Regional Extension Director (Central Region)

TITLE :   Regional Extension Director (Central Region)

DEPARTMENT :   Cooperative Extension

REPORTS TO : Associate Extension Administrator

CLASSIFICATION :   Staff-12 months

LOCATION :   Jefferson County, Kentucky

EFFECTIVE DATE :   TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS :   37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS :   Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION : Exempt

JOB SUMMARY :

The Regional Extension Director (Central) provides leadership for Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension county-based Extension staff in a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, issue-based Extension program in the assigned region. The Regional Extension Director applies a broad perspective and understanding of priority issues impacting individuals, families, and communities to recruit, train, and evaluate county Extension agents and paraprofessionals in collaboration with other area and regional directors.  The Regional Extension Director serves as the primary contact person working with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Regional Extension Directors, Area Extension Directors, District Extension Boards, and County Extension Councils. The Regional Extension Director will report to the Associate Extension Administrator.

This position leads staff in the assigned region with county-assessed Extension directors to ensure the needs of the local populations are being addressed through programs offered by Cooperative Extension at Kentucky State University. Supervise and monitor the progress and performance of county-based Extension agents in the Central region. Coordinates the planning, design implementation, and evaluation of county, multi-county and regional Extension programs in cooperation with county and district directors, state program leaders, and other appropriate personnel at the land-grant universities. Ensures the development of innovative, high-quality programs that reflect the needs of local audiences by guiding county-based Extension agents in the programming process.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for Extension programs within the assigned region to ensure alignment with KSU’s mission, strategic priorities, and state and federal requirements.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate county-based Extension personnel and program staff, fostering a high-performing, supportive, and collaborative work environment, which will include routinely meeting with Extension staff in person and virtually.
• Identify the professional development needs of regional staff and coordinate training in program delivery, evaluation, technology, communication, and compliance.
• Facilitate onboarding and training for new hires within the region.
• Guide regional planning, goal setting, implementation and reporting of Extension programs, ensuring relevance to local needs and priorities in coordination with KSU Cooperative Extension Program Leaders and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Program.
• Lead the development, monitoring, and evaluation of Extension agents’ annual plans of work, ensuring program quality, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
• Support the integration of research-based knowledge into regional programming and encourage collaboration between Extension specialists, county agents, researchers, and community partners.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local governments, agencies, nonprofits, producers, schools, and community organizations to enhance Extension’s reach and impact including, but not limited to, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, KSU Extension and Research Advisory Council members, District Boards, and County Councils.
• Represent KSU Cooperative Extension at regional meetings, advisory councils, public events, and stakeholder engagements such as but not limited to the following : Cattlemen’s Association, KY Horticulture council, KY Sheep Council, KY Farm Bureau, KY Maple producers, and County Agricultural Investment Program.
• Promote cross-state collaboration to leverage resources and strengthen regional impact.
• Manage facility and technology needs for county offices and regional programs, which may include identifying and establishing new office locations for county-based staff.
• Promote KSU Extension programs, impacts, and opportunities through regional outreach, media engagement, and partnership networks.
• Attend and provide updates at Extension leadership team meetings, quarterly Extension meetings, and administrative and district meetings.
• Participate in statewide leadership meetings, strategic planning efforts, and ongoing Extension initiatives.
• Serve on committees, task forces, or project teams as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED :

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY :

OTHER DUTIES :

QUALIFICATIONS :

Bachelor’s degree in Extension education, agriculture, family and consumer science, public administration, or a related field is required. Master’s degree or doctoral degree in agriculture, business administration, Extension education, family and consumer science, public administration, or a related field is preferred. Five years of experience in a related field is required.

Licensing and Certifications : NA

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge / skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.