District Extension Director - SW District

District Extension Director - SW District

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.

If you would like to bookmark this position for later review, click on the Bookmark link. If you would like to print a copy of this position for your records, click on the Print Preview link.

Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applicant screening will begin immediately. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by November 15, 2026 to ensure review; however, screening will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit formal applications including a current resume, cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications for the position, and a one-page statement summarizing their philosophy for the position. Include names and addresses of four references (who will not be contacted without further correspondence with the applicant). Please direct questions about the position to Ms. Cheryl Poppell, Southeast District Extension Director, at [email protected] or 912-478-8991.

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number	F2847P
Working Title	District Extension Director - SW District
Department	CAES-Southwest District CES
About the University of Georgia	Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department
College/Unit/Department website	https://extension.uga.edu/
Posting Type	External
Retirement Plan
Employment Type	Employee
Benefits Eligibility	Benefits Eligible
Underutilization	Minorities & Females
Advertised Salary	Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience
Anticipated Start Date	03/01/2027
Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)
Job Posting Date	10/16/2026
Job Closing Date
Open until filled	Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants	Applicant screening will begin immediately. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by November 15, 2026 to ensure review; however, screening will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit formal applications including a current resume, cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications for the position, and a one-page statement summarizing their philosophy for the position. Include names and addresses of four references (who will not be contacted without further correspondence with the applicant). Please direct questions about the position to Ms. Cheryl Poppell, Southeast District Extension Director, at [email protected] or 912-478-8991.
Location of Vacancy	SW District
EEO Statement	The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([email protected]).
USG Core Values Statement	The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title	Assoc/Asst Dept Chair/Director/Head AC
FLSA
Faculty Rank	Senior Public Service Associate
Contract Type	Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status	Non-Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications	Master’s degree from an accredited university in a field related to Cooperative Extension, Management and/or Public Administration.
Position Summary	The District Extension Director (DED) is a member of the Extension Leadership Team in the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES), at the University of Georgia, responsible for administering the Extension program in one of four districts across the state. The College is one of the largest colleges of agriculture in the nation and supports a $100.4 billion agricultural industry, the largest sector of the economy in the state of Georgia. For over 100 years, UGA Cooperative Extension has provided free, reliable, research-based information to farmers and businesses and has taught life skills and lessons to millions of young people. This is a University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences 12-month Public Service faculty position located in the Northeast District of Georgia. To see the district map and counties visit: https://extension.uga.edu/about/districts—facilities—and-centers/northeast-district.html The Southwest District of Georgia is comprised of 41 primarily rural counties including the larger cities of Valdosta and Albany. The Southwest District Extension Director is responsible for approximately 180 employees and oversees a budget of approximately $7 million. The District Headquarters office is located on the University of GA Campus in Tifton, Georgia. This position will lead the Southwest Extension District staff under the supervision of the Associate Dean for Extension and the Director of County Operations.
Additional Requirements	See the University of Georgia Guidelines for Appointments and Promotions for Public Service and Outreach Academic Rank for information regarding the Public Service Faculty ranks.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification	Have the rank or be able to qualify for the rank of Senior Public Service Associate (or equivalent rank) at the University of Georgia. Doctorate highly preferred.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies	Ability to provide strong visionary and progressive administrative leadership Substantial knowledge and understanding of Extension organization, operation, philosophy, and objectives Demonstrated abilities in the areas of planning, organizing, budgeting, personnel management, motivating employees, and team building Ability to effectively relate to and communicate with staff, faculty and the public Knowledge and proficiency in the use of technology in support of program delivery, training and staff development Demonstrated knowledge in at least one core area of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences or 4-H Youth High degree of competency in human relations skills County Extension competency, especially as a County Coordinator, is highly desirable but not mandatory Computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite Ability to speak to/teach large groups Ability to organize and carry out activities and programming for youth Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county, district, and state staff, local government employees, and clientele Ability to show high standards of professionalism in personal contacts, appearance, and work habits Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely through written and verbal communication Ability to work as a team member and engage with groups and committees Ability to design, coordinate, and teach educational programs to meet community needs Skills in leadership and management
Physical Demands
Is this a Position of Trust?	Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?	Yes
Does this position require a P-Card?	No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?	No
Is driving a responsibility of this position?	Yes
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?	Yes
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)	Yes
Credit and P-Card policy	Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy	Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Position responsibilities include budget management, personnel administration, performance evaluations, employee relations, staff recruitment & development, liaison with organizations serving urban and rural environments, and serving as a liaison to local governments. The Director provides administrative leadership for the district team, which consists of County Extension Coordinators, county and district Extension staff and Program Development Coordinators in each of the following areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth. The position guides county Extension faculty in the Public Service promotion process and the implementation and management of multi-county programming. The successful candidate will oversee all phases of program planning, including needs assessment, program development, implementation, evaluation, and fund development. The successful candidate will be expected to oversee the delivery of high-quality extension programs in cooperation with appropriate extension and research leaders. The individual will also be expected to work effectively with, and represent faculty to, University of Georgia administrators, UGA Public Service Units, Fort Valley State University Extension, state and federal agency personnel, industry clientele and local governments. Assume other duties as directed by the Director of County Operations, Associate Dean for Extension, and Dean of CAES.

Percentage Of Time

100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Public Svc/Extension Philosophy
4. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Other Documents #1
2. Other Documents #2