Associate Vice President of OSU Extension

Buffkin / Baker•Stillwater, OK

47d•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (DASNR/OSU Agriculture) at Oklahoma State University is seeking nominations and applications for the position of Associate Vice President of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service (OCES). This 12-month position reports administratively to the Vice President, Dean and Director of DASNR. The OCES employs over 400 faculty, professional, and support staff across OSU campus and more than 80 locations in Oklahoma. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to the land-grant mission and will serve as the chief operating officer of OCES, providing transformative leadership for high-quality and effective Cooperative Extension Service programs relevant to Oklahoma's needs. This role involves leading long-range program planning, administration of programs, personnel, and fiscal affairs, increasing revenue for OCES, and fostering engagement with county and state leaders, legislators, and various stakeholder organizations. The Associate Vice President will also coordinate with other DASNR leaders and extension leads from other colleges at OSU to ensure effective program coordination and will manage day-to-day OCES administrative operations. Active participation in regional and national organizations, engagement with federal and state agencies, and ensuring compliance with Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity programs are also key responsibilities. The position is a member of DASNR’s executive team, working to advance OSU Agriculture and ensure synergies between teaching, research, and Extension missions.

Requirements

A terminal degree in a discipline related to the Cooperative Extension Service mission is preferred; exceptions may be made for individuals with exceptional leadership and administrative experience related to the OCES mission.
Experience leading a complex organization with multiple layers of direct reports is strongly preferred.
A comprehensive understanding of non-formal youth and adult education and program development processes.
A demonstrated ability to serve effectively as an administrative leader.
A proven ability to communicate effectively.
A demonstrated capability to manage personnel and budgets.
An understanding of issues important to Oklahoma agriculture, families, youth and communities and a grasp of the means to provide visionary and progressive leadership in the development of innovative programs.
A thorough understanding of all levels, programming areas, and aspects of the Cooperative Extension Service is essential with the ability to strengthen relationships with constituency groups at the county, state, and federal level.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in the Cooperative Extension System.

Responsibilities

Lead long-range program planning, implementation and reporting for the OCES system.
Work with the DASNR Vice President, Dean and Director to administer programs, personnel, and fiscal affairs.
Provide leadership to increase revenue for OCES with county, state, federal, and private sources.
Provide leadership for engagement with county and state leaders and legislators to enhance extension programming.
Actively seek input on program needs and to garner support for OCES from food and agricultural organizations, natural resource organizations, community health and wellness organizations, and other stakeholders.
Help lead campus-wide initiatives on Extension and coordinate with the Associate Vice President, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station (OSU Ag Research), Associate Dean of the Ferguson College of Agriculture (Academic Programs), the Deans and extension leads from other Colleges at Oklahoma State University including the Colleges or Education and Human Sciences, Engineering, Architecture and Technology, Spears School of Business, Veterinary Medicine, and Arts & Sciences to achieve effective coordination of Extension programs.
Manage day-to-day operations of OCES administrative issues.
Maintain an active role in regional and national organizations such as the Association of Southern Region Extension Directors and Association of Public and Land Grant Universities.
Actively engage with the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, and other federal and state agencies to coordinate Extension and outreach efforts across organizations to position OCES for funding opportunities.
Provide leadership for full compliance with the Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Program in the OCES.
Serve as a member of DASNR’s executive team and coordinate with the Dean and VP, Associate Dean of the Ferguson College of Agriculture, and the Associate Vice President of the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station to advance OSU Agriculture and ensure synergies with teaching, research, and Extension missions.