Association Executive Director - Lockport, NY

Overview

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Niagara County, located in Lockport, NY seeks a dynamic chief executive to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to advance the organization’s mission in alignment with Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Land Grant system. The Executive Director works in close partnership with the Board of Directors to support effective governance, policy development, and long‑term strategic planning while ensuring compliance with regulatory and system requirements.

As the organization’s primary public representative, the Executive Director cultivates and maintains strong partnerships with staff, volunteers, board members, Cornell University partners, donors, grantors, elected officials, community leaders, and the public to enhance visibility, trust, and support for the organization’s work.

• Lead strategic planning, change management, and organizational performance.
• Oversee program development, evaluation, and alignment with community needs.
• Ensure financial sustainability through budgeting, fundraising, grants, and county support.
• Manage organizational operations, including facilities, risk, compliance, and information systems.
• Direct human resources and volunteer engagement, fostering an inclusive and high‑performing culture.
• Serve as a brand ambassador, effectively communicating impact and maintaining a strong public image.
• Strengthen connections with Cornell faculty, Extension networks, and system partners to leverage resources, innovation, and collaborative opportunities.

• Master’s Degree in public administration, nonprofit management, education, agriculture, human ecology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of six (6) years of related experience, including five (5) or more years of progressively responsible leadership in nonprofit, public sector, educational, or community‑based organizations.
• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the position, including travel within the county, region, and state as needed.
• Flexible working hours, including evenings and/or weekends as appropriate.
• Approved driver’s license that meets insurance eligibility standards.
• Passable background check and proficient communication in English (speak, read, write).
• On‑site presence at the Lockport, NY office and other locations for business purposes.
• Proficient with Windows‑based software, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and internet use.
• Strategic thinker with sound judgment and change‑management experience in a constantly evolving environment.
• Experience in fiscal management, budgets, financial statements, and internal controls.
• Knowledge of human resources practices, recruitment, performance management, employment law, and policy compliance.
• Demonstrated success in managing people and building/maintaining partnerships with boards, government officials, community leaders, and funders.
• Experience in resource development, including grants, contracts, fund‑development strategies, and public funding advocacy.
• Physical ability to lift, move, or transport office supplies and related materials as needed.

• Experience with in Cornell Cooperative Extension, public (governmental), or nonprofit leadership.
• Knowledge of one or more key extension priority areas such as agriculture and food systems, community and economic vitality, environment & natural resources, sustainable energy and climate change, nutrition, youth development, and family strengthening.
• Demonstrated knowledge of grant development and revenue enhancement.

• Lead collaborative strategic planning and implementation with board and staff.
• Govern policy development, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
• Act as primary brand ambassador and public face, enhancing organization’s reputation through public relations, social media, and stakeholder engagement.
• Set fundraising strategy, cultivate supporters, manage county resources, and secure revenue sources.
• Develop and manage budgets, reporting financial performance to stakeholders, and ensuring audit compliance.
• Align program priorities with mission, implement…