The Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County Agriculture Program Leader will provide overall, high-level program and administrative leadership, direction, management and coordination of all Agriculture programming efforts and provide leadership and supervision to the Agriculture area, specific to Agriculture Public Policy and Community and Economic Development.
Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to community leaders, Extension colleagues, volunteers, and members, Cornell University faculty and Staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner. Secure and manage program resources, as well as facilitate support for other program areas as appropriate. This position will also ensure that the educational programs reflect the current needs and the demographics in Orange County, and that programs conform to the objectives and mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Association.
Required Qualifications:
Master's Degree in Agriculture or related field (or) Master's Degree in Business, Economics, or Management with Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture.
4 years of relevant work experience. PHD may substitute for 2 years' experience.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to work flexible hours which will include evenings and/or weekends throughout the year .
Ability to transport supplies and equipment with or without accommodation.
Ability to clearly communicate and to read and write in English.
Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
Knowledge of the principles, theory, research, and application of subject-matter appropriate to area of Agriculture.
Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel as well as Adobe reader/writer as well as various internet-based programs
Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual channels using traditional methods as well as electronic technology.
Demonstrated experience in effective supervision and management.
Demonstrated experience with fund development, management and grant writing.
Demonstrated experience and ability to work independently and as part of a team with internal and external partners at multiple levels within organizations and across communities.
Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement and evaluate informal education programs for diverse audiences.
Ability to effectively lead, manage, and participate in professional team efforts and highly functioning work teams.
Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders and clientele groups.
Ability to identify and make use of program resources within the community and to establish a leadership role within the community and association.
Ability to identify and secure funding that supports programs, including grant writing, developing public and private partnerships.
Ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.
Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications:
Background or course work in leadership, management, research methodology, education, grant writing/management, non-profits and/or Agricultural Economic Development.
Knowledge of the philosophy, organization and operation of Cooperative Extension.
Additional experience with applications such as Canva, any CRM, statistical analysis, etc.
Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
Program Responsibilities:
Program Assessment - 10%
Provide program leadership in applying subject matter knowledge to identify needs, gaps, and trends in the community in collaboration with supervisor, program committees, staff, Cornell faculty, agency partners, and other community constituents within scope of the Association and Statewide Plan of Work.
Analyze program needs based on assessments and input from community groups, staff and other interested parties.
Make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements, and/or improvements based upon assessment.
Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty/program units, Regional Agriculture Team (Cornell Vegetable Program) and other Land Grant Universities as appropriate, for program assessment guidance related to Agriculture, Public Policy, Community and Economic Development programming efforts.
Program Development - 15%
Provide overall program leadership in the application of subject matter knowledge to develop educational strategies for the Agriculture programming area.
Develop/create high quality educational program materials to address the needs of the program and program participants in the Agriculture area using proven educational methodologies as well as innovative techniques to reach diverse target populations within the community and region.
Based on program evaluation data, formulate and implement specific program changes to improve overall program quality, deliverables and impact and meet the need of diverse program participants.
Research, identify and select existing resources for use in Agriculture offerings.
Ensure that program development and program structure are within both the Association and the state-wide Plan of Work and that they meet the diverse needs of program participants.
Maintain direct connection with Cornell University faculty and other Land Grant Universities as appropriate, for guidance in program development.
Program Delivery - 10%
Serve as subject matter expert in the area of Agriculture Public Policy and Community/Economic Development for staff, volunteers, participants, community organizations, general public and Agriculture professionals working within the county and the region.
Provide overall program leadership of and participate in delivery of innovative and multi-disciplinary program efforts utilizing a variety of teaching methods, including formal and informal workshops, seminars, social and mass media consistent with identified educational needs.
Consult and utilize target audiences/stakeholders, collaborators, organizations, agencies, government, and other key partners in program delivery efforts.
Foster acceptance of programs, methods and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.
Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty, program units and other Land Grant Universities as appropriate for program delivery guidance.
Ensure program delivery is within the scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.
Represent CCE before the public, participants, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities in a professional manner as part of program delivery.
Program Evaluation - 5%
Develop program evaluation framework to measure program impacts and gain input/insight for continuous improvement.
Interact with program participants, advisory committees, Cornell program specialists and faculty, county and community leaders to obtain evaluation data for programs.
Provide leadership for analyzing and evaluating programs and communicate outcomes and recommendations to the Executive Director, Administrative team, Board, program advisory committee, Cornell faculty, county and community leaders.
Make recommendations for programmatic changes/improvements to strengthen and improve program offerings.
Evaluate implemented change impacts and utilize information to direct future work.
Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program evaluation guidance as needed.
Applied Research - 10%
Collaborate in the applied research process in conjunction with Cornell University faculty as identified and opportunities present to design or create applied research collection framework.
Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University Specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon as identified.
Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units to for guidance in applied research as appropriate.
Ensure applied research is within the scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.
Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction - 20%
Provide high level leadership to determine program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with supervisor, program committees, staff, Cornell faculty, agency partners, and other community constituents.
Lead the development and enhancement of community partnerships to encourage the incorporation of Agriculture education programming and special events.
Provide leadership for and develop and plan effective strategic communication and marketing efforts to reach target audiences and meet program objectives through public relation initiatives including networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and community organizations.
Provide leadership for and plan promotion of public events and programs including, but not limited to, assisting with mass media efforts related to upcoming events and programs.
Develop relationships with partner agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders in order to obtain their assistance in program development.
Identify and develop strategies to secure fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement.
Provide leadership in budget development for the Agriculture program area.
Provide leadership for the development of staffing plans that support educational programming efforts.
Management - 20%
Lead and guide staff, using a high level of administrative and subject matter expertise, in effective program development, delivery, and evaluation methods. Provide leadership and supervision for the Ag programming by coaching, supporting and enabling educators in the delivery of educational programs achieving program objectives and meeting the needs of professionals and consumers.
Provide high level program management in all aspects of the Agriculture Program area.
P rovide complex administrative management in providing leadership to facilitate problem solving and conflict management that arise in the operation of the Agriculture Program area.
Implement policy and programmatic changes to address identified gaps/needs in the community, county and/or region.
Identify activities and resources needed to carry out program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with supervisor, program committees, staff, Cornell faculty, agency partners, and other community constituents.
Supervise, manage and direct the work of educators and staff in the delivery of appropriate, established educational programs to achieve program objectives and meet the needs of the target population.
Provide continuous feedback, coaching, and performance management to supervisees.
Evaluate performance and conduct annual reviews of Agriculture educators and staff.
Effectively manage program budget allocations. Provide fiscal management and budget development leadership to ensure expenditure of funds complies with funding requirements, grant specifications, and adheres to Association strategies/Plan of Work.
Ensure volunteer direction and management procedures are followed according to established policies and procedures by providing guidance, leadership and resources for volunteers and volunteer leaders including recruitment, screening, orientation, training, evaluation, and management.
Coordination/Operation - 5%
Utilize effective marketing and communication strategies in the promotion of Agriculture programming to include, but not limited to, print media, news media, social media, multi-media efforts and the environmental change initiatives.
Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses to facilitate continued programming efforts.
Actively serve on appropriate regional, state and national committees and task forces that support overall educational and organizational efforts of the CCE system.
Complete required financial documentation to meet the grant or budget requirements.
Initiate grant-writing and contract development activities in order to secure funding.
Schedule, coordinate, facilitate and/or participate in project-related meetings, trainings and conference calls as required or as needed.
Prepare and submit required reports related programming activities and accomplishments to communicate results to appropriate stakeholders.
Professional Improvement - 5%
In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, 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 - Applied to all duties and functions
Support the Association 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 to supervisors when identified.
EEO/EPO and Policy - Applied to all duties and functions
Maintain professional and respectful interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to various audiences.
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange 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.
This is a full time, benefits eligible, exempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of $93,642 per year. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:
Vacation, Sick and Personal time
Paid Holidays
NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
NYS Retirement
Long-term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity
Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance
Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
Voluntary Auto and Homeowner's Insurance
Voluntary Pet Insurance
Voluntary New York's College Savings Program
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:
https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs
How To Apply: Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/. For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply
All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume and indicate three individuals who may be contacted as a reference. Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.
All applications must be received on-line by March 16, 2026. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
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. For additional questions or if you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Leah Cadwallader, Regional Human Resources Manager, e-mail LC267@cornell.edu or (845) 340-3990x314.
Job Title:
Association Issue Leader
Level:
No Grade - Annual
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Leah Cadwallader
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.
Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . 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.
