Association Lead Executive Director - Warsaw, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Wyoming County is seeking a dynamic leader for the Association based in Warsaw, NY and the Western Region Shared Business Network.
The Lead Executive Director for CCE of Wyoming County provides provide-high level leadership and management of the Association, lead development and implementation of a compelling, contemporary vision for non-formal, locally relevant programming and set local program priorities in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
This position also ensures equitable, diverse, and inclusive programs and practices, operational compliance and risk management, fiscal oversight, and effective people management. The Executive Director successfully navigates competing priorities while also building and maintaining tactful, collaborative relationships with multiple audiences.
The Lead Executive Director supports the Shared Business Network (SBN) by engaging decision makers locally, regionally within the SBN, and at Cornell in order to be effective in providing leadership for staff that work to back-office functions in the areas of Finance, HR and IT. The Lead Executive Director develops and maintains effective working relationships among the staff, other Extension Associations, the Western Region Shared Business Network, Extension Administration, Cornell faculty, and stakeholders.

    

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
•    Master’s Degree in Management, Agriculture, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Youth Development or related Cooperative Extension programming area 

•    Minimum of six (6) years of related experience, including four (4) years in a leadership capacity. A PhD may substitute for 1 year of experience.
•    Knowledge and/or understanding of one or more key CCE issues including: agriculture and food systems; community and economic vitality; environment & natural resources sustainable energy and climate change; nutrition, food safety and security and obesity prevention; 4-H youth development and strengthening families.
•    Commitment to working with diverse populations, contributing to organizational diversity efforts, and/or evidence of cultural competence.
•    Ability to demonstrate engagement in the association by regularly providing in-person organizational leadership and oversight.
•    A commitment to being a strong physical presence in the county to build community connections with constituencies, local organizations, and community leaders.
•    Ability to develop strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
•    Ability to inspire and motivate others to perform; inspires respect and trust; provides vision; displays passion and optimism; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.
•    Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations and builds consensus.
•    Ability and willingness to make timely decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; ensures compliance standards are met; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
•    Ability to demonstrate engagement in the association by regularly providing in-person organizational leadership and oversight.
•    Understanding of business implications of decisions; aligns work with strategic goals; works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; conserves organizational resources. Embraces and develops competency in software and data management tools (financial systems, HR systems, etc.).
•    Ability and willingness to provide on-going performance feedback and coaching; develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth, delegates work assignments; sets expectations and monitors designated activities; provides recognition for results.
•    Ability to develop workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results.
•    Commitment to being a strong presence in the county to build community connections with constituencies, local organizations, and community leaders. 
•    Commitment to working with diverse populations, contributing to organizational diversity efforts, and/or evidence of cultural competence.
•    Ability to meet the regular travel requirements associated with this position including ability to travel between multiple locations for business purposes.
•    Valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for Association insurance coverage. 
•    Ability to work flexible hours which will include evenings and/or weekends. 
•    Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
•    Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
•    Working knowledge of state-of-the-art technology and the ability to apply it to administrative and educational functions.
•    Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel. 
•    Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation. This position occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions, including heat, precipitation and cold – especially during the fair season. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•    Experience within CCE, public (governmental), or nonprofit leadership.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of fund development, grants, and revenue enhancement.
•    Familiarity with environment, economy and culture of Wyoming, New York.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program Development - 5%
•    Provide overall program leadership in the application of subject matter knowledge to develop educational strategies in the identified programming area. 
•    Develop/create high quality educational program materials to address the needs of the program and program participants in the identified programming area using proven educational methodologies as well as innovative techniques to reach diverse target populations within the community and region.
•    Develop relationships with partner agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders in order to obtain their assistance in program development.
•    Based on program evaluation data, formulate, and implement specific strategies to improve overall program quality, deliverables and impact and meet the need of diverse program participants. 
•    Research, identify and select existing resources for use in identified programming offerings.
•    Ensure that program development and program structure are within both the Association and the state-wide Plan of Work and that they meet the diverse needs of program participants.
•    Maintain direct connection with Cornell University faculty and other Land Grant Universities as appropriate, for guidance in program development.

Program Delivery - 5%
•    Serve as subject matter expert in the area of identified programming for staff, volunteers, participants, community organizations, general public, and professionals working within the county and the region. 
•    Participate in delivery of innovative and multi-disciplinary program efforts utilizing a variety of teaching methods, including formal and informal workshops, seminars, social and mass media consistent with identified educational needs. 
•    Consult and utilize target audiences/stakeholders, collaborators, organizations, agencies, government, and other key partners in program delivery efforts.
•    Foster acceptance of programs, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.
•    Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty, program units and other Land Grant Universities as appropriate for program delivery guidance.
•    Ensure program delivery is within the scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.

Administrative Direction - 40%
General Direction
•    Working with the Board of Directors, encourage and ensure engagement with the CCE mission, vision, and values; guide the development of the Association’s Plan of Work, strategic plans, goals, and objectives.
•    Guide the development of the Associations finances (and fiscal stewardship), human resources (staff and volunteers), technology, marketing/communications, facilities, and risk management functions.

Program Direction
•    Oversee the creation of the Association's Plan of Work, within the scope of the CCE statewide Plan of Work, to guide the work and desired outcomes of Association programs.
•    Oversee the process of interpreting the Association and University program direction to assess, develop, plan, and evaluate educational programs which are reflective of the needs and demographics of the local citizens and communities. Facilitate connections between University staff/faculty and Association program staff. Evaluate the needs for expansion, reduction, or termination of programs.
•    Provide leadership for the program development process, including the establishment of priorities, a staffing plan, resource acquisition and allocation, and the evaluation process, to assure program quality, to consider the diversity of the community, and to meet Equal Program Opportunity guidelines.
•    Design a system for ongoing involvement of citizens which expresses the demographics of the community.

Financial Direction
•    Establish fund development strategies in compliance with CCE standards and policies, in partnership with Board members and appropriate staff.
•    Oversee the budget development process by engaging appropriate Board members and staff, and present to Board for approval.
•    Develop enhanced revenue streams to sustain and grow Association programming through a diversified fund development plan, such as appropriations, grants, capital campaigns, foundations, individual donors, corporate support, bequests etc.

Communications/Marketing Direction
•    Develop shared Association vision, to build understanding around the mission and develop appropriate goals and strategies to advance the mission.
•    Develop and expand relationships with local, county, or federal governments, key elected officials, Cornell University, other CCE Associations, agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders that help advance the mission and goals of CCE.
•    Oversee the development of a brand awareness that aligns with the CCE statewide Plan of Work.

Staffing Direction
•    Provide oversight for appropriate human resources plan to carry out the mission, vision and goals of CCE of Wyoming County.
•    Develop and ensure implementation of professional development initiatives to ensure staff have the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively carry out their jobs.
•    Develop and uphold a culture of continuous learning.

Administrative Management - 25%

General Management
•    Working with the Board of Directors, encourage local application and engagement with the CCE mission, vision, and values.
•    Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the operation of the Association, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
•    Implement and administer policies established by Board of Directors. 
•    Perform day to day management including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and ensure risk management protocols are met.
•    Actively participate in CCE Executive Leadership Conferences and in regional meetings; provide liaison and linkages between the Association and the CCE system.
•    Lead staff in the implementation of the Association's strategic plans.
•    Ensure the adherence to all applicable local, state, and federal laws and CCE policies.

Program Management
•    Provide oversight for the program cycles of the Association.
•    Delegate program management responsibilities to Extension Educators as appropriate.
•    Oversee programs to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the Association and is research knowledge based.
•    Oversee the management of program activities within the Association's Plans of Work.
•    Identify, develop, enhance, and engage networks of volunteers and volunteer leaders.

Financial Management
•    Monitor financial statements including fluctuations, trends, and projections.
•    Assure solid planning and budgeting systems are in place, and that the Plan of Work and strategic plan serves as the basis for financial planning for the Association.
•    Ensure proper stewardship of funds through appropriate oversight including internal and external audits, as necessary.
•    Present and promote budgets to stakeholders.
•    Engage Board of Directors and appropriate staff to ensure all involved have full understanding of the financial status of the Association. 
•    Oversee internal controls and other financial policies and procedures.
•    Support the Board of Directors in carrying out their fiduciary responsibilities.
•    Ensure effective management and monitoring of the Association's resources in compliance with CCE standards and policies, in partnership with Board members and appropriate staff.

Communications/Marketing Management
•    Represent the Association to a variety of constituencies, including alumni, friends, clientele, corporations, and foundations; positioning the role as a visible leader of the Wyoming County community
•    Monitor all electronic and print communications for content and adherence to CCE and other legal and regulatory requirements, including Equal Program Opportunity requirements.
•    Manage the implementation of a communications/marketing plans, including overseeing marketing and promoting program participation.
•    Oversee the process to develop and maintain effective working relations with legislators, local government leaders, community leaders, funding agencies, etc.
•    Oversee capital giving donor prospects.

Staffing Management
•    Effectively oversee the allocation and alignment of human resources to accomplish the Association's objectives.
•    Select, orient, lead and manage a staff of educators, office support personnel, and other staff as appropriate.
•    Evaluate and implement progressive human resource programs and procedures, as well as ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity.
•    Implement and manage human resource policies established by the Board of Directors, by Cornell Cooperative Extension, or by state or federal law.
•    Ensure all staff are provided with performance development goals/support, and ensure that written, formal performance reviews are completed on an annual basis.
•    Address any human resource issues that arise, engaging appropriate CCE or other resources as needed.
•    Ensure the Association's staff and volunteers are trained on mandatory topics, topics relevant to CCE expectations, and are given opportunities for professional development.
•    Supervise direct reports; provide direct feedback on performance through formal and informal channels; conduct formal annual performance reviews for direct reports. 

Facilities Management
•    Oversee the maintenance of the Association's facilities and assets, such as property, vehicles, etc. including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, delegating implementation, as necessary.

Administrative Coordination/Operation - 5%
General Coordination/Operation
•    Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures. 
•    Lead the Association in ensuring that all data and information collected, accessed and/or maintained remains confidential to the extend required by policy, regulations and/or laws.
•    Provide data and information to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others as requested.
•    Transport self and/or program materials/resources in performing position responsibilities.

Staffing Coordination/Human Resource Operation
•    Review and approve timecards and time off requests for direct reports in a timely fashion.

SBN Lead Executive Director Duties - 15%
•    Facilitate decision making and planning within the SBN governance group. 
•    Facilitate Western Region Shared Business Network (WSBN) governance group (AMG) meetings.
•    Communicate regularly with Extension Administration Assistant Directors and the assigned State Extension Specialist(s) on significant SBN developments, AMG meetings and need for assistance.
•    Ensure executed memoranda of agreement with all participating Associations in the WSBN are in place detailing working arrangements and responsibilities of each party.
•    Provide WSBN related orientation for new hired Executive Directors within the region. 
•    Lead development and maintenance of annual SBN Plan of Work and budget with input from all EDs in the SBN and functional leads.
•    Assure all participating CCE Associations are kept current on SBN developments including goals, plans, successes, and challenges, as guided by decisions of the SBN governing group. May include periodic communications with local boards of directors.
•    Supervise SBN functional leads for Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology. Assist functional leads in goal setting, problem identification and resolution, and management of SBN work.
•    Provide regular feedback to functional leads on performance including input from EDs in the SBN and appropriate CCE Administration point of contacts.
•    Actively participate in Extension Administration/SBN Lead ED meetings including conference calls and in-person meetings.
•    Actively participate with Extension Administration in the development of processes and procedures pertinent to SBN’s.
•    Coordinate implementation of policy/procedure with Extension Administration and other SBN Leads to ensure a consistent approach across the CCE System.
•    Provide Extension Administration with SBN related reports as requested.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%
•    In cooperation with Board President and Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and association priorities.
•    Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled/required. 
•    Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position.
•    Carry out assignments and other duties as assigned.  
•    Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension. 
•    Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.

Health and Safety - Applies to all duties and functions
•    Lead the association to maintain a safe working environment.
•    Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
•    Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy - Applies to all duties and functions
The Lead Executive Director is responsible for understanding, supporting, and implementing all CCE policies and procedures related to EEO and EPO compliance. In addition, the Lead Executive Director is responsible for creating and sustaining an organizational culture that reflects CCE values and goals in diversity and inclusiveness. The following behaviors, attributes and actions are expectations of the CCE Association Lead Executive Director:

•    Ensure all programming and activities are conducted in accordance with the Civil Rights Act, Title IX Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act, and local, state, and regional affirmative action plans.
•    Lead, appreciate and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers, and the public. 
•    Ensure equal program and employment opportunities within the Association.
•    Lead and ensure adherence to established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, procedures, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
•    Assist and support the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences; lead local efforts to accomplish the same. 
•    Seek out and take advantage of CCE professional development opportunities for yourself and for Association staff designed to increase awareness and skills in intercultural competency and diversity in all of its forms including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, the LGBTQ community. Physical ability, mental health status, veteran status, and economic status.
•    Embrace and support overall CCE efforts to ensure that the staff, volunteers and CCE program participants are representative of the diversity of New York State.
•    Aware of, and adheres to, established CCE of Wyoming County policies and procedures.
•    Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner. 
 

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POSITION DETAILS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time, benefits eligible, exempt position.

Annualized salary of $85,000 to $90,000 commensurate with experience.

Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal time

• Paid Holidays

• NYS Health Insurance Program (including free Dental Insurance)

• NYS Retirement

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Long-term Disability Insurance

• Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity

• Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts

• Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance

• Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance

• Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance

• Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance

• Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance

• Voluntary Pet Insurance

• Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program

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APPLICATION DEADLINE

Apply online by 11:59pm on January 4, 2024. Review of applications to begin Mid-January.

Contact Kimberly at [email protected] with questions.

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HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the application, attach cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references. Consider including all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know.

• Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations ) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Please refer to Applying for a Job (External Candidate for additional guidance. 

• Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Wyoming County are considered internal applicants. Internal applications must apply online through via  Workday under the "Career, Talent and Performance" section.

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The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed above.

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No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

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Job Title:

Association Lead Executive Director

Level:

No Grade - Annual

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Kimberly Amey

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State.  Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies.  This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.