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. It is expected that a successful candidate will qualify for the rank of Extension Associate Professor or Extension Professor, depending on experience.

This position reports to the Dean of CALS and is based in Burlington, Vermont. Anticipated start date for this position is January 1, 2027.

This individual will lead an unit of more than 150 faculty and staff delivering education, applied research, and outreach across the state. The Director will play a central role in advancing UVM’s land‑grant mission by strengthening connections among research, teaching, and communities, and positioning Extension as a trusted and visible statewide partner.

The Director will align Extension’s work with clearly defined strategic priorities and serve as a bridge between UVM and Vermont communities, translating research into practical application while elevating community knowledge and needs within the institution. This role includes responsibility for supporting a distributed workforce across the state.

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.

The Director will be a “big picture” thinker who can work with leaders across campus and the state to re‑envision Extension’s role and priorities to address complex, interconnected challenges affecting Vermont’s communities, economy, and environment. This includes advancing Extension’s role across a broad range of issues affecting Vermont communities, beyond traditional agricultural programming.

• 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.

Internally, the Director will foster a strong organizational culture that supports academic quality, collaboration, innovation, open discussion, and respect for diverse perspectives.

• 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 challenge.
• Support and strengthen the use of data, technology, and modern tools to support program delivery, decision‑making, and organizational effectiveness.
• Nurture the 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.

Operationally, the Director is expected to:

• 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 of Our Common Ground and promote…