Associate Agent​/Full Agent and Director (Casa Grande, AZ

Associate Agent/Full Agent and Director (Casa Grande, AZ)

The Pinal County Office of Cooperative Extension of the University of Arizona seeks to fill the role of Associate or Full Agent and Director. This continuing-eligible Associate Extension Agent in Family, Consumer, and Health Sciences (FCHS) will serve as a key member of the PCCE team, developing and delivering community-based education programs that improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

The position focuses on topics such as nutrition, health, food safety, financial literacy, and family wellness. The Agent will assess local needs, design and implement programs, evaluate outcomes, and collaborate with Extension faculty, community partners, and stakeholders to create positive, research-based impacts throughout Pinal County. This position will have a with a 60% faculty, 30% administrative, 10% service split. The applicants must have the academic record to be approved by the Extension Promotion and Continuing Committee at the associate or full rank with continuing status in the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

The Pinal County Cooperative Extension Director position provides key leadership and oversight of urban Extension programs, faculty, and staff. The primary focus of this position is to facilitate innovative and impactful strategic directions and guide planning and actions to meet county-wide needs, develop the capacity of PCCE through internal and external partnerships, seek and oversee external funding, hire, and mentor faculty, and communicate impacts through reports using a variety of means.

The director will utilize a strengths-based approach that meets the unique needs of the county and its people. The position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence and work with decision-makers and stakeholders on many levels.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please visit the provided link.

Duties & Responsibilities
- Administration and Supervisory Duties

• This position includes administrative responsibility as County Extension Director and will represent the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension at county, state, and national levels.
• This includes attending university, division, and county-level department head meetings, negotiating county budgets, interfacing with the County Board of Supervisors, Extension Advisory Board management and development, and engagement with other community groups, assuming responsibilities of vacant county positions, and resolving issues of concern with volunteers and community partners.
• Supervisory duties include direct supervision of administrative staff and county-based faculty and indirect supervision of 15-20 employees. The director works collaboratively with the Business Manager to oversee and make budgetary and human resources decisions. Additional responsibilities may be deemed necessary and will be assigned by College and/or Extension administrators.

Program Development

• Conducts a systematic analysis of national, Arizona, and county data, local resources, and historical information to identify community assets, program needs, and teaching opportunities.
• Identifies resources (grants, contracts, in kind contributions, etc.) to enhance agriculture and natural resource programs.
• In cooperation with community groups, local leaders, Extension advisory groups, and other Extension professionals, develops an annual Plan of Work.
• Consults with Extension faculty, Experiment Station researchers, and other experts in the development of educational programs, applied research, and scholarly works.

Program Implementation

• Conducts creative programming and utilizes new technology, that may include problem solving research, to address priority needs of the target audiences.
• Participates in statewide working groups to develop new and creative programming efforts.
• Prepares educational material, evaluation instruments, teaching materials and publicity information in support of state, county, and community initiatives.
• Functions as a resource for other agencies and organizations. Promotes interaction and cooperation among various groups.
• Disseminates educational materials through county wide and/or multicounty events, workshops, websites, newsletters and other mass media methods, use of volunteers, and other methods.
• Provides for recruitment, training, and recognition of volunteers and assists them in the conduct of educational programs as appropriate.
• Promotes communication and…