"Associate Dean and Director, Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources"

Associate Dean and Director of Cooperative Extension

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
University of Delaware

Appointment: The University of Delaware seeks applications for the position of Associate Dean & Director of Cooperative Extension and Outreach in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR). The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources was established in 1869 as Delaware’s land-grant university with a mission consisting of three elements: teaching, research, and extension.

Position Description: In this 12-month role, the Associate Dean & Director of Cooperative Extension serves as the chief administrative officer for Cooperative Extension and supports and implements the land-grant mission of The University of Delaware. The individual is responsible for the leadership and statewide coordination of programs including agriculture, horticulture, 4-H, nutrition, consumer food safety, and health and wellness. Each Extension program area relies on faculty experts, knowledgeable staff, and committed community leaders to generate and disseminate information in support of Delaware residents.

Delaware Cooperative Extension is the cornerstone of the University of Delaware’s land-grant mission powered by a dynamic team of highly motivated professionals. With well-staffed county offices and strong collaborations among faculty and specialists across the state, Extension delivers high-impact programming in agriculture, horticulture, 4-H and youth development, nutrition, food safety, and wellness. Delaware Extension has a long history of trusted community engagement evidenced by its strong partnerships with producers, families, youth, local governments, and nonprofit organizations.

The Associate Dean & Director of Cooperative Extension reports to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and is a member of the Dean’s Administrative Leadership Team within the College composed of the Dean, Associate Deans, Directors, and Department Chairs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide programmatic leadership, overall administrative and organizational support for the University Delaware Cooperative Extension programs.
• Manage personnel and operating expenses related to federal Smith-Lever funds, state funds, and local funding as well as grants, contracts, and gifts.
• Be a strong advocate for Cooperative Extension within CANR, the University of Delaware, and affiliated organizations
• Establish and strengthen key relationships with existing and new organizations internal and external to the University.
• In conjunction with the CANR Dean and Associate Deans, coordinate Extension efforts related to the CANR Strategic Plan.
• Provide leadership for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) program planning and reporting on a yearly basis in conjunction with Delaware State University.
• Conduct statewide needs assessment and a statewide plan of work for Cooperative Extension and research on a 5-year basis. Routinely work with Deans and academic departments for integration of research and extension efforts.
• Enhance current grant-funded revenue and resources for Extension Programming while building new partnerships with potential funders and donors.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate should have the following professional qualifications:

Education

• A doctorate degree in agriculture or an agriculture-related field, extension education, community development, human development and family sciences, or other appropriate field of study.

Experience

• Qualifications commensurate with that of a full professor.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within a land grant university that is relevant to Cooperative Extension.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary issues faced by Cooperative Extension.
• Track record of engaging with diverse stakeholders, state regulators and community leaders to direct extension programing.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and evaluating employees and teams.
• Demonstrated ability managing complex budgets and hiring plans.
• Commitment to working and coordinating with diverse populations and teams.

Skills

• Evidence of sound judgment and decision-making.
• Effective communicator among diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills that foster collaboration, interdisciplinary teamwork, and a welcome expression of diverse perspectives.
• Skills in consensus-building.

Salary and Benefits:

The University of Delaware provides an excellent benefits package and competitive salary that is commensurate with experience and job qualifications.

Application Procedure, Deadline, and Contact Information:

Applications are now being accepted. Application materials should include: a letter of interest addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of the position; a current curriculum vitae; and the names, title, institution, and contact information of three professional references.

The letter of application and CV will be shared with the search committee.

Any inquiries or nominations can be directed to Greg Shriver, search committee chair, via email at gshriver@udel.edu.

Applications submitted by January 31, 2026 will receive priority review, but the position will remain open until filled.

The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected.