Vice President of Extension

Utah State University
Vice President of Extension

Utah State University, a comprehensive, public land‑grant research university, invites applications and nominations for the appointment of Vice President of Extension. The Vice President serves as the chief administrative and academic leader for Utah State University Extension and is responsible for advancing its statewide mission. The Vice President will have a unique opportunity to play a defining role in shaping the future of Extension, develop new and additional priorities and aspirations, and lead Extension to even greater levels of impact and excellence by advancing community-based scholarship and engagement.

Reporting to the President, the Vice President will:

• Provide statewide leadership for Utah State University Extension through the development, delivery, and evaluation of statewide Extension programs
• Be a highly visible, statewide leader who builds trust through presence and relationships
• Partner with program directors to develop, implement, and evaluate Extension, continuing education and field programs that draw upon the University's teaching and research expertise
• Grow the resource base and advocate for sustainable funding to support personnel and programs
• Champion Extension as a core component of the land-grant mission
• Strengthen relationships with county, state, and federal partners and elected officials, as well as industry and community constituent groups
• Serve as a visible and engaged leader across Utah, building trust with faculty, staff, and communities
• Support and empower Extension faculty and staff, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to succeed
• Exhibit leadership and decision-making rooted in transparency and collaboration
• Expand Extension's visibility, impact, and reputation statewide and nationally

Candidates must have a master's degree, with a preference for a doctoral degree.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic Planning and Vision – The ability to think strategically and translate vision into actionable priorities that align institutional resources, people, and initiatives to advance long-term and organizational goals.
• Exceptional Communication Skills – Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling vision, foster transparency, build trust, and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, industry partners, and governing bodies.
• Organizational Leadership and Development – Proven and significant experience in Extension and leading complex organizations, strengthening operational effectiveness, empowering teams, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Relationship Building and Collaboration – A strong track record of cultivating meaningful partnerships across academic, industry, healthcare, governmental, and community sectors, with the interpersonal effectiveness to inspire trust and advance shared goals.
• Commitment to the Land-Grant Mission – A deep understanding of and commitment to the values of a Land-Grant institution, including access, academic excellence, research, innovation, extension, service, and meaningful engagement with the state, region, and broader community.
• Change Leadership and Innovation – The courage and agility to lead through complexity and uncertainty, embrace thoughtful risk-taking, and drive innovation in response to evolving challenges and emerging opportunities.
• People-Centered Leadership – A leadership style grounded in integrity, humility, empathy, transparency, and active listening, with a demonstrated commitment to supporting faculty, staff, students, and shared governance.
• Revenue Generation and Resource Stewardship – Demonstrated experience in fundraising, external relations, partnership development, and resource generation, coupled with strong financial acumen and the ability to align investments with strategic priorities to support sustainable growth and impact.

Additional information about this opportunity can be found here: Utah State Vice President of Extension Posting

While applications and nominations will be accepted until a successful candidate has been appointed, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by July 13, 2026, to receive optimal consideration.

Nominations and application materials, which should include a letter indicating the applicant's interest, experience and qualifications for the position, and curriculum vitae, must be submitted electronically to:

Buffkin/Baker
usuextension@buffkinbaker.com
Martin Baker, Managing Partner
Chelsie Whitelock, Associate Partner