Associate Dean with University of Nebraska-Lincon in Lincoln, NE

Nebraska Extension at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) is seeking applications for an Associate Extension Dean position with an Agriculture and Natural Resources focus. This 12-month (calendar year), tenured appointment that is 100% administrative. This position will be based out of Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Associate Dean is a member of the Extension Executive Team (EET) that focuses on advancing the effectiveness and success of Nebraska Extension. This person functions within the broad organizational leadership framework provided by the EET with discretion in the implementation of programs and practices related to specific content areas.

The focus of the Associate Dean position is to initiate, build, and enhance the overall effectiveness of Extension programs through leadership and coaching of Extension program area leaders, specialists, educators, and instructors in their respective areas of expertise to nurture the development of relevant, high impact educational and experiential educational programs, resource development, and talent acquisition. This person represents Nebraska Extension on regional and national committees and supports the EET in carrying out the overall vision of Nebraska Extension.

Specific Responsibilities as Associate Dean of Extension

1. Work in tandem with the Extension Dean and the EETto envision and develop Strategic Initiatives that guide and facilitate the growth, development, and effectiveness of Nebraska Extension.
2. Facilitate the development and delivery of relevant, innovative, and impactful Extension programs addressing critical issues for Nebraska. Seek and pursue opportunities for program integration and collaboration.
3. Identify and pursue opportunities for program integration and collaboration to address critical, evolving, and/or complex challenges faced by Nebraskans.
4. Engage with IANR Unit Leaders/Chairs/Directors, Program Area Leaders, Engagement Zone Coordinators (EZC’s), state and federal organizations and agencies, stakeholder groups, and private partners to stay informed of evolving critical issues and to leverage Extension resources to meet the needs of Nebraskans.
5. Coordinate communication among all Program Area Leaders with special emphasis for those intimately involved with Agriculture and Natural Resources.
6. Collaborate with faculty and Program Area Leaders to develop and deploy professional capacity building opportunities focused on Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension professionals that enhance their technical knowledge, build their skills in contemporary Extension andragogy and pedagogy, and increase their effectiveness engaging new and existing clientele.
7. Actively identify, acquire, and develop key talent to pursue and achieve our Agriculture and Natural Resources mission.
8. Represent the Nebraska Extension Dean on University, State, North Central Regional, and National committees and serve as the Dean’s chief liaison on state/regional/multistate initiatives.
9. Pursue and coordinate resources (financial and other) and coordinate these resources with peers to support and/or lead collaborative, integrated proposal development and engagement opportunities.
10. Contribute to state and federal reporting requirements.
11. Promote an inclusive, equitable, and diverse culture, ensuring that opportunities are available to all and that every effort is made to engage diverse audiences, especially those that are traditionally underrepresented and/or underserved.
12. Participate in personal and professional development opportunities that enhance personal knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to this leadership role.
13. Lead, contribute, and follow Nebraska Extension as we energize Nebraska’s future with The Big-3 (https://extension.unl.edu/our-strategic-direction“>https://extension.unl.edu/our-strategic-direction).
14. Lead, contribute, and follow Nebraska Extension as we pursue excellence, change lives, and serve in a leadership position among our peers; locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad-hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin October 16, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. To view details of the position and create an application, go to https://employment.unl.edu“>https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_230137. Click “Apply for this Job.” Complete the information form and attach the following documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job, anticipated contributions.
2. Your curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references.
4. A statement that describes your philosophy and approach to Extension leadership.
5. A statement describing your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters (2 page maximum). See https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib“>https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement.

Statements (items 4 and 5) will need to be combined into a single document for upload.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination“>https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

A terminal degree in an area related to agriculture and natural resources is required. Five (5) years of significant and successful leadership in Extension or a related field, including direct supervision/coaching of faculty and staff, budgets/expenditures, and program development is also required.

Preference will be given to candidates with an understanding of land-grant University Systems; a successful record of grantsmanship and/or securing other external resources; experience serving as an academic faculty member in the agriculture and natural resources area; demonstrated experience effectively communicating, engaging, partnering, and collaborating with stakeholders; and to those who are tenured or tenure eligible.

Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Nebraska Extension are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the https://n2025.unl.edu/“>University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission.