Associate Dean; Director of Extension

Associate Dean (Director) of Extension

Position within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at the University of Vermont (UVM). The role is a full‑time leadership position with an underlying non‑tenure track faculty classification. The individual will report to the Dean of CALS and is based in Burlington, Vermont, with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027.

• Lead a unit of more than 150 faculty and staff delivering education, applied research, and outreach across Vermont.
• Advise on and advance UVM’s land‑grant mission by strengthening connections among research, teaching, and communities.
• Align Extension’s work with clearly defined strategic priorities and serve as a bridge between UVM and Vermont communities, translating research into practical application.
• Support a distributed workforce across the state, maintaining a consistent and visible presence in all regions.

• Re‑envision Extension’s role and priorities to address complex, interconnected challenges affecting Vermont’s communities, economy, and environment.
• 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 and strengthen support for applied research, education, and outreach.
• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships across UVM, Vermont communities and broader Extension networks.

• Foster a strong organizational culture that supports academic quality, collaboration, innovation, open discussion and respect for diverse perspectives.
• Develop a deep understanding of Extension programs and priorities, providing clear direction and communication to align efforts.
• Use data, technology and modern tools to support program delivery, decision‑making and organizational effectiveness.
• Support inclusive and participatory environments that promote well‑being, job satisfaction and long‑term retention.
• Provide strategic direction for planning and evaluation to strengthen programs and inform resource allocation.

• Maintain a consistent and visible presence statewide, balancing external engagement with internal leadership.
• Lead strategies to strengthen long‑term financial sustainability and diversify funding sources.
• Increase public awareness and understanding of Extension’s work and impact.
• Uphold the values of "Our Common Ground" and promote intercultural excellence.
• 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.

• PhD, EdD or other terminal degree; or a master’s degree with significant leadership, research and outreach experience.
• Strong leadership skills, including goal setting, delegation and 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.
• Experience in financial management, resource development, organizational planning and program evaluation.
• Experience building partnerships and connecting academic expertise with community needs.
• Experience creating a positive organizational culture that supports staff well‑being, engagement and retention.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences.
• Management style that is inclusive, empowering and fosters respect and shared accomplishment.
• Demonstrated commitment to intercultural excellence.

• Experience with in the Cooperative Extension system or a similar applied research, community‑based or public service environment.
• Experience leading complex, multi‑program organizations or similarly complex initiatives.
• Experience working effectively across geographically distributed organizations or communities, preferably in rural or statewide contexts.
• Experience incorporating data, technology or modern tools to improve program…