Associate Dean; Director of Extension

Associate Dean (Director) of Extension

The University of Vermont (UVM) seeks a visionary, grounded, and collaborative leader to serve as the Director of UVM Extension and Associate Dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). This is a full‑time leadership position with an underlying non‑tenure track faculty position. The successful candidate will qualify for the rank of Extension Associate Professor or Extension Professor, depending on experience, and will report to the Dean of CALS.

The position is based in Burlington, Vermont, with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027.

Compensation range: $180,000 - $200,000. Compensation is competitive and will be commensurate with both experience and achievement, and includes a highly competitive array of benefits.

• Ensure Extension programming is informed by and responsive to the evolving needs of Vermont residents and communities.
• Build and sustain key relationships with partners, funders, and stakeholders to advance Extension’s mission and secure resources including philanthropic support.
• Advance Extension’s interests at the state and federal levels, working with college and university leadership, to strengthen and secure support for applied research, education, and outreach.
• Strengthen strategic partnerships across UVM, Vermont communities, and broader Extension networks.

• Develop a strong working understanding of Extension programs and priorities.
• Provide clear direction and communication to align efforts and support organizational effectiveness while fostering an inclusive and participatory environment.
• Align efforts across programs to address complex, interconnected challenges.
• Support and strengthen the use of data, technology, and modern tools to support program delivery, decision‑making, and organizational effectiveness.
• Nurture interdisciplinary relationships that support innovative, high‑impact programs.
• Foster a supportive and sustainable work environment that promotes well‑being, job satisfaction, and long‑term retention.
• Provide strategic direction for planning and evaluation efforts to strengthen programs, identify priorities, and inform alignment of Extension resources.

• Maintain a consistent and visible presence across all regions of Vermont, supporting and connecting Extension personnel and communities statewide, while intentionally balancing external engagement with the internal leadership required to strengthen organizational effectiveness.
• Lead strategies to strengthen long‑term financial sustainability and diversify funding sources, aligning resources with Extension priorities.
• Lead efforts to increase public awareness and understanding of Extension’s work and impact.
• Uphold the values Our Common Ground and promote intercultural excellence across Extension.
• Conduct performance evaluations of direct reports and make personnel recommendations in consultation with the Dean of CALS.
• Represent UVM Extension on internal and external committees, advisory boards, and professional organizations, including the Association of Extension Administrators.

• PhD, EdD, or other terminal degree related to the position, or a combination of master’s degree with significant leadership, research, and outreach experience.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to set goals, delegate effectively, and maintain accountability for outcomes.
• Ability to think and operate across complex systems and address interconnected challenges.
• Understanding of Extension, the land‑grant system, and federal partnerships, including complex social issues affecting Vermonters and the role of Extension programs in addressing those issues.
• Experience in financial management, resource development, organizational planning, and program evaluation.
• Experience building partnerships and an ability to connect academic expertise with community needs.
• Experience building and sustaining a positive organizational culture that supports staff well‑being, engagement, and retention.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen to and translate complex…