UT Institute of Agriculture · 2 days ago
Director of Extension Operations & Department Head of Extension Evaluation & Staff Development: UTIA
Knoxville, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expThe UT Institute of Agriculture is seeking a Director of Extension Operations who will serve as the strategic leader guiding statewide operational excellence. This role involves overseeing Extension operations, leading workforce planning, and ensuring effective collaboration with university units to achieve organizational goals.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership for statewide Extension operations, overseeing planning, performance, and continuous improvement across county offices
Partner with Regional Directors to advance institutional priorities through actionable strategies
Collaborate with university units to align resources, systems, and technology with organizational goals
Lead workforce planning and organizational design and supervise and develop high-performing teams aligned with strategic priorities
Lead UT Extension’s professional development, talent management, and onboarding strategies in alignment with workforce and organizational goals
Oversee staff development, county staffing and compensation decisions, and employee relations in collaboration with UTIA HR and Regional Directors
Provide strategic direction for the New Employee Orientation Conference to ensure an effective and engaging onboarding experience
Serve as a strategic liaison between UT Extension and UTIA, UTK, UT System, and key administrative partners, providing executive oversight of operational priorities
Represent UT Extension at the federal, regional, and national levels to advance policy, partnerships, and organizational objectives
Lead Extension’s participation in system-level planning, reporting, and administrative functions, and provide executive input on operational policies, risk management, and strategic engagement with county governments and executive committees
Lead UT Extension’s compliance with federal and civil rights requirements
Oversee civil rights audits and use findings to inform policy and continuous improvement
Guide recruitment strategy and reporting to strengthen outreach, access, and organizational effectiveness
Represent UT Extension in regional and national leadership initiatives, providing executive guidance to the Dean and contributing to strategic decision-making
Lead statewide initiatives and special projects, including evaluation and accountability systems, aligned with UT Extension’s long-term goals
Qualification
Required
Master's Degree in agriculture, education, Extension education, family and consumer sciences, organizational leadership, or a related field
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in Extension or a related educational organization, including supervisory experience
Demonstrated experience in strategic and operational planning, personnel and performance management, and budget oversight
Proven ability to build effective partnerships with university units, county governments, and stakeholders
Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
Knowledge of federal and university reporting requirements
Preferred
Doctorate preferred
Experience as a Regional Director, County Director, or other senior Extension administrative role
Familiarity with Tennessee's Extension structure, county-based educational delivery, and UT Extension reporting systems (e.g., SUPER)
Experience leading training initiatives and strategic HR-related programming
Benefits
Group hospitalization and life insurance
State Retirement
Workers’ Compensation
Sick and annual leave
Numerous University of Tennessee and state benefits programs
Liberal time off for holidays
Longevity pay after three years of service
Reimbursement for official travel
Company
UT Institute of Agriculture
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture improves lives in Tennessee and beyond every day.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Angela Gibson, MBA, PMP
Chief Information Officer
Ben C. West, Ph.D.
Director Of Strategic Partnerships
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