Assistant Director of Field Operations

Auburn; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University seeks an Assistant Director for Field Operations to provide regional leadership across multi-county areas in the Northwest region. The role focuses on building collaboration, ensuring program effectiveness, and guiding extension education initiatives.

The position requires a Master’s degree in a related field and at least seven years of supervisory or leadership experience, with responsibilities including budgeting, Civil Rights compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in discipline related to extension programming.
• 7 years of experience supervising and/or leading employees or volunteers and experience leading or coordinating programs or events.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and direct supervision to County Extension Directors and co-supervision of Extension Agents.
• Create a supportive work environment by addressing employee needs, resolving conflicts, and promoting professional growth.
• Work with County Extension Directors to strengthen relationships with county commissions, community organizations, and stakeholders to enhance program impact and visibility.
• Guide regional planning, implementation, and evaluation of Extension programs that address local and statewide challenges.
• Leads program planning process within the region to include development of advisory committees and councils, annual needs assessments, plan-of-work development, implementation, and reporting.
• Support teams in identifying and securing funding through grants, contracts, public appropriations, and other revenue streams.
• Oversee compliance, budgeting, and administrative functions in coordination with ACES business offices.
• Serve as the first level reviewer of the county Civil Rights plans and annual Civil Rights desk reviews and participates in conducting internal Civil Rights reviews.
• Encourage the use of technology, social media, and digital tools to expand outreach and engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Strategic planning

Education

Master's degree in extension programming

Job description

Overview

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) is hiring an Assistant Director for Field Operations (ADFO).

Reporting to the System Associate Directors, the ADFO will provide leadership to their assigned geographic area within the ACES field operations in a multi-county region and administrative and programmatic support to extension personnel assigned to the regions in understanding, planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating an effective Extension Education Program. Responsible for regional leadership to build a culture of communication, connection, and collaboration that reinforces mutual accountability and organizational values through strong regional communities of extension personnel and support relevant programming that addresses economic and social challenges of counties, region, and state. Works in close cooperation with the Assistant Directors for Programs and is a member of the System Program Team.

This position serves in the Northwest region and includes Lauderdale, Limestone, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Morgan, Marion, Winston, Lamar, Fayette, and Walker counties.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and direct supervision to County Extension Directors and co-supervision of Extension Agents. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement by providing input and assistance to State Program Leaders, Extension Agents, and other employees within the assigned regions.
• Create a supportive work environment by addressing employee needs, resolving conflicts, and promoting professional growth.
• Work with County Extension Directors to strengthen relationships with county commissions, community organizations, and stakeholders to enhance program impact and visibility.
• Guide regional planning, implementation, and evaluation of Extension programs that address local and statewide challenges.
• Leads program planning process within the region to include development of advisory committees and councils, annual needs assessments, plan-of-work development, implementation, and reporting.
• Support teams in identifying and securing funding through grants, contracts, public appropriations, and other revenue streams.
• Oversee compliance, budgeting, and administrative functions in coordination with ACES business offices.
• Serve as the first level reviewer of the county Civil Rights plans and annual Civil Rights desk reviews and participates in conducting internal Civil Rights reviews.
• Encourage the use of technology, social media, and digital tools to expand outreach and engagement.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in discipline related to extension programming.
• 7 years of experience in supervising and/or leading employees or volunteers and experience leading or coordinating programs or events.

Expectations

• Demonstrated success in supervising and mentoring staff, including performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and professional development.
• Proven track record in program development, implementation, and evaluation at the community or regional level.
• Experience in building and sustaining partnerships with public agencies, nonprofits, and community stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and adaptability.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned multi-county region.

Budgeted salary for this position: $77,970 - $140,350

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

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