Extension Assistant Director of Programs, Agronomy and Natural Resources

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

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About The Position

Penn State Extension is seeking a high-performing Assistant Director to lead the Agronomy and Natural Resources (AGNR) program area, which encompasses the following Program Teams: Agronomy, Energy, Pesticide Education, Farm Safety, Water Quality, Forestry and Wildlife, Urban Forestry, New and Beginning Farmer and Master Watershed Steward. This position plays an essential role in helping the organization expand reach and access to high-quality educational programs, products, and services. The Assistant Director of Programs (ADP) reports directly to the Associate Director of Programs, who provides overall leadership for Extension’s program vision and product portfolio. Under this leadership structure, the ADP is responsible for ensuring that all AGNR program teams effectively implement the Program Development Process (PDP), a structured market assessment and program prioritization process used to identify opportunities, guide investments, and ensure that Extension’s resources are allocated to high-value programming. The ADP will provide strategic leadership, supervision, and coaching to AGNR Extension educators, program team leaders, and affiliated faculty.

Requirements

• Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills, experience in coaching and mentoring, experience with budget oversight and resource development, and an interest in using new technologies for program development and delivery.
• Master's Degree
• 10+ years of relevant experience, includes 5+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Extension or equivalent leadership experience in agricultural, environmental, or natural resource organizations.

Responsibilities

• Guiding teams through planning, prioritizing, budgeting, development, delivery, evaluation, and sustainability of educational programs and products.
• Ensuring that program teams develop timely, customer-centered, research-based offerings that include in-person programs, online courses, publications, technical resources, digital tools, and applied educational services.
• Coordinating closely with the Associate Director of Programs, the Evaluation Director, the College of Agricultural Sciences Marketing and Digital Education teams, and academic departments to ensure teams are aligned with organizational goals and university research priorities.
• Guiding AGNR teams in understanding customer needs and market opportunities, setting clear program priorities, and advancing a product mix that improves Extension’s agility, financial stability, and overall impact. This includes identifying opportunities for grants, contracts, cost-recovery strategies, digital product development, and partnerships that strengthen the AGNR portfolio.
• Helping teams identify and address emerging issues affecting Pennsylvania’s agricultural and natural resource systems, ensuring programming meets the needs of customers across the rural–urban continuum.

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director