Senior Associate Dean, Extension

Working Title: Senior Associate Dean, Extension

Appointment: Full time, Job Code: 9312 Associate Dean

Office location: Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus

Reports to: Dean and Director of Extension

Pay range: $170,000-$210,000, annual full-time base; DOQ

Apply by: January 9, 2026

This administrative position is not tenured or tenure-track. Current tenured faculty of the U of M could negotiate to maintain tenure in their respective college.

University of Minnesota Extension (Extension) is the major education outreach arm of the University of Minnesota. Extension is committed to delivering high-quality, research-based education programs and information to Minnesota citizens and communities. Complete information about Extension can be found at www.extension.umn.edu.

The Senior Associate Dean works collaboratively with the Dean of Extension to provide leadership and vision for innovative, educational and research programs, and the development of faculty and academic staff within University of Minnesota Extension. This position is responsible for serving as the Deputy Dean, managing faculty and academic staff professional development, program evaluation, providing oversight for progressive programming, and overseeing internal policies.

• Serve as the Deputy Dean by representing the dean and carrying out responsibilities for internal and external parties, as delegated or appropriate.
• Understand and communicate the vision and strategic priorities of Extension and the University of Minnesota.
• Provide leadership to:
  • Innovative, research-based educational programs, ensuring responsive direction and planning as well as development, implementation and evaluation.
  • The enhancement of the scholarly work of Extension by engaging campus- based faculty and academic units with Extension priorities and staff members
  • Programmatic and organizational reporting and accountability
  • The professional development opportunities for employees, including Extension's annual conference, and professional development leaves
  • The governance process with Extension including standing and ad hoc committee efforts
• Lead Extension's academic promotion processes
• Facilitate partnerships and collaborations for Extension programs with other public agencies, government entities, organizations (for profit and nonprofit) and educational institutions.
• Lead and promote entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusivity within Extension and its programs in collaboration with Extension's senior leadership.
• Work collaboratively and cohesively with peers, leaders and leadership, and stakeholders including those that may have diverse missions, goals and background, in order to achieve and follow Extension goals, objectives and expectations.
• Represent Extension's research portfolio at the central University level and ensure compliance within accounting and research protocols
• Supervise and develop designated staff, and manage a budget

• Terminal degree (PhD, DVM, EdD, or similar) in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Education, Counseling, Human Development, Community Development, Consumer Sciences, Health Sciences, Nutrition, Economics, or a related field;
• Five years of leadership experience in higher education such as department chair/head, Extension program director/leader, or higher administrative position to include:
  • Academic program development
  • Evaluation and measurement development and reporting
  • Strategic planning and implementation
• Experience in engagement programming
• Knowledge of Extension programs and practices
• Two years' experience supervising professional staff
• Fiscal management experience
• Valid driver's license, applicable insurance and the ability to drive throughout the state of Minnesota, including overnight stays 5-7 times a year.
• Ability to work in various buildings as well as outdoors

• Experience in academic budget preparations and management.
• Experience in university-wide engagement efforts.
• Demonstrated experience leading through change
• Experience working in Extension at a land grant university.

This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

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: $170,000-$210,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and 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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click Apply and follow the instructions.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter that speaks to your experience related to the position
• 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).

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).