County Extension Director

Position Title

County Extension Director

Jefferson, NC – Full‑Time, 12‑Month recurring, 1.0 FTE

NC State Extension brings research‑based knowledge to all North Carolinians. As County Extension Director you will lead a dynamic county staff, deliver educational programs in agriculture, 4‑H, and Family & Consumer Sciences, and build strong relationships with local governments, community groups, and university partners.

The County Extension Director provides visionary leadership and coordinates the county Extension staff to develop an effective total county educational program and maintain the affirmative action plan of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

• Lead planning, implementation, evaluation, and budget management of county Extension programs.
• Establish and maintain advisory leadership systems that reflect county needs.
• Coordinate resource development, secure outside funding, and manage fiscal responsibility for county and state‑appropriated funds.
• Market Extension programs and communicate impacts to county citizens and partners.
• Prepare budgets, maintain administrative relationships, and interpret and communicate policy.
• Ensure compliance with NC State University E‑Verify and other legal requirements.

• Organize and allocate resources, marketing, budget preparation, and administrative relationships.
• Work collaboratively with county government agencies, local officials, volunteers, and university Extension personnel.
• Provide staff development, training, performance evaluations, and alignment of staff responsibilities.
• Travel within and occasionally outside the district.
• Maintain high standards of oral and written communication and organizational leadership.

• Paid time off
• Paid tuition
• Health insurance
• Flexible scheduling
• Retirement savings
• Supplemental benefits programs
• Wolf Perks

• Master's degree in Extension, educational programming, administration, organizational leadership, or public administration
  * or* Bachelor's degree with at least 10 years of relevant experience or 3 years with cooperative Extension and a graduate degree within one year of hire.
• Minimum 3‑year service in Cooperative Extension or similar university/community outreach organization.
• Demonstrated leadership in Extension programming and management.
• Supervisory experience and human resource development expertise.
• Skills in negotiations, public relations, team building, and managing public policy issues.
• Experience in securing and managing outside funding to develop innovative educational programming.
• Valid NC driver’s license required.

• Leadership and management experience delivering educational programs in Agriculture, 4‑H, or Family & Consumer Sciences.

Salary range:
Minimum $50,000. Internal transfer allowed. Posted 01/12/2026.

Apply at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or workatncstate for questions.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or veteran status. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and can request accommodations. Final candidates will be subject to background checks. NC State University participates in E‑Verify.