Extension Regional Director, Central Region

Title: Regional Director, Central Region

Classification: Community Relations/Outreach Manager 2 (9341R2), P&A

Extension Area: Field Operations

Office Location: Extension Regional Office, Andover

Salary Range: $93,000 - $100,000; Depending on qualifications

Apply By: May 23, 2025

This Central regional director position supports the Andover Regional Office and various counties located within approximately 120 miles in the central region.

The Regional Director serves a major role in Extension operations, providing critical functions related to internal and external partners and relationships, county funding, talent/staff management, and overall management of regional and county offices. To be successful, the Regional Director must provide strong leadership and management skills consistent with University of Minnesota Extension mission, vision, and core values. The Regional Director interacts effectively with a variety of interested groups and staff. They are committed to expanding and fostering inclusion, and respecting the unique needs, perspectives, and potential of many. This position is part of a statewide team of Regional Directors, serving a designated number of counties in a geographic region that spans approximately 120 miles.

The Regional Director works closely with both programmatic and operations staff and serves as the principal communicator for the Regional Office.

The Regional Director reports to the Director of Statewide Operations.

Duties, responsibilities, and performance expectations:

Budget Management:

• Using knowledge of the county government budget process and funding structure, build support for, develop, and manage county budgets by engaging CEC members, county boards, and county administration
• Negotiate the level of investment for local program delivery via the Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) between the University and counties
• Monitor and manage county and regional office budgets

Office Operations Management:

• Manage regional and county office space, leases, administrative/operational work, inventory, purchases, safety, and emergency plans
• Monitor technology resources in regional and county offices to meet the functional needs of staff and comply with University and County standards
• Support regional program delivery, including negotiation of office space, office clerical support, technology, and finance
• Provide leadership and ensure compliance with workplace and employment safety
• Spearhead the development and implementation of effective operational strategies and processes, including communicating, maintaining, and updating the operations instructions
• Provide leadership for USDA/NIFA Civil Rights compliance

Talent/Staff Management:

• Develop a supportive and productive work environment and teamwork among staff in county and regional offices, convening staff conferences, and meetings and encouraging transparent communication
• Recruit, hire, develop and supervise administrative staff. Onboard and support the learning of all administrative staff and encourage professional development and growth
• Lead and serve on county, regional, and state search committees
• Supervise regional administrative support staff and university-hired county administrative support staff, and ensure effective performance management through goal setting and work plans
• Provide support and coaching with appropriate representatives when office team issues arise
• Provide work guidance and support to assigned work functions. Determine and assign administrative support for program staff

Provide leadership in communication, team building, and collaboration.

Internal/External Relations & Communications:

• Facilitate County Extension Committee (CEC) leadership and development through member selection and onboarding; support of meetings and materials; capacity building for budget development, identification of local needs, program input for local Extension staff; and recruitment of CEC members to participate in skill-building opportunities
• Communicate the value of, and advocate for, Extension programs and positions with new and existing interested groups
• Advocate for sustaining and increasing county investments and Extension partnerships
• Deliver presentations to stakeholders (County Boards, tribal nations, and community groups, etc.)
• Nurture regional legislative relationships
• Serve on committees and leadership teams to represent Extension's interests

Program Support Relations & Communications:

• Develop and maintain working relationships with Extension Program Leaders to:
  • support program and talent development
  • collectively ensure program success through local staff hiring practices, onboarding, conflict management, and financial stewardship
  • communicate program outcomes and impacts with interested groups to ensure public support and funding for Extension
• Listen to the various perspectives to determine local needs and emerging issues, and communicate these to Extension program leaders
• Build administrative and supervisory relationships throughout Extension and other University academic units to create synergies
• Ensure county MOA deliverables are met

Professional development:

Individuals in the Regional Director role will identify and participate in professional development opportunities in support of Extension's organizational goals and mission.

Required Qualifications/Competencies:

A Bachelor's degree and eight (8) years of related experience in Higher Education, government, public, or non-profit agency, or Extension to include:

• Experience developing budgets and managing finances.
• Experience working with boards/advisory committees
• Strategic decision-making experience
• Two (2) years of experience supervising non-student professionals, including training, managing performance, coaching, and team building.
• Experience with office management (space, equipment, leases, etc.)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated experience working respectfully and effectively with individuals with different identities, thoughts, and with under-served groups
• Skilled in Microsoft and Google Suite applications

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office and must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the office.
• When not in the assigned office location, must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry at least 20 pounds occasionally
• Must be able to travel regularly to perform the responsibilities of this position; approximate average travel within the region 25% time each week. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work, and overnight stays at least 4 times a year.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications/Competencies:

• Success working and leading in a complex, multi-layered and collaborative environment
• Demonstrated skills in conflict management or organizational problem-solving
• Demonstrated leadership ability and an ability to influence others directly and indirectly.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, using sound judgement, and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing across all levels of the organization
• Experience managing teams where employees are geographically dispersed.

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay Range: $93,000 - $100,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae

Contact information for three professional references and college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Lisa Dierks, Regional Director and search chair dierksl@umn.edu

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.