Associate Director for Extension Field Operations

Posted via KansasWorks (job ID 13649927). Banner image source: jobelephant.com.

About the role

K-State Research and Extension is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Associate Director for Extension Field Operations. This is an executive leadership opportunity to shape the future of Extension across Kansas while supporting the professionals, partnerships, and systems that connect university-based research and expertise with communities in all 105 Kansas counties. As a key member of the K-State Extension leadership team, the Associate Director provides strategic oversight for local extension operations statewide, supports organizational excellence, ensures civil rights compliance, and cultivates the partnerships that make Extension one of the most trusted public service organizations in Kansas.

This role is ideal for a seasoned Extension professional who is passionate about leadership, organizational development, public service, and building strong relationships that strengthen communities and improve lives.

As Associate Director for Extension Field Operations, you will have the opportunity to:

• Influence the future direction of one of the nation's premier Cooperative Extension systems.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen Extension's impact across every region of Kansas.
• Collaborate with dedicated professionals who are passionate about serving communities.
• Advance organizational excellence, innovation, and long-term sustainability.
• Drive meaningful change through leadership, partnership, and public service.
• Help ensure that Extension remains responsive, accessible, and relevant for future generations.

This position offers the opportunity to lead with purpose, influence a statewide organization, and contribute to the land-grant mission of improving the lives of Kansans through education, engagement, and innovation.

About the organization

For more than a century, K-State Extension has served as the trusted connection between Kansas State University and the people of Kansas. Extension professionals help individuals, families, businesses, agricultural producers, youth, communities, and organizations solve real-world challenges through research-based education and engagement.

Worksite

This position is on-site, located on the K-State Manhattan campus. The employee must have the ability to be on campus for routine, spontaneous, and scheduled meetings frequently during the work week. Remote work is granted at the discretion of the direct supervisor. Additional details about potential hybrid work in this role can be discussed during interviews.

Minimum qualifications

• Master's degree and five years of relevant experience. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager.
• The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the working knowledge of agricultural systems, regulatory frameworks, and university operations necessary for effective leadership in agriculture and extension services. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of K-State Extension local unit operations at the county, district, regional, and/or state levels.
• Experience with human capital development and management.
• Experience managing or working with multiple funding sources, developing and managing budgets, and an understanding of government and non-profit auditing.
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Experience with or leadership in civil rights compliance or equal opportunity employment within a land-grant university, the Cooperative Extension Service, or another federally funded or regulated organization.
• Experience in complex organizational structures, including employee relations, grievance administration, performance management, and policy interpretation.
• Demonstrated experience advising or working with governing boards or elected bodies, such as extension councils, districts, county commissions, or advisory boards.
• Experience leading organizational change initiatives, reorganizations, partnership agreements, or system-wide operational improvements.
• Experience developing, interpreting, and implementing policy, legislation, memoranda of understanding, and similar instruments.