County Extension Director

NC State University; Windsor (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

NC State University invites applications for the County Extension Director, a leadership post coordinating the county Extension staff to develop an effective educational program in partnership with NC A&T. The role emphasizes visionary leadership and program impact across agriculture, environment, health, and youth development.

The director will manage resources, oversee staff development, and collaborate with government agencies and community partners.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Extension, educational programming, administration, organizational leadership, or public administration.
• Minimum three years of service with Cooperative Extension or a similar university or community outreach organization, or a Bachelor’s with ten years of service (and graduate enrollment within one year).

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for the county Extension program and coordinate staff activities.
• Maintain an effective advisory leadership system representative of all program areas.
• Plan, organize, and communicate with county government agencies, community partners, schools, and university personnel.
• Manage and secure resources, including budgeting, funding, and resource development.
• Promote and market Extension programs and impacts.
• Oversee staff development, training, performance evaluations, and affirmative action plan compliance.
• Organize and lead the Extension Advisory Council and other volunteer groups.
• Interpret and communicate policy, provide teaching, evaluate, and report on program performance.
• Travel within the district and occasionally outside the district as required.

Skills

Leadership

Administrative experience

Human resources

Fiscal resource management

External relations

Volunteer management

Public policy experience

Team building

Strategic planning

Education

Master’s degree in Extension/education/admin

Bachelor’s degree + 10 years experience

Job description

Special Instructions

Special Instructions to applicants:

In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three (3) professional references.

Position Overview

Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well‑being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell.

The County Extension Director is a leadership position with Cooperative Extension at North Carolina State University. The major responsibility is to provide visionary leadership and coordinate the efforts of the county Extension staff in developing an effective total county Extension educational program in cooperation with North Carolina A&T State University’s Cooperative Extension Program.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for the county Extension program and coordinate staff activities.
• Maintain an effective advisory leadership system representative of all program areas.
• Plan, organize, and communicate with county government agencies, community partners, schools, and university personnel.
• Manage and secure resources, including budgeting, funding, and resource development.
• Promote and market Extension programs and impacts.
• Oversee staff development, training, performance evaluations, and affirmative action plan compliance.
• Organize and lead the Extension Advisory Council and other volunteer groups.
• Interpret and communicate policy, provide teaching, evaluate, and report on program performance.
• Travel within the district and occasionally outside the district as required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a field related to Extension, educational programming, administration, organizational leadership, or public administration, and at least three (3) years of service with Cooperative Extension or a similar university or community outreach organization.
• OR a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least ten (10) years of service with Cooperative Extension or a similar organization; candidates with a Bachelor’s and less than ten years of experience must be actively enrolled in and complete a graduate program within one year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Administrative and supervisory experience, including human resources, fiscal resource management, and external relations.
• Demonstrated leadership in Extension programming and volunteer management.
• Experience in human relations, negotiation, public relations, and team building.
• Experience managing public policy issues and securing external funding to develop innovative educational programming.
• Background in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, or 4‑H youth development (preferred but not required).

Required License or Certification

Valid North Carolina driver’s license and reliable personal transportation required within 60 days of hire.

Work Schedule

8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; evenings and weekends as required.

Salary

Minimum $50,000.00 commensurate with education and experience.

Equal Opportunity Employment

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for References

Optional Documents

• Any additional materials that support your qualifications.