Associate Dean (Director) of Extension

at University Of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont, United States

Job Description

Posting Details

Position will be posted for a minimum of one week, after which it is subject to removal without notice.

The University of Vermont ( UVM ) seeks a visionary, grounded, and collaborative leader to serve as the Director of UVM Extension and Associate Dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences ( CALS ). This is a full-time leadership position with an underlying non-tenure track faculty position. It is expected that a successful candidate will qualify for the rank of Extension Associate Professor or Extension Professor, depending on experience. This position reports to the Dean of CALS and is based in Burlington, Vermont. Anticipated start date for this position is January 1, 2027.

This individual will lead an unit of more than 150 faculty and staff delivering education, applied research, and outreach across the state. The Director will play a central role in advancing UVM’s land-grant mission by strengthening connections among research, teaching, and communities, and positioning Extension as a trusted and visible statewide partner.

The Director will align Extension’s work with clearly defined strategic priorities and serve as a bridge between UVM and Vermont communities, translating research into practical application while elevating community knowledge and needs within the institution. This role includes responsibility for supporting a distributed workforce across the state.

Compensation range: $180,000 – $200,000. Compensation is competitive and will be commensurate with both experience and achievement, and includes a highly competitive array of benefits.

The Director will be a “big picture” thinker who can work with leaders across campus and the state to re-envision Extension’s role and priorities to address complex, interconnected challenges affecting Vermont’s communities, economy, and environment. This includes advancing Extension’s role across a broad range of issues affecting Vermont communities, beyond traditional agricultural programming.

Using a clear narrative about Extension’s evolving work the Director is expected to:

+ Ensure Extension programming is informed by and responsive to the evolving needs of Vermont residents and communities.

+ Build and sustain key relationships with partners, funders, and stakeholders to advance Extension’s mission and secure resources including philanthropic support.

+ Advance Extension’s interests at the state and federal levels, working with college and university leadership, to strengthen and secure support for applied research, education, and outreach.

+ Strengthen strategic partnerships across UVM , Vermont communities, and broader Extension networks.

The Director carries out these responsibilities in close collaboration with CALS leadership, faculty, and staff, and through effective delegation across the organization.

Internally, the Director will foster a strong organizational culture that supports academic quality, collaboration, innovation, open discussion, and respect for diverse perspectives.

The Director is expected to:

+ Develop a strong working understanding of Extension programs and priorities.

+ Provide clear direction and communication to align efforts and support organizational effectiveness while fostering an inclusive and participatory environment.

+ Align efforts across programs to address complex, interconnected challenge.

+ Support and strengthen the use of data, technology, and modern tools to support program delivery, decision-making, and organizational effectiveness.

+ Nurture the interdisciplinary relationships that support innovative, high-impact programs.

+ Foster a supportive and sustainable work environment that promotes well-being, job satisfaction, and long-term retention.

+ Provide strategic direction for planning and evaluation efforts to strengthen programs, identify priorities, and inform alignment of Extension resources.

Operationally, the Director is expected to:

+ Maintain a consistent and visible presence across all regions of Vermont, supporting and connecting Extension personnel and communities statewide, while intentionally balancing external engagement with the internal leadership required to strengthen organizational effectiveness.

+ Lead strategies to strengthen long-term financial sustainability and diversify funding sources, aligning resources with Extension priorities.

+ Lead efforts to increase public awareness and understanding of Extension’s work and impact.

+ Uphold the values of Our Common Ground and promote intercultural excellence across Extension.

+ Conduct performance evaluations of direct reports and make personnel recommendations in consultation with the Dean of CALS .

+ Represent UVM Extension on internal and external committees, advisory boards, and professional organizations, including the Association of Extension Administrators.

Required Qualifications

+ PhD/EdD or other terminal degree related to the position, or a combination of master’s degree with significant leadership, research, and outreach experience.

+ Strong leadership skills, including the ability to set goals, delegate effectively, and maintain accountability for outcomes.

+ Ability to think and operate across complex systems and address interconnected challenges.

+ Understanding of Extension, the land-grant system, and federal partnerships, including complex social issues affecting Vermonters and the role of Extension programs in addressing those issues.

+ Experience in financial management, resource development, organizational planning, and program evaluation.

+ Experience building partnerships and an ability to connect academic expertise with community needs.

+ Experience building and sustaining a positive organizational culture that supports staff well-being, engagement, and retention.

+ Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen to and translate complex information for diverse audiences.

+ A management style that is inclusive and empowers others to succeed, and fosters respect and shared accomplishment.

+ Demonstrated commitment to intercultural excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Experience working within the Cooperative Extension system or a similar applied research, community-based, or public service environment.

+ Experience leading complex, multi-program organizations or similarly complex initiatives.

+ Experience in working effectively across geographically distributed organizations or communities, preferably in rural or statewide contexts.

+ Experience incorporating data, technology, or modern tools to improve program delivery or organizational effectiveness.

Application Materials

All candidates must apply online at www.uvmjobs.com (position #00024336). and must attach to their application:

+ Current CV.

+ Cover letter highlighting relevant experience.

+ A statement (no more than 2,000 words) describing the candidate’s vision of Extension’s role considering UVM’s mission and Vermont’s current opportunities and challenges.

+ A brief statement detailing how the candidate will uphold and advance UVM’s Our Common Ground values.

+ Names and contact information for three references. References must be entered into the application system by candidates. Requests from references will be made if candidates are selected for an interview. Candidates will be informed before references are contacted.

+ Applications without all these components will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications received by August 17, 2026. Employment is subject to a successful background check.

Contact Search Committee Chair: Dr. Mandar Dewoolkar, Dean, College of Engineering and Mathematical Science, at mdewoolk@uvm.edu with questi