Associate Director, Rural and Traditional Programs

Job Summary:  The ADRTP is an administrative position within the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.  This position is located on the campus of Auburn University.  The ADRTP will have the opportunity to pursue academic rank in a tenure track position if desired by the successful candidate.

The ADRTP is responsible for developing new programs in rural affairs and will provide leadership in implementing and maintaining the System's base programs which are: Agriculture, Community and Economic Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 4-H, and Human Sciences.  The ADRTP jointly supervises Assistant Directors for Programs and Extension District Directors and others as assigned; is responsible for the System's field operation budgets, equipment, facilities, supplies, travel allocations, and other areas of support as needed to effectively deliver Extension's educational programs.  The ADRTP provides leadership for strategic visioning, development, implementation, interpretation, projections, and evaluation of the programs that address the trends, issues and needs of the people of Alabama residing in rural areas.  This position serves as a liaison with the System's commodity groups in Alabama.

The ADRTP works very closely and shares equally in all the statewide responsibilities with the Extension Associate Director, Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional Programs (ADUANNP).  The ADUANNP is housed on the campus of Alabama A&M University.  The ADRTP shares job responsibilities with the ADUANNP in the areas of planning, organizing, staffing, budgeting, leading and directing, evaluating and reporting.  The ADRTP and the ADUANNP are jointly and equally responsible for the efficient and effective use of all System human and non-human resources allocated for program delivery.  

Relationships:  The ADRTP reports directly to the System Director, is a member of the System administrative team, and works closely with all System administrators.  The individual collaborates with Deans, Department Heads, faculty and staff at Alabama A&M University and Auburn University and works with the Extension Program at Tuskegee University where cooperative programming is desirable and feasible.

Education and Experience Requirements:  Earned doctorate in a discipline or combination of disciplines that provides adequate background in developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs specifically for rural audiences.  

Other minimum qualifications include proven track record of accomplishments and proven performance in the areas to be managed; a high degree of demonstrated computer literacy; excellent oral and written communications; should possess a high level of motivation and effective organizational and supervisory skills; demonstrated competency in human relations; ability to work effectively with people from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds; excellent organizational skills; fundamental understanding of appreciation for the outreach mission of a land grant university; demonstrated success working within an academic and/or business environment; demonstrated success in working in or with Cooperative Extension programs; record of successful activities for advancement opportunities for minorities and individual from diverse cultural backgrounds; working knowledge of the budgetary and fiscal process.  Must have experience in developing and managing complex budgets; working knowledge of modern communications technology in Outreach and Extension programs; knowledge of the history and philosophy of Cooperative Extension; and awareness of the contemporary issues facing Extension.  

Information about programs and personnel of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System is available at:  www.aces.edu

Application process: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Applicants must submit a comprehensive letter expressing interest and describing qualifications, a curriculum vitae, copies of all transcripts, and the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of five or more references familiar with candidate's work and the three forms found on our website at: www.aces.edu/hr.  To ensure consideration, applications should be received by May 31, 2008.  Only complete application materials will be considered.  Nominations and applications should be sent to:

Dr. William I. Sauser, Jr.
Professor of Management
Search Committee Chair
Office of the Provost
208 Samford Hall
Auburn University, Alabama 36849-5108
Telephone: (334)844-5777
Facsimile:  (334)844-5778
Email:  sausewi@auburn.edu

Minorities and Women are encouraged to apply.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.