Assistant Director and Program Leader, Environmental & Natural Resource Programs

Job Description Summary

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks an Assistant Director and Program Leader for Environmental & Natural Resources (ENR). This tenured administrative position is the Principal Agent (parallel to Professor) and Assistant Director in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland, College Park.

The role leads the ENR programs within UME, developing, implementing, and evaluating educational and outreach initiatives that address statewide needs and stakeholder interests.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and oversee UME ENR programs and applied research projects spanning watershed management, natural and built landscapes, wildlife and fisheries management, aquaculture, forest resources, water use, quality, conservation, climate change, invasive species, outdoor recreation, waterway and land‑use planning, seafood safety, environmental education, energy conservation, and related areas per UME and AGNR strategic plans.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching for faculty in planning, implementing, and evaluating research‑based extension programs.
• Guide faculty in long‑range planning, grant writing, reporting, professional development, and grant management.
• Secure funding and support faculty and staff in acquiring and managing extramural funds from local, regional, state, and federal agencies, industry groups, foundations, and other appropriate sources.
• Provide oversight of UME ENR program teams.
• Mentor faculty to set clear expectations for Extension programming, scholarship, and service, and support their success, including promotion and/or tenure.
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate ENR faculty, including reviewing Individual Extension Plans and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with UME Programs (e.g., Agriculture and Food Systems, 4‑H Youth Development, Family and Consumer Sciences), departments, colleges, and universities to develop partnerships and interdisciplinary programs.
• Serve as an active member of the UME senior leadership team, contributing to leadership meetings, strategic planning, programming, and training.
• Work with Maryland Sea Grant leadership to coordinate Maryland Sea Grant Extension faculty programming, goals, outcome measurement, and promote collaboration.
• Oversee allocation, management, and reporting of funds supporting the UME ENR Program, including federal and state agency and private industry partner sources such as USDA NIFA (RREA), Maryland Departments of Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources, and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
• Provide detailed annual reports to the Associate Dean and Associate Director for Extension, and to the Assistant Director of Evaluation and Analysis for local, state, and national stakeholders.
• Present outcomes and impacts of UME ENR programs to the AGNR College and university administration and key program stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Earned a Ph.D. with at least one degree in environmental science, natural resources, wildlife or forest resources, fisheries, marine science, or a related field; nationally and internationally recognized for accomplishments in applied research and/or extension.
• Demonstrated understanding of the ENR field and the Mission of Land‑Grant institutions.
• Administrative and managerial experience.
• Evidence of leadership, capability to work with faculty, staff, administration, stakeholders, and clients, success in securing and managing interdisciplinary extramurally funded programs, excellence in human relationship skills, and excellent communication.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct budget and administrative program management.
• Personal transportation with a valid driver’s license; expected to travel statewide and nationally as needed.
• Subject to a Criminal History Record Check; employment contingent upon completion and clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recognized applied research record within a field of specialization.
• Seven years of university experience in Environmental and Natural Resources.
• Demonstrated success in obtaining external funding to support teaching, research, and/or extension activities.

Physical Demands

• Frequent verbal and written communication to diverse audiences.
• Lift and/or move items up to 20 pounds and set up/tear down research equipment, displays, tables, and chairs at many teaching sites.
• Work outdoors, participating in field events, delivering programs, and teaching events in hot and/or inclement weather.
• Visual acuity required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.

Benefits Summary

Salary range: $150,000 - $185,000. Benefits information available for regular faculty.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.