Executive Director - Middletown, NY

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.

    

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

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