Executive Director - Ithaca, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. Rooted in every county of the state, CCE Associations bring local experience and research-based solutions together, helping New York state families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

CCE Tompkins County is a NYS subordinate governmental agency, under the oversight of Cornell University, with an annual operation budget of $8.6 Million, with approximately 99 staff and 300 volunteers.

The Executive Director provides overall leadership for the Association -- setting local program priorities in collaboration with the Board of Directors. This position also ensures equitable, diverse, and inclusive programs and practices, operational compliance and risk management, fiscal oversight, and effective people management. The Executive Director successfully navigates competing priorities while also building and maintaining tactful, collaborative relationships with multiple audiences. This position can sometimes be "hands-on" with no task too big or too small to tackle, helping to ensure constituents value the expertise and vital work of CCE of Tompkins County.

This position will be located onsite in the CCE Tompkins County office. The appointment is an at-will appointment and thus is subject to performance, need for the position, and the availability of funds.

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week, benefits-eligible exempt position. Compensation starts at $110,000 - $135,000 a year, depending on experience.

The search will remain open until 9/30/2023 or until a suitable candidate is found. Position closing dates may close based on Association needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's Degree plus a minimum of six (6) years of related experience, including four (4) years in a leadership capacity. A PhD may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• Commitment to working with diverse populations, contributing to organizational diversity efforts, and/or evidence of cultural competence.
• Ability to meet the regular travel requirements associated with this position.; ability to travel between multiple locations for business purposes.; a valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for Association insurance coverage are required.
• Ability to demonstrate engagement in the association by regularly providing in-person organizational leadership and oversight
• A commitment to being a strong physical presence in the county to build community connections with constituencies, local organizations and community leaders.
• Ability to meet acceptable background check requirements.
• Ability to work flexible hours which includes evenings and/or weekends.
• Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
• Knowledge - Knowledge or understanding of one or more key CCE issues including: agriculture and food systems; community and economic vitality; environment & natural resources sustainable energy and climate change; nutrition, food safety and security and obesity prevention; 4-H youth development and strengthening families.
• Leadership - Inspires and motivates others to perform; inspires respect and trust; provides vision; displays passion and optimism; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make timely decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; ensures compliance standards are met; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; aligns work with strategic goals; works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; conserves organizational resources. Embraces and develops competency in software and data management tools (financial systems, HR systems, etc.).
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations and builds consensus.
• Managing People - Provides regular performance feedback; develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth, delegates work assignments; sets expectations and monitors designated activities; provides recognition for results.
• Work Environment - In addition to the Working Conditions; the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position works in a typical office environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within CCE, public (governmental), or nonprofit leadership.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fund development, grants, and revenue enhancement.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction - 45%

• Working with the Board of Directors, encourage and ensure engagement with the CCE mission, vision, and values; guide the development of the Association's Plan of Work, strategic plans, goals, and objectives.
• Oversee the process of interpreting the Association and University program direction to assess, develop, plan and evaluate educational programs which are reflective of the needs and demographics of the local citizens and communities. Facilitate connections between University staff/faculty and Association program staff. Evaluate the needs for expansion, reduction, or termination of programs.
• Develop and expand relationships with local, county, or federal governments, key elected officials, Cornell University, other CCE Associations, agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders that help advance the mission and goals of CCE.
• Guide the development of the Associations finances (and fiscal stewardship), human resources (staff and volunteers), technology, marketing/communications, facilities, and risk management functions.

Management - 45%

• Lead the daily operations of the Association through its leadership, supervisors, and staff.
• Frequently inform, negotiate, and collaborate with the Association Board of Directors and Cornell University on Association matters and decisions when needed or required.
• Lead the implementation of the Association's strategic plan.
• Oversee programs to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives.
• Maintain and develop revenue streams to sustain and grow Association programming through a diversified fund development plan such as appropriations, grants, contracts, capital campaigns, foundations, individual donors, corporate support, bequests, etc.
• Represent the Association before a variety of constituencies including alumni, friends, clientele, corporations, and foundations.
• Strengthen and support Association volunteer recruitment, management, and recognition.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities either directly or through subordinate supervisors.
• Ensure positive program, employee, and volunteer relations.
• Ensure Association finances (and fiscal stewardship), human resources, technology, marketing/communications, and risk management functions are managed appropriately and in accordance with CCE standards.
• Ensure all Association activities and operations are carried out in compliance with CCE policy, local, state, and federal regulations and laws.
• Oversee the maintenance of Association facilities and assets, such as property, vehicles, etc.
• Lead the Association in ensuring that all data and information collected, accessed and/or maintained remains confidential to the extend required by policy, regulations and/or laws.

Coordination/Operation - 5%

• Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.
• Review and approve time off requests for direct reports.

Professional Improvement - 5%

• In cooperation with Board President, 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 - Applies to all duties and functions

• Lead the associations efforts 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 when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy - Applies to all duties and functions

• Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Tompkins County policies and procedures, and 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, 40 hour per week, benefits-eligible exempt position. Compensation starts at $110,000 - $135.000 a year, depending on experience.

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:

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 online by September 30, 2023. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

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Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

Union Positions

Current Employees:

Online Submission Guidelines:

Employment Assistance:

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.