Associate Dean of Extension, Director of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service

 

Associate Dean of Extension, Director of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service

The University of Kentucky (UK) invites nominations and applications for an exceptional academic leader to serve as Associate Dean of Extension and Director of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (KCES). The Director reports directly to the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

The Director provides statewide leadership for the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (KCES), which is dedicated to taking the University of Kentucky to the citizens of the Commonwealth by delivering research-based educational programs designed to improve their quality of life and economic well-being. KCES is central to the University of Kentucky’s outreach mission in that it provides and facilitates quality educational, research, and technical services for people, groups and organizations in Kentucky. These activities support and promote individual well-being, professional and organizational development, social and cultural enrichment, economic opportunity and regional development.

The Director of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is expected to show initiative and self-discipline, with confidence to lead, encourage and enable a team and work collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders. The Director must demonstrate an ability to influence people positively, be a catalyst for progress, and make a decisive impact. He/she must advance the organization by refining, enhancing and innovating the mission and purpose of the Cooperative Extension System. The Director must be able to communicate a vision of how the organization’s operations and opportunities enhance the community’s resources for education, economic development, civic, and cultural programs. He/she will promote a culture of customer service and the capacity to incorporate this philosophy to advance positive impact upon clientele and all stakeholders.

Candidates for the position should have significant professional experience and accomplishments commensurate with that of a director, an academic administrative leader or private sector executive and administrator. Minimum qualifications include an earned terminal degree, and a record of professional accomplishments and scholarship that meets the qualifications for a tenured faculty appointment in an appropriate academic department as an associate professor  (professor preferred); and knowledge of and passion for the land-grant mission. A commitment to diversity and a demonstrated ability to represent the university in extension and outreach to interdisciplinary constituencies are also essential credentials.  

Preferred qualifications include a leadership record addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with diverse food and agricultural systems, natural resources, changing and expanding human population, and globalization of markets for agriculture and other products; experience in academic administration, budget management, personnel management and strategic planning; evidence of developing successful collaborations and building collegial relations among faculty, students, staff, administration, state and local agricultural leaders, industry organizations, government agencies and other institutions of higher education; a demonstrated history of effective communications in keeping all key stakeholders apprised of organizational endeavors, vision, mission, direction and goals; an understanding of the application of technology and digital communications on Extension programs; demonstrated potential to secure substantial and diverse sources of revenue; and proven integrity and ethical qualities.

Located in the vibrant city of Lexington, the University of Kentucky is a public, land-grand institution that plays a critical leadership role in promoting diversity, inclusion, economic development, and human well-being. The campus is home to 30,000 students, 2,400 faculty, and 13,000 full-time staff. The university is one of just eight in the country with a major academic health center and a full spectrum of academic colleges and professional schools on one contiguous campus. As such, UK is an incubator for multidisciplinary research. These collaborations allow researchers to address the rapidly changing needs of a global society. The state’s flagship institution consists of 18 academic and professional colleges, where students can choose from more than 200 majors and degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Over the last five years, UK has approved the construction of more than $2.1 billion in infrastructure to bolster the institution’s long-term health and success.

Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc. is assisting the University of Kentucky in the search. Review of confidential applications and nominations will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For priority consideration, applications should be received by January 31, 2019.

A complete application must include a letter of interest describing experience relevant to the position requirements; current curriculum vitae; and five professional references, with titles, addresses, business and home telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Nominations should include the name, position, address, telephone number and email. Application materials should be submitted electronically as PDF attachments.

Confidential inquiries, nominations, and application materials should be directed to:

Betty Turner Asher, Partner, or

Rick Kemp, Senior Executive Search Consultant

Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.

42 Business Center Drive, Suite 206 Miramar Beach, Florida 32550

Phone: 850-650-2277 / Fax: 850-650-2272

Email: bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com

Email: rickkemp@greenwoodsearch.com

 

For more information about the University of Kentucky please visit:  http://www.uky.edu/UKHome/

The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place 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.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.

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.