Senior Agriculture Extension Programs & Operations Lead

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work eligibility

Job summary

University of Kentucky is seeking an Agriculture Extension Associate Senior to join the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. This role provides operational, fiscal, and program coordination support for ANR and Horticulture Extension initiatives statewide.

The successful candidate will coordinate statewide programs, support administrative processes, and serve as a central resource for Extension leadership, county agents, specialists, university partners, and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational, planning, and multitasking abilities to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with financial, purchasing, payroll, and administrative processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and other Office applications.
• Knowledge of university business systems, expense accounting, and purchasing processes.
• Ability to analyze situations, solve problems, and implement practical solutions.
• Strong teamwork, leadership, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to interpret policies, maintain compliance, and ensure accuracy in administrative operations.
• Experience utilizing SAP and IRIS systems.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate statewide ANR and Horticulture Extension programs, conferences, trainings, educational events, stakeholder engagement activities, and strategic initiatives from planning through implementation.
• Serve as a key liaison for Extension leadership, county agents, specialists, university departments, vendors, granting agencies, and external partners across Kentucky.
• Manage and support operational activities related to budgets, procurement, grants, contracts, inventory, payroll, resource allocation, and financial reporting.
• Prepare, process, and maintain university forms, documentation, records, and transactions in compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Coordinate personnel-related activities and provide administrative and fiscal support for the Ag Programs office.
• Monitor and maintain accurate electronic and physical records related to personnel, purchasing, financial transactions, and office operations.
• Provide logistical coordination and on-site support for meetings, conferences, trainings, and special events.
• Interpret university policies, recommend process improvements, and independently resolve operational issues to support effective program delivery.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of temporary employees, student workers, work-study students, and volunteers.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and serve as the department's business office point of contact with college business center staff and grant officers.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Finance processes

Microsoft Office

University systems

Problem solving

Team leadership

Policy interpretation

SAP

IRIS

Driver's license

Tools

SAP

IRIS

Job description

University of Kentucky is seeking an Agriculture Extension Associate Senior to join the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. This role provides operational, fiscal, and program coordination support for ANR and Horticulture Extension initiatives statewide.

The successful candidate will coordinate statewide programs, support administrative processes, and serve as a central resource for Extension leadership, county agents, specialists, university partners, and stakeholders.