Guide Sheet #1

Term of Appointment – Term begins July 1 of each year for 4 years.

Eligibility – All Educators within a unit are eligible.

Selection – Regional Director (RD) gathers input from all staff. The RD evaluates the collective input and makes recommendation to the Director. “Acting Director” title will be used until individual completes the Assessment Center.

Compensation – A scale of compensation is used based on the number of employees in the office.
Evaluation – RD solicits input from all personnel regarding performance of County Extension Director. Formal re-appointment based on performance during the fourth year.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Each county is unique and as a result the job description for each County Extension Director (CED) will vary. The items described below are expectations of OSU County Extension Directors.

Administration:

1. Function as designated administrative head of their county unit.
2. Serve as communication link between regional and state administration and county faculty and staff.
3. Be familiar with programs in the county.
4. Encourage programming to reach a diverse clientele.
5. Stimulate creative programming and provide advice regarding the process of planning, conducting and evaluating subject matter programs.
6. Be responsible for the unit’s timely completion of Unified Reporting System (URS) and other organizational reports.
7. Facilitate regular, effective office conferences.
8. Be responsible for the organization, membership rotation and regular meetings of a county Extension Advisory Committee and Support Sub-Committee which represents the diversity of the county.

Personnel:

1. Interpret and implement OSU and OSU Extension personnel policies.
2. Use OSU Extension Human Resources and Regional Director as resources to assure accurate personnel policies and practices are being followed.
3. Serve as immediate supervisor for all unit staff, including Extension Educators.
4. Participate in the selection and hiring of Educators, provide orientation to the county program and introduction to key program clientele and other stakeholders.
5. Be responsible for hiring program assistants and other support staff, both full-time and part-time.
6. Work to increase diversity in staffing and programming in the county. Comply with Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action policies and guidelines.
7. Provide timely feedback and conduct annual performance appraisals with all staff.

Fiscal:

1. Be certain that public funds are handled within defined legal parameters. There are no compromises when handling public money.
2. Manage appropriated and non-appropriated funds. These responsibilities include purchasing, accounting, auditing and overseeing others who may handle the daily business in the office.
3. Use the OSU Extension Business Office website to assist with questions and procedures.
4. Prepare county non-appropriated fund statements for audit by OSU auditors. A local audit committee should annually review books and procedures.
5. Understand OSU guidelines and policies related to grants, gifts and contracts.
6. Provide leadership and assistance to Educators in developing proposals to increase county funding to expand programming.

Legislative:

1. Because of the public nature of Extension funding, accountability to County Commissioners and other funding allocators and elected officials is an on-going process.
2. Prepare annual budget with input from Educators and advisory committee and coordinate presentations to public decision-makers.
3. Represent and promote Extension at key county events, encourage Educators to invite and involve elected officials in educational programs.
4. Emphasize public involvement, networking and awareness of Extension’s contributions in meeting county needs.
5. Develop linkages with other organizations in the county which are aligned with Extension’s mission and vision.

Work Environment:

1. Create a positive work environment for all staff members.
2. Facilitate teamwork and encourage interdisciplinary programming.
3. Demonstrate strong coaching skills with employees.
4. Model effective listening, oral and written communication skills.
5. Conduct regularly scheduled staff meetings to promote communication and inter-disciplinary efforts.

Professional Development:

1. Participate in at least two professional development experiences focused on management and leadership development during each two-year period as a part of the professional development plan.
2. Review professional development plan with Regional Director annually.
3. Participate in appropriate organizational training and meetings related to the role of County Extension Director (i.e. County Director training, regional roundtable discussions).
4. Use OSU Extension Human Resources website for resources to strengthen and enhance effectiveness as County Extension Director.
5. New County Extension Directors will have mentoring assistance available from a Lead County Extension Director during their first year.

Written by: Dr. Barbara Ludwig, Department Chair
Revisions by: Dr. Gail Gunderson, Lou Fourman, Dr. Bill Haynes, Don McFeeters, Dr. Jerry Thomas, Dr. Jill Nolan
2003 Revision by: Dr. Bill R. Haynes
2005 Revision by: Linda Kutilek, Melissa Heiselt
2009 Revision by: Elizabeth Merkowitz (HR intern), Dr. Garee W. Earnest