Executive Director

We are searching for our next executive director for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County. Our outstanding team of programmatic and operational professionals seeks an experienced and dynamic leader who shares our vision and passion to improve lives through education and to positively affect agriculture, the environment, families and youth, and economic development within our community. Orange County is a richly diverse region that offers excellent quality of life with an abundance of natural resources, historical sites, arts and culture, and is close to the New York City metropolitan area. Interested? Please apply. Know anyone? Please pass this information on to them.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County executive director provides overall leadership for the association. While setting local program priorities in collaboration with the board of directors, the executive director aligns work with strategic goals to ensure all programs and practices align with our mission and vision. The executive director is responsible for effectively managing people, operational compliance and risk management, and fiscal oversight, including multiple avenues of fund development.
The executive director maintains effective working relationships with other extension associations, the Hudson Valley Shared Business Network, Extension Administration, Cornell faculty, stakeholders and provides leadership for staff that work in Finance, HR, and IT.
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 traditional office environment. In addition, this position occasionally lifts (10 lbs.), moves, or transports association materials and equipment. This position occasionally works in agricultural or outdoor weather conditions, including extreme heat, precipitation and cold. The executive director collaborates in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and performs other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree plus a minimum of six years of related experience, including four years in leadership.
• 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.
• Strong experience in finance oversight and management; works within approved budget; embraces and develops competency in software and data management tools (financial systems, HR systems, etc.) and works with grants, donors and other revenues to support programs and park development.
• Approachable and accessible for the numerous stakeholders including board, staff, volunteers, elected officials, and community partners.
• Works flexible hours, which include evenings and weekends, regularly providing in-person organizational leadership and oversight, being a strong physical presence in the county to build community connections with constituencies, local organizations and community leaders.
• Understands key CCEOC issues including 4-H youth development and strengthening families; agriculture and food systems; community and economic vitality; environment & natural resources and climate change; nutrition, food safety and security.
• Inspires and motivates others to perform; instills respect and trust; provides vision; displays passion and optimism; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.
• Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Makes timely decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; ensures compliance standards are met; explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
• Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers information skillfully, develops alternative solutions and works well in group problem solving situations and builds consensus.
• Provides regular performance feedback; develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth, delegates work assignments; sets expectations and monitors designated activities; provides recognition for results.

• Experience within or thorough understanding of CCE, public (governmental), or nonprofit leadership, understanding of how organizations interface with government entities.
• Experience with regulations and liability issues.
• Knowledge of construction management.

• Working with the board of directors, encourage and ensure engagement with the CCEOC mission, vision, and values; guide the development of the association’s plan of work, strategic plans, goals, and objectives.
• Develop, plan and evaluate educational programs which reflect 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 CCEOC.
• Guide the development of the association’s finances (and fiscal stewardship), human resources (staff and volunteers), technology, marketing/communications, facilities, and risk management functions.

• Lead 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.
• Develop and maintain revenue streams to grow and sustain association programming and park development through a diversified fund development plan including appropriations, grants, contracts, capital campaigns, foundations, individual donors, corporate support, and bequests.
• 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, 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.
• Participate as a collaborative member in the Hudson Valley Shared Business Network Administrative Management Group (AMG).
• 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 are kept confidential to the extent required by policy, regulations and/or laws.

• 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.

• In cooperation with board president, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and association priorities.
• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

• Lead the association’s efforts to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar with and 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.
• Maintain respectful and professional interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to various audiences.
• Lead and ensure adherence to established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Orange County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.

• 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

Association Exec Director No Grade - Annual Salary Contract College Leah Cadwallader