Digital Agriculture Extension Lead

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

About The Position

The Digital Agriculture Extension Lead will lead the people, programs, and partnerships delivering Iowa State University Extension programming on digital agriculture throughout Iowa and beyond. The role connects research and technology development with practical education for audiences ranging from farmers to agricultural professionals. It includes setting strategy and roadmaps, developing and delivering hands-on programs, and translating emerging agricultural technologies and Digital Ag research into actionable outcomes that create measurable on-farm value. The Lead will work with Digital Ag researchers, engineers, agronomists, Extension specialists, field staff, and industry partners to identify educational needs, develop programming, lead Extension staff, and expand the reach and impact of Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach portfolio. The position involves in-state travel and may include occasional out-of-state travel, as well as evening and weekend hours. This is a fixed-term appointment with an expected end date of December 13, 2029, and an expectation of long-term renewal. The selected candidate will be hired as a Manager Engineering.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience.
Experience in Extension and outreach, professional education, agricultural training, technical education, product support, agronomy, precision agriculture, agricultural equipment, or a related field.
Knowledge of production agriculture and technologies used in modern crop production systems.
Experience developing and delivering high-impact educational programs, technical training, demonstrations, field days, or similar programming.
Ability to translate complex technical and research information into clear, practical guidance for farmers and agricultural professionals.
Experience leading people, managing budgets and programs, and coordinating cross-functional teams.
Experience building relationships with farmers, industry partners, researchers, and agricultural organizations.
Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is not available.
Applicants should submit a resume or curriculum vitae and a letter of application or cover letter.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in agricultural education, agricultural engineering, agronomy, agricultural systems technology, crop science, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
Experience developing educational programs for farmers, agricultural professionals, or adult learners.
Experience with digital agriculture, precision agriculture, agricultural equipment, application technology, or emerging agricultural technologies.
Experience developing partnerships among universities, industry, and agricultural organizations.
Experience managing multiple programs, events, budgets, and staff.
Experience evaluating educational programs and documenting outcomes and impact.
Experience developing externally funded Extension, educational, or industry-partnership programs.

Responsibilities

Lead Digital Ag's Extension program, including its strategy, roadmaps, staffing, partnerships, and annual programming.
Develop and deliver educational programs that translate research findings and emerging agricultural technologies into practical information for farmers and agricultural professionals.
Create programming that connects agronomic research, technology and machinery implementation, systems thinking in crop production, and innovation through data and AI.
Identify producer and industry needs and use them to guide future programming and educational resources.
Lead and develop program staff, students, and other contributors involved in Iowa State Extension programming in Digital Ag.
Build partnerships across Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, including with field agronomists, agricultural engineers, campus specialists, and county and regional staff.
Develop relationships with farmers, agribusinesses, commodity organizations, technology companies, and other partners to expand program reach and engage new audiences.
Measure and communicate program participation, learning outcomes, adoption, and economic or operational impact.
Travel within Iowa; occasional out-of-state travel may be included, and evening and weekend hours may be required.