a professional presence in major forms of media.
- Identifies innovative ways to engage targeted under-served and under-represented audiences.
- Builds programmatic partnerships and networks to multiply organizational capacity.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in discipline related to extension programming.
- 7 years of experience in teaching and the delivery of educational programs. Experience with fiscal management and business operations.
- 3 years of experience in supervising full-time employees OR completion of both the Leading Self and Leading People Leadership Programs, or equivalent.
OR- Master's degree in discipline related to extension programming.
- 5 years of experience in teaching and the delivery of educational programs. Experience with fiscal management and business operations.
- 1 year of experience in supervising full-time employees OR completion of both the Leading Self and Leading People Leadership Programs, or equivalent.
- Valid driver's license required upon hire
Budgeted salary for this position: $67,900-$101,850
Contract TypeContinuing
Posted Date9/30/2026
