Associate Dean and Director of Cooperative Extension
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Delaware

Appointment: The University of Delaware seeks applications for the position of Associate Dean & Director of Cooperative Extension and Outreach in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR). The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources was established in 1869 as Delaware’s land-grant university with a mission consisting of three elements: teaching, research, and extension.
Position Description: The Associate Dean & Director of Cooperative Extension serves as the chief administrative officer for Cooperative Extension and supports and implements the land-grant mission of The University of Delaware. The individual is responsible for the leadership and statewide coordination of programs including agriculture, horticulture, 4-H, nutrition, consumer food safety, and health and wellness. Each Extension program area relies on faculty experts, knowledgeable staff, and committed community leaders to generate and disseminate information in support of Delaware residents.
Delaware Cooperative Extension is the cornerstone of the University of Delaware’s land-grant mission powered by a dynamic team of highly motivated professionals. With well-staffed county offices and strong collaborations among faculty and specialists across the state, Extension delivers high-impact programming in agriculture, horticulture, 4-H and youth development, nutrition, food safety, and wellness. Delaware Extension has a long history of trusted community engagement evidenced by its strong partnerships with producers, families, youth, local governments, and nonprofit organizations.
The Associate Dean & Director of Cooperative Extension reports to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and is a member of the Dean’s Administrative Leadership Team within the College composed of the Dean, Associate Deans, Directors, and Department Chairs.
Primary Responsibilities Include
• Provide programmatic leadership, overall administrative and organizational support for the University Delaware Cooperative Extension programs.
• Manage personnel and operating expenses related to federal Smith-Lever funds, state funds, and local funding as well as grants, contracts, and gifts.
• Be a strong advocate for Cooperative Extension within CANR, the University of Delaware, and affiliated organizations
• Establish and strengthen key relationships with existing and new organizations internal and external to the University.
• In conjunction with the CANR Dean and Associate Deans, coordinate Extension efforts related to the CANR Strategic Plan.
• Provide leadership for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) program planning and reporting on a yearly basis in conjunction with Delaware State University.
• Conduct statewide needs assessment and a statewide plan of work for Cooperative Extension and research on a 5-year basis. Routinely work with Deans and academic departments for integration of research and extension efforts.
• Enhance current grant-funded revenue and resources for Extension Programming while building new partnerships with potential funders and donors.