Associate Dean of Operations & External Relations

Job Summary

The Associate Dean of Operations & External Relations is a senior‑level administrator providing overall management and direction across Extension’s internal operations, policy development, and external relations, including both elected and non‑elected county, state, federal, and tribal partners. This role collaborates with and reports to the Dean of UW‑Madison’s Division of Extension. The Associate Dean supervises two Assistant Deans responsible for oversight of Extension’s partnerships and program delivery across all 72 counties in Wisconsin, as well as Directors of units delivering division‑wide services (human resources, communications, information technology, access and inclusion, finance) and specialists responsible for facilities, planning, policy, and administrative management. Successful applicants must have significant experience as an organizational leader to create conditions that facilitate effective delivery of Extension education statewide.

Responsibilities

• Organizational Strategy and Decision‑Making: Provide strategic insight and direction for operations, policy development, and external relations; assess efficient support for Extension programming; maintain policies and develop systems for strategic planning, personnel, technology, budget, facilities, and communications.
• Divisional Leadership: Partner with Academic Associate Deans to support programming priorities; work with Assistant Deans to align external partner needs with Extension capacity; streamline services across budget, HR, communications, IT, access & inclusion, facilities, planning, and policy; serve as a core member of the Dean’s Executive Team developing policies and strategies.
• Partnership Management: Align annual strategic initiatives with Assistant Deans and operational units; regularly engage UW‑Madison administrative leadership (Legal Affairs, University Relations, Provost, Chancellor, Risk Management, Comptroller, etc.) to ensure alignment; collaborate with leaders in other schools, colleges, and divisions on shared issues.
• Budget Management: Manage the overall budget for Operations and the Dean’s Office; develop strategies to diversify funding sources for Extension priorities.
• Staff Management: Supervise Operations Directors, Assistant Deans for Geographies, and operations specialists.
• External Relations: Build relationships with federal, state, local, and tribal officials to address mutual priorities and secure funding; engage with other Extension organizations, especially in the North Central region; develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations.
• Build consensus and develop collaborative relationships with a broad range of stakeholders; exercise supervisory authority over at least 2.0 FTE equivalents; serve on university review committees; provide leadership for academic programs, set strategic direction, and ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and policies; advise the Dean and other leaders on critical issues; direct ongoing assessment and continuous improvement of programs; ensure data‑driven improvement of initiatives; lead special initiatives requiring senior leadership attention.

Required Qualifications

• At least five years of management experience within a complex organization.
• Demonstrated record as a proven leader and manager of employees.
• Demonstrated record of building effective working relationships with internal and external entities.
• Experience developing and implementing organizational policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing a physically distributed workforce.
• Experience and understanding of the Extension mission.
• Experience working within a Land‑Grant University or large public institution.
• Experience working with local, state, and/or federal elected officials.
• Experience and understanding of fundraising and philanthropic approaches to diversify funding.
• Understanding of Native Nations governance and sovereignty and ability to work with diverse tribes.

Education

• Master’s degree required.
• Earned terminal degree preferred.

Compensation

Starting salary will be based on experience and qualifications. Well‑qualified applicants can anticipate earning between $165,000 and $190,000, with final salary determined by experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance (competitively priced).
• Tax‑advantaged savings accounts.
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

Work Location & Schedule

• Division of Extension headquarters located in Madison, WI.
• Partial remote work: up to two days remote per week with an approved Remote Work Agreement; employee must provide high‑speed internet and phone; transportation between home and work is not reimbursable.
• Evening and weekend work may be required occasionally to meet divisional needs.
• Travel: periodic in‑state travel; valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required; compliance with UW‑Madison driver authorization policies.