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: In this 12-month role, 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:

• 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.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate should have the following professional qualifications:

Education

• A doctorate degree in agriculture or an agriculture-related field, extension education, community development, human development and family sciences, or other appropriate field of study.

Experience

• Qualifications commensurate with that of a full professor.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within a land grant university that is relevant to Cooperative Extension.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary issues faced by Cooperative Extension.
• Track record of engaging with diverse stakeholders, state regulators and community leaders to direct extension programing.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and evaluating employees and teams.
• Demonstrated ability managing complex budgets and hiring plans.
• Commitment to working and coordinating with diverse populations and teams.

Skills

• Evidence of sound judgment and decision-making.
• Effective communicator among diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills that foster collaboration, interdisciplinary teamwork, and a welcome expression of diverse perspectives.
• Skills in consensus-building.

Salary and Benefits:

The University of Delaware provides an excellent benefits package and competitive salary that is commensurate with experience and job qualifications.

Application Procedure, Deadline, and Contact Information:

Applications are now being accepted. Application materials should include: a letter of interest addressing how the candidate’s experiences match the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of the position; a current curriculum vitae; and the names, title, institution, and contact information of three professional references.

The letter of application and CV will be shared with the search committee.

Any inquiries or nominations can be directed to Greg Shriver, search committee chair, via email at gshriver@udel.edu.

Applications submitted by January 31, 2026 will receive priority review, but the position will remain open until filled.

The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected.

About the University of Delaware:

The University of Delaware (UD), located in Newark, is the state’s flagship public research institution and its largest university, serving more than 22,000 students. Founded in 1743 as the Newark Academy, UD has a long history of academic excellence and innovation, evolving into a state college in 1833 and adopting its current name in 1843.

Today, UD offers a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs, including more than 150 undergraduate majors, 121 master’s programs, and 55 doctoral programs. The university is home to several nationally recognized research centers and institutes, such as the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, the Delaware Energy Institute, and the Delaware Sea Grant College Program, reflecting its strong commitment to research, outreach, and public service.

UD Mission:

The University of Delaware exists to cultivate learning, develop knowledge, and foster the free exchange of ideas. State-assisted yet privately governed, the University has a strong tradition of distinguished scholarship, which is manifested in its research and creative activities, teaching, and service, in line with its commitment to increasing and disseminating scientific, humanistic, artistic, and social knowledge for the benefit of the larger society.

The University of Delaware is a major research university with extensive graduate programs dedicated to outstanding undergraduate and professional education. UD faculty are committed to the intellectual, cultural, and ethical development of students as citizens, scholars and professionals. UD graduates are prepared to contribute to a global and diverse society that requires leaders with creativity, integrity and a dedication to service. 

The University of Delaware promotes an environment in which all people are inspired to learn, and encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, free inquiry, and respect for the views and values of an increasingly diverse population. 

An institution engaged in addressing the critical needs of the state, nation, and global community, the University of Delaware carries out its mission with the support of alumni who span the globe and in partnership with public, private, and nonprofit institutions in Delaware and beyond.

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity:

The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.