Digital Agriculture Extension Lead

Iowa State; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University College of Design seeks a Digital Agriculture Extension Lead to guide Extension programming across Iowa and beyond. You will align research, technology, and education to create practical farm-ready knowledge and impactful demonstrations.

Responsibilities include strategy, staffing, partnerships, and annual programming, with travel across the state. The role requires strong communication, leadership, and program management skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in Extension and outreach and professional education.
• Knowledge of production agriculture and technologies used in modern crop production.
• Experience leading people, managing budgets and programs, and coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead Digital Ag's Extension program, including strategy, roadmaps, staffing, partnerships, and annual programming.
• Develop and deliver new educational programs translating research findings into practical information for farmers and professionals.
• Identify producers and industry needs to guide future programming and resources.
• Measure and communicate program participation, learning outcomes, adoption, and impact.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

## Digital Agriculture Extension LeadApply: Ames, IA: Full time: Posted 2 Days Ago: R20184## Position Title:Digital Agriculture Extension Lead## Job Group:Professional & Scientific## Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience## Job Description:**Build the Future of Agriculture*****If you want to help farmers and agricultural professionals understand and adopt emerging technologies, this is the role for you.*** **Who We Are**The Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University partners with leading agricultural companies to design, build, and deploy next-generation technologies for agriculture. Our team works at the intersection of applied engineering, industry collaboration, and the land-grant mission, moving ideas from concept to prototype to field deployment. Our vision is bold: to **be the premier thought leader and partner in ag innovation**. Our mission guides everything we do: **Innovate. Educate. Outreach**.We operate with four core values: **Passion. Innovation. Collaboration. Excellence**. This is a place for builders, problem-solvers, and systems thinkers who want their work to move from idea → prototype → field → industry adoption. **The Opportunity** We are seeking a **Digital Agriculture Extension Lead** to lead the people, programs, and partnerships that deliver Iowa State University Extension programming on digital agriculture throughout Iowa and beyond.This role connects research and technology development with practical education for a wide range of audiences, from farmers to agricultural professionals. You will lead the strategy, roadmap planning, new program development and delivery of hands-on programs that translate emerging agricultural technologies and Digital Ag research into actionable outcomes that create direct and measurable on-farm value.Working with Digital Ag researchers, engineers, agronomists, Extension specialists, field staff, and industry partners, you will identify educational needs, develop programming, lead Extension staff, and expand the reach and impact of Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach portfolio. **What You'll Do*** Lead Digital Ag's Extension program, including strategy, roadmaps, staffing, partnerships, and annual programming.* Develop and deliver new educational programs that translate research findings and emerging agricultural technologies into practical information for farmers and agricultural professionals. Programs will focus on connecting agronomic research, technology and machinery implementation, systems thinking in crop production, and innovation through data and AI.* Identify producers and industry needs and use them to guide future programming and educational resources, ensuring content remains highly relevant.* Lead and develop program staff, students, and other contributors involved in Iowa State Extension programming in Digital Ag.* Build partnerships across Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, including field agronomists, agricultural engineers, campus specialists, and county and regional staff.* Develop relationships with farmers, agribusinesses, commodity organizations, technology companies, and other partners to expand program reach and engage new audiences.* Measure and communicate program participation, learning outcomes, adoption, and economic or operational impact. **What You Bring*** Experience in Extension and outreach, professional education, agricultural training, technical education, product support, agronomy, precision agriculture, agricultural equipment, or a related field.* Knowledge of production agriculture and technologies used in modern crop production systems.* Experience developing and delivering high impact educational programs, technical training, demonstrations, field days, or similar programming.* Ability to translate complex technical and research information into clear, practical guidance for farmers and agricultural professionals.* Experience leading people, managing budgets and programs, and coordinating cross-functional teams.* Experience building relationships with farmers, industry partners, researchers, and agricultural organizations.* Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills. **Preferred Qualifications*** Advanced degree in agricultural education, agricultural engineering, agronomy, agricultural systems technology, crop science, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.* Experience developing educational programs for farmers, agricultural professionals, or adult learners.* Experience with digital agriculture, precision agriculture, agricultural equipment, application technology, or emerging agricultural technologies.* Experience developing partnerships among universities, industry, and agricultural organizations.* Experience managing multiple programs, events, budgets, and staff.* Experience evaluating educational programs and documenting outcomes and impact.* Experience developing externally funded Extension, educational, or industry-partnership programs.**This position involves in state travel and may include occasional out of state travel, as well as evening and weekend hours.** ***Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.*** ***This is a term position with the expectation of long-term renewal.******The selected candidate will be hired as a Manager Engineering.*** **Application Instructions:** To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:* Resume/Curriculum Vitae* Letter of Application/Cover Letter **Why Choose Iowa State University?** Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:* Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans* Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans* Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)* Life insurance and long-term disability* Flexible Spending Accounts* Various voluntary benefits and discounts* Employee Assistance Program* Wellbeing program If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.## Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)## Proposed End Date or Length of Term:## December 13, 2029## Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period## Time Type:Full time## Pay Grade:PS812## Original Posting Date:November 6, 2026## Posting Close Date:November 29, 2026## Job Requisition Number:R20184