Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County Executive Director - East Meadow, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. Rooted in every county of the state, CCE Associations bring local experience and research-based solutions together, helping New York State families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

CCE of Nassau County is a NYS subordinate governmental agency, under the oversight of Cornell University, with an annual operation budget of $3,884,245.00, with approximately 47 year-round staff, numerous summer staff, and 134 volunteers.

The Executive Director provides overall leadership for the Association - setting local program priorities in collaboration with the Board of Directors. This position also ensures equitable, diverse, and inclusive programs and practices, operational compliance and risk management, fiscal oversight, and effective people management. The Executive Director successfully navigates competing priorities while also building and maintaining tactful, collaborative relationships with multiple audiences. This position can sometimes be “hands-on” with no task too big or too small to tackle, helping to ensure constituents value the expertise and vital work of CCE of Nassau County.

This position also supports the Shared Business Network (SBN) by engaging decision makers locally, regionally within the SBN, and at Cornell in order to be effective in providing leadership for staff that work to back-office functions in the areas of Finance, HR, and IT. The Executive Director develops and maintains effective working relationships among the staff, other Extension Associations, the Central Region Shared Business Network, Extension Administration, Cornell faculty, and stakeholders.

    

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree plus a minimum of six (6) years of related experience, including four (4) years in a leadership capacity. A PhD may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• 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 are required.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; aligns work with strategic goals; works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; conserves organizational resources. Embraces and develops competency in software and data management tools (financial systems, HR systems, etc.).
• Strong experience in finance oversight and management.
• Financial development – grants, donors, program revenue.
• Experience with a multi-faceted organization while managing changing priorities.
• Approachable/accessible leader for the numerous stakeholders to include board, staff, volunteers, elected officials, and community partners.
• High-level support of programs and people: programs with notable involvement in education, positive youth development, and food systems.
• Ability to demonstrate engagement in the association by regularly providing in-person organizational leadership and oversight.
• A commitment to being a strong physical presence in the county to build community connections with constituencies, local organizations and community leaders.
• Ability to work flexible hours which includes evenings and/or weekends.
• Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
• Knowledge – Knowledge or understanding of one or more key CCE issues including: agriculture and food systems; community and economic vitality; environment & natural resources sustainable energy and climate change; nutrition, food safety and security and obesity prevention; 4-H youth development and strengthening families.
• Leadership – Inspires and motivates others to perform; inspires respect and trust; provides vision; displays passion and optimism; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make timely decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; ensures compliance standards are met; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a