Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. Rooted in every county of the state, CCE Associations bring local experience and research-based solutions together, helping New York state families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

CCE of St. Lawrence County is a NYS subordinate governmental agency, under the oversight of Cornell University, with an annual operation budget of approximately $3.2 million, with approximately 60 staff and 275 volunteers. The Association operates an agricultural learning farm a few miles outside the Village of Canton and maintains its offices at that location. In addition to agricultural programming, the Association currently provides programs in the areas of 4-H youth development including clubs and after-school programs, food systems, nutrition, energy education and gardening. For a more comprehensive listing of Association programs, facilities and activities please go to https://stlawrence.cce.cornell.edu.

The Executive Director provides overall leadership for the Association, setting local program priorities in collaboration with the Board of Directors. This position also ensures operational compliance and risk management, fiscal oversight, and effective people management. The Executive Director successfully navigates competing priorities while also building and maintaining tactful, collaborative relationships with multiple audiences. This position can sometimes be “hands-on” with no task too big or too small to tackle, helping to ensure constituents value the expertise and vital work of CCE of St. Lawrence County.

    

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

All applicants must apply online by close of day on July 22, 2026 to be considered for this position All applicants must submit a complete application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references.

All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.

All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/. 

Please contact Tracy Sanford, Association SBN HR Lead at [email protected] with questions.

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a full-time exempt position, 100% FTE. The annual salary for this position is $89,665.00 to $109,140.00 commensurate on experience. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, NYS retirement, vacation, sick and personal leave.

POSITION INFORMATION:

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree plus a minimum of six (6) years of related experience, including four (4) years in a leadership capacity. A PhD may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• Meets regular travel requirements of the position, including travel within the county, region, and state as needed.
• Maintains an approved driver’s license that meets insurance eligibility standards.
• Ability to demonstrate engagement in the association by regularly providing in-person organizational leadership and oversight.
• A commitment to being a strong physical presence in the county to build community connections with constituencies, local organizations and community leaders.
• Ability to work flexible hours which includes evenings and/or weekends.
• Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
• Leadership – Inspires and motivates others to perform; inspires respect and trust; provides vision; displays passion and optimism; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make timely decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; ensures compliance standards are met; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
• Public/Governmental Relations - Demonstrates the ability to build support for the Association’s mission by clearly articulating its objectives and impacts. Proven experience building strategic relationships and public trust.
• Knowledge or understanding of one or more key CCE issues including: food and agricultural systems, community and economic vitality, rural environmental and natural resources, 4-H youth development and strengthening families. 
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; aligns work with strategic goals; works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; conserves organizational resources. Embraces and develops competency in software and data management tools (financial systems, HR systems, etc.).
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations and builds consensus.
• Managing People - Provides regular performance feedback; develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth, delegates work assignments; sets expectations and monitors designated activities; provides recognition for results.
• Work Environment – In addition to the Working Conditions; the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position works in a typical office environment and occasionally may lift or transport Association material or equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within CCE, public (governmental), or nonprofit leadership.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fund development, grants, and revenue enhancement.
• Ability to network with local producers, businesses, and community members. 

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction and Management - 90%

• Working with the Board of Directors, encourage and ensure engagement with the CCE mission, vision, and values; guide the development of the Association’s Plan of Work, strategic plans, goals, and objectives.
• Oversee the process of interpreting the Association and University program direction to assess, develop, plan and evaluate educational programs which are reflective of the needs and demographics of the local citizens and communities. Facilitate connections between University staff/faculty and Association program staff. Evaluate the needs for expansion, reduction, or termination of programs.
• Develop and expand relationships with local, county, or federal governments, key elected officials, Cornell University, other CCE Associations, agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders that help advance the mission and goals of CCE.
• Guide the development of the Associations finances (and fiscal stewardship), human resources (staff and volunteers), technology, marketing/communications, facilities, and risk management functions.
• Lead the daily operations of the Association through its leadership, supervisors, and staff. 
• Frequently inform, negotiate, and collaborate with the Association Board of Directors and Cornell University on Association matters and decisions when needed or required.
• Lead the implementation of the Association’s strategic plan.
• Oversee programs to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives.
• Maintain and develop revenue streams to sustain and grow Association programming through a diversified fund development plan such as appropriations, grants, contracts, capital campaigns, foundations, individual donors, corporate support, bequests, etc.
• Represent the Association before a variety of constituencies including alumni, friends, clientele, corporations, and foundations.
• Strengthen and support Association volunteer recruitment, management, and recognition.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities either directly or through subordinate supervisors.
• Ensure positive program, employee, and volunteer relations.
• Ensure Association finances (and fiscal stewardship), human resources, technology, marketing/communications, and risk management functions are managed appropriately and in accordance with CCE standards.
• Ensure all Association activities and operations are carried out in compliance with CCE policy, local, state, and federal regulations and laws.
• Participate as a collaborative member in the North/Central Shared Business Network Administrative Management (AMG) group.
• Oversee the maintenance of Association facilities and assets, such as property, vehicles and equipment. In particular the Executive Director oversees the operation and use of the educational learning farm owned by the Association.
• Lead the Association in ensuring that all data and information collected, accessed and/or maintained remains confidential to the extend required by policy, regulations and/or laws.

Coordination/Operations - 5%

• Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.
• Review and approve time off requests for direct reports.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

• In cooperation with Board President, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety - Applies to all Duties and Functions

• Lead the Associations efforts to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards when identified.

  

Job Title:

Association Exec Director

Level:

No Grade - Annual

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Jerilynn Cross

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.