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The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work that is to be performed in the identified position. The statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified as other duties may be assigned. 

 Summary: 

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) (www.aces.edu) are seeking applications for the position of Assistant Director for Urban Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Extension Programs. This 12-month administrative position will be located on the campus of Alabama A&M University. The Assistant Director position reports to the ACES Associate Director. The Assistant Director will be a member of the ACES System Program Team.  

 Who we are: 

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is the outreach organization for the land grant mission of Auburn University and Alabama A&M University. Our educational programs grow from these two land grant university campuses to serve the people of Alabama. We deliver science- based educational programs that enable people to improve their quality of life and economic well-being. Our information and programs are available online or in person in all 67 County Extension Offices and at teaching sites throughout Alabama communities. 

 Perks & Benefits: 

This position allows for the opportunity to flourish in a self-directed work environment and in a variety of locations throughout the county as well as some travel. This position is an employee of Alabama A&M University. 

Reasons you’ll love being a part of ACES – Alabama A&M University 

Job Satisfaction! Be a part of life-changing work in your community! Competitive retirement plan and benefits. 

Generous leave (including two weeks off during the holidays!) 

Fun, flexible & diverse work environment. Every day is different! 

Opportunity for professional growth and continual learning and engagement!  

Alabama A&M University tuition assistance for yourself and dependents. 

Supportive leadership & peers. The ACES team supports you and your work! 

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

The Assistant Director provides leadership for the development, delivery, evaluation, and reporting of Extension programs to the citizens of Alabama. These programs focus on forestry, wildlife, and natural resource management; home grounds and horticulture, integrated pest management; and animal sciences and forages.   

The Assistant Director provides overall vision, leadership, and coordination for Urban Agriculture, Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources (AFWNR) Extension Programs carried out by ACES in collaboration with Auburn University Extension. Primary responsibilities include collaboration with ACES program units, County Extension Offices, ACES affiliated department and external partners to produce and document program outcomes. The position is responsible for the coordination and integration of Extension programs that address timely issues in areas such as improving the productivity, sustainability and profitability of the state’s diverse agriculture and horticulture industries, promoting a safe and secure food supply, increasing environmental stewardship, and developing informed consumers. The Assistant Director will: 

 Provide leadership for marketing and communication strategies that advance the stature of Urban AFWNR 

• Promote and guide intradisciplinary, interdisciplinary and interinstitutional activities. Serve as Urban AFWNR liaison to Extension, University, and to constituents in the state of Alabama and nationally. 

• Lead program needs assessment activities, program team plan-of‐work development, delivery of transformational Extension programs, outcome evaluation and impact reporting. 

• Build teamwork through communication with ACES Extension Specialists, Regional Extension Agents, and others as appropriate. 

• Recommend changes to ensure constant improvement of Urban AFWNR Extension programming. 

• Be responsible for the recruitment, hiring, supervision, mentoring and performance assessment of Urban Extension Specialists and Urban Regional Extension Agents. 

• Provide leadership to assure program alignment with the annual plan‐of‐work and direction set by ACES. 

• Serve as the ACES-AAMU representative to the Southern Region Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension Program Leaders Network. 

• Provide leadership and guidance to the program team and other team leaders. 

• Foster the use of emerging pedagogy and communication technologies, including the appropriate media and social media, to engage new and diverse constituent audiences. 

• Foster entrepreneurial approaches to engage staff in the pursuit and procurement of revenue through grants, contracts, gifts and fees to expand programming. 

 Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):  

• An earned doctorate from an accredited institution in a field within agricultural sciences, forestry, natural resources, or related field; A bachelors or master’s within agricultural sciences, forestry, natural resources or a related field is acceptable to support if the doctorate degree is not in a relevant agricultural field. 

• 10 years minimum experience in Extension program leadership, as well as development, delivery, and evaluation of Extension programs that meet the needs of a target audience and create measurable impacts. 

• Strong working knowledge of current agricultural, forestry, and natural resource management issues in the world, United States and Alabama. 

• A proactive vision of the future of Extension and the ability to effectively communicate with information users on these matters. 

• An outstanding performance record in previous employment and a demonstrated commitment to the Extension philosophy and mission. 

• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication and a proven ability to interact extremely effectively with faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholders. 

• The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time of appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment. 

Desired Qualifications: 

Experience as County Extension Agent, Regional Extension Agent delivering AFWNR programs in urban communities.  

Other information:

Salary Range: $93,375-$124,500 commensurate with education and experience.