Extension Associate Director for Community Relations

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POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Extension is seeking a strategic relationship-driven leader to serve as the Associate Director of Community Relations. This position provides leadership for Penn State Extensions statewide community legislative and industry engagement efforts and plays a critical role in strengthening Extensions visibility credibility partnerships and public value across Pennsylvania.

Reporting to the Associate Dean and Director of Penn State Extension the Associate Director of Community Relations oversees a team of Client Relationship Managers and develops strategies that foster meaningful relationships with county and state government officials industry leaders community organizations advocates and other stakeholders. This position serves as a key advisor to Extension leadership on engagement strategies and opportunities that advance Extensions mission funding priorities and long-term impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Community and Government Relations:

• Develop and implement a statewide strategy for county-level relationship management and engagement with county commissioners administrators and local decision-makers.

• Guide Extension leadership and staff on effective relationship-building and communication with elected officials and community stakeholders.

• Coordinate strategies to support county budget requests including development of impact reports presentations and messaging materials.

• Monitor trends in county government funding structures and public policy that may impact Extension operations.

• Partner with Penn State Government and Community Relations and College leadership to coordinate legislative education and awareness efforts.

Community Engagement and Partnership Development:

• Develop and strengthen relationships with community organizations industry leaders government agencies and other key stakeholders.

• Identify opportunities to leverage Extension programs expertise and resources to address community and workforce development needs.

• Expand partnerships that support program growth sponsorship opportunities workforce development initiatives and revenue generation.

• Foster engagement opportunities that strengthen Extensions presence and impact across urban suburban and rural communities.

Communications and Public Value Promotion:

• Ensure consistent messaging related to Extensions mission programs and impact across all engagement activities.

• Oversee development of presentations reports success stories and outreach materials for stakeholders and leadership.

• Collaborate with communications and marketing teams to elevate awareness of Extension programs and outcomes.

• Translate Extension impacts into compelling narratives that support public understanding and investment.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Provide leadership supervision coaching and performance management for a team of Client Relationship Managers.

• Establish priorities goals and work plans aligned with Extension and College strategic objectives.

• Foster collaboration accountability and professional growth across the team.

• Ensure consistency and coordination of engagement efforts statewide while supporting regional flexibility and local needs.

Assessment and Strategic Planning:

• Develop metrics and evaluation frameworks to measure engagement outcomes and effectiveness.

• Analyze engagement data and stakeholder feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Prepare reports and recommendations for Extension leadership regarding emerging opportunities challenges and trends.

• Serve as a member of the Extension leadership team contributing to strategic planning and organizational initiatives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with government community industry or nonprofit stakeholders.

• Strong leadership project management communication and strategic planning skills.

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and complex initiatives.

• Experience developing and delivering presentations to diverse audiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working within higher education Cooperative Extension government relations public affairs community engagement economic development or related fields.

• Experience managing community partnerships stakeholder engagement initiatives or public-facing programs.

• Knowledge of Pennsylvania government county systems and community organizations.

• Experience with budget planning assessment and strategic communications.

This position supervises a team of Community Relationship Managers and serves as a key member of Penn State Extensions leadership team. The successful candidate must be able to effectively represent Penn State Extension with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and help advance the organizations mission through strategic engagement and partnership development.

MINIMUM EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelors Degree 8 years of relevant experience includes 3 years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
For full consideration applicants MUST submit a cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications in the position a CV/resume and a list of 3-5 references.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid drivers 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 $91488.00 - $137280.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn States salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional 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 .

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 universitys teaching research and service mission.

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