County Extension Director

In addition to your application please submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three (3) professional references.

Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell. No two days in Extension are ever the same, there is always something new! Extension Agents are active in their communities and often need to meet the clients when and where they are available. This is not your typical desk job!

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Paid tuition
• Health Insurance
• Flexible Scheduling
• Retirement Savings
• Supplemental Benefits Programs
• WolfPerks!

Primary Purpose Of Position:

The County Extension Director is an employee of North Carolina State University. The primary responsibility of this position is to provide leadership for and coordinate the efforts of the county Extension staff in developing an effective total county Extension educational program.

Primary Function Of Organizational Unit:

Ashe County Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens. Our mission is to partner with communities and local governments to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives, land, and economy of North Carolina.

Duties And Responsibilities:

The County Extension Director (CED) serves as the county Extension administrative leader and is responsible for administration. This is considered a county department head-level position, and the CED will be expected to perform at that level and be accountable. Close communication with the District Extension Director and the County Manager is necessary. This position requires a dynamic individual to provide visionary leadership for a comprehensive Extension program to meet the needs of county citizens and maintain the affirmative action plan of North Carolina Cooperative Extension. The CED is responsible for maintaining an effective advisory leadership system representative of the program of work. The CED provides leadership and expertise in managing and coordinating resource development for all program areas, including fiscal responsibility for the county and state-appropriated funds, and allocated funds. Responsibilities also include marketing Extension programs and their impacts.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

Other responsibilities include organizing and allocating resources, marketing the Extension program, preparing budgets, maintaining administrative relationships, interpreting and communicating policy, teaching, evaluating, and reporting in the assigned county. The ability to work with a wide range of people, staff, customers, elected officials, and volunteers is essential. The CED must maintain an effective, collaborative relationship in delivering educational programs by working closely with county government agencies and organizations, county departments, local officials, area agencies, and University and Extension personnel in nearby counties. This position is responsible for coordinating staff development and training, conducting performance evaluations, and aligning staff work responsibilities. The successful candidate must have demonstrated the ability to plan, organize, and work well with people. Successful performance of the duties encompassed in the CED’s job requires that the individual possess educational leadership and statesmanship qualities, habits of industry, a sense of responsibility, a genuine appreciation for the work of the individual, a high degree of objectivity, and effective oral and written communication skills. Travel within the district, as well as occasional travel outside the district, is required.

Requirements and Preferences:

Work Schedule: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday; evenings/weekends as required. The minimum requirements for the County Extension Director is either a (i) Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field related to Extension/educational programming, administration, organizational leadership, or public administration and a minimum of three (3) years of service with Cooperative Extension or similar work experience in a university or community outreach organization or program; or (ii) a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field related to Extension/educational programming, administration, organizational leadership, or public administration and a minimum of ten (10) years of service with Cooperative Extension or similar work experience in a university or community outreach organization or program. A candidate applying with a Bachelor’s degree and less than 10 years of experience must be actively enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program and confer the degree within one year of hire. Administrative and supervisory experience including experience with human resource development, fiscal resource management, and external relations is strongly preferred.

Department Required Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership in Extension programming and management
• Supervisory experience
• Skills in human relations, negotiations, public relations, team building, managing public policy issues
• Securing and managing outside funding and resources to develop innovative educational programming.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education:

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in leadership and management and expertise in delivering educational programs in Agriculture, 4‑H Youth Development, or Family and Consumer Sciences.

Required License or Certification:

Valid NC Driver's License required.

Recruitment:

Anticipated Hiring Range Minimum $50,000. Recruitment Date: Job Open Date 01/12/2026.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply.