Montana State Univ Extension Western Region Department Head

General Statement

Montana State University (MSU) Extension improves the lives of Montana citizens by providing unbiased research‑based education and information that integrates learning, discovery, and engagement to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well‑being of individuals, families, and communities. MSU Extension is committed to the land grant mission and engaging with communities to address locally identified and statewide needs. MSU Extension has a field faculty staff of 97 Extension Agents serving 56 counties and 7 reservations, and 45 subject matter experts located in Bozeman and other locations across the state.

Program offerings include agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, 4‑H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and community vitality programs. For additional information see the web site:
Extension

• Administer regional personnel activities, including leading the hiring process for new Extension agents; supporting, guiding and onboarding new Extension agents; offering ongoing regional training, conducting annual performance evaluations; motivating and advising agents; educating agents and their office staff about and assuring their compliance with all MSU, state, and federal requirements; determining, developing, and implementing professional development plans and opportunities for agents; mediating conflicts;
  
  and monitoring and guiding the promotion and tenure process for agents.
• Provide strong leadership to field faculty to effectively develop and implement county, multi‑county, regional and multi‑state educational programming and reporting efforts.
• Assist and supervise agents with program planning, local advisory processes, identification of programming needs, development of plans of work and reporting programmatic impacts.
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with county commissioners, tribal leaders, and other local, regional, and state decision‑makers and entities.
• Represent the Western Region as a member of the Extension leadership team, represent Extension leadership at statewide events, and contribute to processes and initiatives that advance Extension.
• Promote teamwork and regional “networking” with agents, specialists, on campus department heads, and Extension and University administration.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.