Extension County Director - Laurel County

Inside Higher Ed; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A university department in Kentucky is seeking an Extension County Director for Laurel County. The role involves leadership in educational programming and supervision of staff while managing public relations. Candidates should have a Master’s Degree and experience with the Cooperative Extension Service. Responsibilities also include ensuring accountability and developing partnerships within the community. A driver's license is required, and a national background check will be conducted.

Qualifications

• Driver’s License required.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• 4 years of experience with the Cooperative Extension Service.
• Resume and cover letter must be submitted with application.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and ensure quality of educational programming.
• Serve as primary contact and manage relationships with boards.
• Supervise and oversee agents and county office staff.
• Supervise and/or oversee agents and county office staff.
• Develop strong intra-office and intra-county relationships.
• Foster teamwork and collaboration across program areas, staff, and county partnerships.
• Respond to county and Extension issues in a timely manner.
• Ensure that all clientele are served.

Skills

Leadership

Public relations

Teamwork

Collaboration

Education

Master’s Degree

Job description

Job Title: Extension County Director - Laurel County

Requisition Number: RE53491

Department Name: 81E03: KCES Region East Area 03

Work Location: London, KY

Grade Level: 00

Type of Position: Staff

Position Time Status: Full-Time

Required Education: No set minimum requirements.

Required Related Experience: No set minimum requirements.

Required License/Registration/Certification: Driver’s License required

Physical Requirements: Job-related travel including overnight stays; visiting clientele at sites throughout the county (including farms); standing/walking for long periods; handling of average-weight objects up to 25 lbs.

Shift: Monday-Friday (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) with evenings and weekends as needed. Most weeks will exceed 40 hours.

Job Summary

Extension County Director – Laurel County
Location: London, KY

The Extension County Director will provide leadership for all aspects of the Cooperative Extension Service in the county. The County Director responsibilities include:

1. oversee and ensure quality of educational programming throughout the county; has primary responsibility to ensure completion of county Plan of Work
2. serve as the primary contact and manage the relationship with the District Board in the County; serve as primary contact for County Extension Council; coordinating regular meetings; working with committees and agents to ensure a broad local membership
3. ensure accountability throughout the County Extension service while maintaining positive public relations
4. supervise and/or oversee agents and county office staff
5. develop strong intra-office and intra-county relationships
6. foster teamwork and collaboration throughout program areas, staff, and county partnerships
7. respond to county and Extension issues in a timely manner
8. ensure that all clientele are served.

All staff in a county will support the dissemination of useful and practical information on subjects relating to Agriculture, Family Consumer Sciences, 4-H and Community and Rural Development as outlined in the KRS statutes 164.605 to 164.675.

State law requires a national and state criminal background check and a letter from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services stating the employee is clear to hire based on no findings of substantiated child abuse or neglect found through a background check of child abuse and neglect records as a condition of employment or involvement in this program.

Resume and cover letter are required at time of application.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes

Preferred Education/Experience: Master’s Degree plus 4 years of experience with the Cooperative Extension Service

Deadline to Apply: 04/02/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.