Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland (UMD) seeks to hire an outstanding, collaborative, and experienced leader to assume the role of Associate Dean and Associate Director (AD/AD) of University of Maryland Extension (UME). This position is headquartered on the University of Maryland, College Park campus and reports to the Dean of the College of AGNR, who also serves as Director of UME. Working in tandem with Extension faculty and county/city-based UME staff, the AD/AD provides visionary and engaged leadership for a robust and impactful organization that addresses the complex needs of the state in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H youth development. In addition, the AD/AD will work closely with AGNR leadership to engage and convey a ‘can do’ message to our many stakeholders at the local, state, national, and international levels. The AD/AD will build upon AGNR’s efforts to serve as a resource and problem solver for residents, from translation of science into practical application to advance and sustain agriculture, to protect our environment and preserve our natural resources, to enhance the economic vitality of our rural and urban communities, to help develop youth into productive and informed citizens with outstanding character, and to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. 
 
UME is an off-campus department in AGNR with 347 faculty and staff who are located at offices in 23 counties and Baltimore City, the 4-H State office, SNAP-Ed State office, and five research and education centers. The AD/AD interacts with campus extension specialists largely located in AGNR, the School of Public Health, and the College of Computer, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences.  UME also partners with its sister location at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.  UME’s budget is approximately $30 million- composed of state general funds, federal formula funds, county appropriations, and grant funds. 

·Provide visionary leadership and help establish strategic direction for development of UME programming to meet the current and future needs of Maryland residents.

·Serve as principal leader to build the capacity of UME to excel in statewide public outreach and research-based practical application across all its program areas: Agriculture and Food Systems, Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth Development, Environment & Natural Resources and Sea Grant, and Program and Organizational Development.

·Elevate UME’s reputation for providing impactful educational experiences through building and supporting extensive collaborations with Extension faculty and county/city-based staff.

·Develop effective, clear, and accessible messaging about the impact from UME programs.

·Lead the implementation of and manage a UME strategic staffing plan that effectively guides recruitment and retention of faculty and staff and fosters a supportive environment of mentoring and professional development.

·Provide effective fiscal management and appropriate use of funds to support people and programs.

·Interact with and support the efforts of the state/county/city Extension Advisory Councils/Boards and UME volunteers in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Operations and City/Area Extension Directors.

·Provide statewide communication with the agricultural industries, Extension stakeholders, and key statewide leadership.

·Provide vision and leadership to ensure Extension’s alignment with and contribution to the College’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect strategic plan.

·Foster strong relationships with county/city and state governments.

·Foster an environment that is collaborative in interdisciplinary programming with the research and academic missions of the College and across campus.

·Seek extramural funding for UME.

The successful candidate must (1) demonstrate success in leading and managing a complex and large scale program to a high level of excellence; (2) provide evidence of developing a positive and supportive working environment with both faculty and staff that resulted in relevant and impactful Extension programs; (3) show evidence of leading the development and implementation of a shared organizational vision; (4) document excellence in communication, planning, organization, and personnel and fiscal management skills; and (5) demonstrate a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect. The successful candidate must possess a doctorate degree and outstanding record of accomplishment to merit tenure as a Professor or equivalent in an appropriate department within the University of Maryland, College Park campus. The candidate must demonstrate a deep understanding of, passion for, experience in, and commitment to the Land Grant mission.

The job requires travel throughout the state: candidate must have a valid driver’s license. This position frequently presents information through oral and written communication. Use of a computer terminal is required for lengthy periods. 

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.