Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. Rooted in every county of the state, CCE Associations bring local experience and research-based solutions together, helping New York State families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

CCE of Nassau County is a NYS subordinate governmental agency, under the oversight of Cornell University, with an annual operation budget of $3,884,245.00, with approximately 47 year-round staff, numerous summer staff, and 134 volunteers.

The Executive Director provides overall leadership for the Association - setting 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. This position can sometimes be “hands-on” with no task too big or too small to tackle, helping to ensure constituents value the expertise and vital work of CCE of Nassau County.

This position also 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 Executive Director develops and maintains effective working relationships among the staff, other Extension Associations, the Central Region Shared Business Network, Extension Administration, Cornell faculty, and stakeholders.

    

Required Qualifications:

Master’s Degree plus a 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.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; ability to travel between multiple locations for business purposes; a valid NYS driver’s license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for Association insurance coverage are required.Business Acumen - Understands 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.).Strong experience in finance oversight and management.Financial development – grants, donors, program revenue.Experience with a multi-faceted organization while managing changing priorities.Approachable/accessible leader for the numerous stakeholders to include board, staff, volunteers, elected officials, and community partners.High-level support of programs and people: programs with notable involvement in education, positive youth development, and food systems.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 work flexible hours which includes evenings and/or weekends.Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.Knowledge – Knowledge 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.Leadership – Inspires and motivates others to perform; inspires respect and trust; provides vision; displays passion and optimism; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.Judgment - Displays 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.Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results.Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations and builds consensus.Managing People - Provides regular performance feedback; develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth, delegates work assignments; sets expectations and monitors designated activities; provides recognition for results.Work Environment – In addition to the Working Conditions; the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position works in a typical office environment.  In addition this position occasionally lifts, moves, or transports Association materials and equipment.  This position occasionally works in agricultural or outdoor weather conditions, including extreme heat, precipitation and cold – especially during the growing and 4-camp fair seasons, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience within or familiarity with CCE, public (governmental), or nonprofit leadership; understanding of how organizations interface with government entities.Experience with regulations and liability issues a plus.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction - 45%

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.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.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.Guide the development of the Associations finances (and fiscal stewardship), human resources (staff and volunteers), technology, marketing/communications, facilities, and risk management functions.

 

Management - 45%

Lead the daily operations of the Association through its leadership, supervisors, and staff. Frequently inform, negotiate, and collaborate with the Association Board of Directors and Cornell University on Association matters and decisions when needed or required.Lead the implementation of the Association’s strategic plan.Oversee programs to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives.Maintain and develop revenue streams to sustain and grow Association programming through a diversified fund development plan such as appropriations, grants, contracts, capital campaigns, foundations, individual donors, corporate support, bequests, etc.Represent the Association before a variety of constituencies including alumni, friends, clientele, corporations, and foundations.Strengthen and support Association volunteer recruitment, management, and recognition.Carry out supervisory responsibilities either directly or through subordinate supervisors.Ensure positive program, employee, and volunteer relations.Ensure Association finances (and fiscal stewardship), human resources, technology, marketing/communications, and risk management functions are managed appropriately and in accordance with CCE standards.Ensure all Association activities and operations are carried out in compliance with CCE policy, local, state, and federal regulations and laws.Participate as a collaborative member in the Central NY Shared Business Network Administrative Management (AMG) group.Oversee the maintenance of Association facilities and assets, such as property, vehicles, etc.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.

Coordination/Operation - 5%

Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.Review and approve time off requests for direct reports.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

In cooperation with Board President, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety - Applies to all duties and functions

Lead the Associations efforts to maintain a safe working environment.Be familiar with 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 when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy - Applies to all duties and functions

Ensure equal program and employment opportunities within the Association.Lead and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.Seek out and assign professional development opportunities designed to increase awareness and skills in diversity, equity, and inclusion.Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences; lead local efforts to accomplish the same.Lead and ensure adherence to established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Nassau County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a full-time, exempt position, 100% FTE. The annual salary for this position is $120,000.00 - $140,000.00, commensurate with experience. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, NYS retirement, vacation and sick leave.

Pay Rate Type: Salary

HOW TO APPLY:

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open until close of day on March 28, 2025 and until a qualified pool of candidates is identified. For earliest consideration, apply by March 21, 2025. The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2025.

Applicants need to attach/upload a resume to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. In the "Experience" section of your application, use the Paperclip icon to search for file(s) or use the "Drop Files Here" box to manually drag document(s) into your application. Once the application is submitted you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments.

External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) please refer to the Applying for a Job (External Candidate) document for additional guidance.

Internal Applicants: Current employees of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting are considered internal applicants; please refer to the Applying for a Job (Internal Candidate) document for additional guidance. Contact Erika at eh482@cornell.edu with questions.

Sponsorship for employment VISA status is not available for this position.

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 that you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Erika at eh482@cornell.edu.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

  

Job Title:

Association Exec Director

Level:

No Grade - Annual

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Jerilynn Cross

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.