Associate Dean/Director of UI Extension / CALS

Position Summary

The Associate Dean/Director of University of Idaho Extension provides executive leadership for a comprehensive, statewide Extension system and serves as a senior member of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) leadership team. The position advances the University of Idaho’s land-grant mission by ensuring the delivery of research-based outreach and education that improves the lives, livelihoods, and environments of Idahoans.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for UI Extension aligned with university, college, and federal priorities
• Lead development and implementation of a statewide strategic plan
• Oversee staffing, budget, operations, and compliance across county offices, research centers, and program units
• Ensure effective allocation and management of resources
• Promote organizational performance, accountability, and coordination across Extension, academic, and research units
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, research-based Extension programs statewide
• Lead recruitment, development, and retention efforts
• Align performance expectations with strategic priorities
• Serve as primary spokesperson and advocate for UI Extension
• Build and maintain partnerships with local governments, industry, and state and federal agencies
• Represent Extension in university, state, regional, and national settings
• Strengthen Extension’s visibility and support external funding and partnerships
• Ensure adherence to university policies and applicable federal and state regulations
• Support institutional priorities related to risk management, reporting, and accountability

Leadership Expectations

• Lead a complex, statewide organization with clarity and accountability
• Demonstrate strategic thinking and sound decision-making
• Foster collaboration and continuous improvement
• Maintain a strong focus on statewide impact and community engagement
• Operate effectively in a highly visible, stakeholder-driven environment

Minimum Education/Degree Required

Listed degree qualification is required at time of application. Required Qualifications: Doctorate in a field relevant to Cooperative Extension, agricultural sciences, life sciences, natural resources, or a closely related discipline. Eligibility for appointment at the rank of Full Professor. Record of administrative leadership roles with increasing responsibility. Documented experience in: Strategic planning and implementation, Budget development and fiscal oversight, Supervision of personnel in a multi-unit or distributed organization. Experience working within the Cooperative Extension System or comparable outreach-based system.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Extension leadership at the state or regional level
• Experience securing and managing external funding and partnerships
• Experience working within county-based and statewide delivery systems
• Record of engagement across rural, frontier, and urban communities
• Participation in national or regional Extension organizations
• Articulated perspective on the role of Extension in a modern land-grant institution