Extension Assistant Director of Programs, Agronomy and Natural Resources

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POSITION SPECIFICS ​

Penn State Extension is seeking a high-performing Assistant Director to lead the Agronomy and Natural Resources (AGNR) program area, which encompasses the following Program Teams: Agronomy, Energy, Pesticide Education, Farm Safety, Water Quality, Forestry and Wildlife, Urban Forestry, New and Beginning Farmer and Master Watershed Steward. This position plays an essential role in helping the organization expand reach and access to high-quality educational programs, products, and services.

The Assistant Director of Programs (ADP) reports directly to the Associate Director of Programs, who provides overall leadership for Extension’s program vision and product portfolio. Under this leadership structure, the ADP is responsible for ensuring that all AGNR program teams effectively implement the Program Development Process (PDP), a structured market assessment and program prioritization process used to identify opportunities, guide investments, and ensure that Extension’s resources are allocated to high-value programming. The ADP will provide strategic leadership, supervision, and coaching to AGNR Extension educators, program team leaders, and affiliated faculty.

Responsibilities include:

• Guiding teams through planning, prioritizing, budgeting, development, delivery, evaluation, and sustainability of educational programs and products.

• Ensuring that program teams develop timely, customer-centered, research-based offerings that include in-person programs, online courses, publications, technical resources, digital tools, and applied educational services.

• Coordinating closely with the Associate Director of Programs, the Evaluation Director, the College of Agricultural Sciences Marketing and Digital Education teams, and academic departments to ensure teams are aligned with organizational goals and university research priorities.

• Guiding AGNR teams in understanding customer needs and market opportunities, setting clear program priorities, and advancing a product mix that improves Extension’s agility, financial stability, and overall impact. This includes identifying opportunities for grants, contracts, cost-recovery strategies, digital product development, and partnerships that strengthen the AGNR portfolio.

• Helping teams identify and address emerging issues affecting Pennsylvania’s agricultural and natural resource systems, ensuring programming meets the needs of customers across the rural–urban continuum.

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal skills, a commitment to collaboration, and the ability to work effectively with diverse audiences.

• Be able to manage multiple complex projects, coach and mentor team leaders and educators, and foster innovation and continuous improvement within program teams.

• Have a comprehensive understanding of the full program life cycle, including market assessment, development, delivery, evaluation, and refinement, and be able to guide teams through effective workflow and quality-control processes that result in high quality educational products.

• Have experience in program development, team leadership, relationship building, and financial and resource management.

• Demonstrate the ability to integrate research-based knowledge into practical, high-value educational programming and to support partnerships across university departments, county- and state-level organizations, and stakeholder communities.

Required Qualifications:

Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills, experience in coaching and mentoring, experience with budget oversight and resource development, and an interest in using new technologies for program development and delivery.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Extension or equivalent leadership experience in agricultural, environmental, or natural resource organizations. 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree 10+ years of relevant experience, includes 5+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $97,100.00 - $145,700.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page .

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact View phone number on swooped.co.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.