Director, Cooperative Extension
Summit Search Solutions

Tucson, Arizona

Posted in Education and Training


This job has expired.

Job Info


The University of Arizona seeks a Director, Cooperative Extension
Click here to view position profile: https://summitsearchsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/UArizona_Director_Cooperative_Extension_Profile.pdf
Location: Tucson, Arizona

The Position:
The University of Arizona (UArizona), seeks a strategic and innovative leader to be the next Director of the UArizona Cooperative Extension System (CES). The Director may live in Tucson or Phoenix, as long as they are willing to travel as needed.

The CES Director is a senior executive leader responsible for managing and leading the CES. As the vital contributor to the communities in which it serves and a visible ambassador of UArizona throughout the state, the CES has more than 400 employees and nearly 2,500 volunteers delivering Extension programs that serve Arizona's private and public sectors.

The CES Director reports directly to the Vice President of the Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension (ALVSCE). The Director works closely with County Extension Directors, Associate Extension Directors, Academic Unit Heads, Directors of research/policy centers, Associate Deans in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), the Director of the Arizona Experiment Station (and affiliated research centers), the Associate Vice President for Finance, Administration and Operations, and Development, Alumni, Advocacy and Corporate Relations. They liaise with peers in other UArizona colleges, federal and state personnel, agricultural producers and commodity groups, external advisory committees, UArizona administrators, 4-H (and other youth programs), and additional CES stakeholders throughout the state. In consultation with UArizona Government and Community Relations, the CES Director represents the CES to elected and appointed officials in Tribal Nations and county, state, and federal government.

Responsibilities:

  • Respond to federal and state legislation relating to CES and address federal and state compliance requirements; Develop a vision and implement a plan for the CES to contribute to every aspect of Arizona's economy, human wellness, and health equity that increases its economic and social impact; Directly address Arizona's future demographics; identify and deliver on key metrics and benchmarks to measure progress towards CES' strategic goals and its contribution to the goals of the division, university, and Arizona Board of Regents. Recruit, professionally develop, invest in, and retain diverse, world-class CES employees and develop strong multidisciplinary teams to increase its dynamic innovation and entrepreneurialism.

Qualifications:

  • Earned doctorate or equivalent in a relevant discipline, with qualifications consistent with an appointment at full rank as a specialist or agent with continuing status at the University of Arizona (similar to the tenure system).
  • Leadership experience either within a cooperative extension system or in an affiliated organization; must understand the Extension's role in the 4th Industrial Revolution.
  • Experience in managing and leading a large and geographically dispersed organization responsive to the needs of diverse stakeholders in the context of changing environments, demographics, and funding.
  • Experience working in advocacy, alumni and corporate relations, and development.
  • Work experience with advisory board members and other external stakeholder groups.
  • Demonstrated delivery of increased diversity, inclusion, equity, and access.

About the Cooperative Extension System:
The Cooperative Extension System (CES) is part of the University's Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension (ALVSCE), a complex, interdependent state- and worldwide enterprise. Together, the division delivers 20 undergraduate degrees around the globe, serves communities in all of Arizona's 15 counties, and provides services and programming to tens of thousands each year. The programs offered by ALVSCE by dedicated faculty and staff have a transformative impact on families, environments, and economies through Arizona's first college, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; the research-intensive Arizona Experiment Station; many interdisciplinary centers, labs and institutes; as well as the university's statewide Cooperative Extension System, the cornerstone of the university's unique position as Arizona's land-grant institution.

CES is focused on engaging people through applied research and education to improve lives, families, communities, the environment and economies in Arizona and beyond, serving as a vital, national leader in creating and applying knowledge to help people build thriving, sustainable lives, communities, and economies.

To deliver on this mission, CES works in the areas of these 4 pillars:

  • 4-H Youth Development
  • Arizona 4-H is the largest youth-serving organization in the state and is the "first class at the University of Arizona." An established pipeline of future leaders and students are engaged in community-specific programs.
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • CES has been assisting farmers, ranchers, agency personnel and others involved in natural resource management for over 100 years to increase profits and steward the state's natural resources responsibly.
  • Family, Consumer, & Health Sciences
  • Through community-specific programs, CES supports strong families, strong minds, and strong bodies.
  • Tribal Extension
  • With more than 30% of land base in Arizona being Tribal, CES initiatives engage Native American communities through education and outreach on development, sustainability, and resiliency.

CES is focused on "Improving Lives, Communities and the Economy" by serving as part of a nationwide educational network of scientists and educators who help people solve problems and put knowledge to use. Cooperative Extension provides a link between the university and the citizens of this state, made possible by a cooperative effort between the Federal Government, the University of Arizona's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and each of the counties served. With offices in all 15 counties as well as on tribal reservations, CES brings knowledge to people every day to enhance their work and enrich their lives.

For more information on CES: https://extension.arizona.edu/

About the University of Arizona:
Established in 1885, the University of Arizona (UArizona), the state's land-grant university, is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Recognized as a global leader, and classified as a Carnegie R-1, UArizona conducts more than $687 million in annual research expenditures and is currently ranked in the top 40 among all public universities surveyed. UArizona produces graduates who are real-world ready through its 100% Engagement Initiative. The UArizona is advancing the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships and benefits the state with an estimated economic impact of $4.1 billion annually. With a total faculty of 3,144, UArizona currently enrolls 36,503 undergraduate students in more than 300 majors, in addition to 10,429 graduate and professional students.

Located in the city of Tucson, with a campus size of 392 acres, UArizona offers students a wide range of activities and academic opportunities. This includes three levels of intramural sports and more than 30 fraternities and sororities, and many other student organizations. The Arizona Wildcats NCAA Division I teams compete in the Pac-12 Conference. Classified as a highest research institution, UArizona involves both undergraduate and graduate students in research projects. The University has a wide range of graduate programs, including the Eller College of Management, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the James E. Rogers College of Law and a College of Medicine.

The University values its inclusive climate because it knows that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, UArizona translates these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because UArizona seeks a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, the institution provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, UArizona also welcomes alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help advance the institution's Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff, and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

The University demonstrates diversity in every area with 24% of graduates being students of color. In fact, the graduate programs demonstrate exceptional diversity as enrollment is the most diverse among all public institutions belonging to the Association of American Universities. UArizona is ranked #1 in the number of PhDs awarded to Native American students and #9 in the number of PhDs awarded to Hispanic students.

Why Consider the Opportunity:

  • Excellence. Highly productive and committed faculty and staff.
  • Impact. Opportunity and support for entrepreneurial growth and development.
  • Innovation. Autonomy to manage and lead CES, including budgets.
  • Support. A dedicated and talented support team.
  • Location. Unparalleled opportunities for partnerships and research in the region.
  • Outstanding Benefits. Health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave, and holidays are all part of the package. UArizona/Arizona State University/Northern Arizona University tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; and access to UArizona recreation and cultural activities are also on offer.
  • Innovative work-life programs. The University of Arizona has been recognized for innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please click here.

To Apply:
Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; parties who apply before or by June 8, 2022 will be given first consideration. Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a letter of interest that addresses the required qualifications, and a diversity statement that addresses how your personal experiences and professional plans support UArizona's commitment to diversity and inclusiveness (maximum one page).

To apply online, go to: https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su301

For more information or to offer recommendations or nominations:
Kristen Farha
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
Direct: (316) 650-0069
kfarha@summitsearchsolutions.com

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.


This job has expired.

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