• Applicants must have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in an Extension related field of study with at least 10 years of experience in a faculty position (permanent status track or tenure track).
• Statewide recognition for educational programs; creative work, professional writing, or applied extension research of high quality.
• Must be eligible for hire as an Extension Agent IV or Professor.

The Opportunity

This Extension Agent IV and Director of County Extension Logistics position is a permanent status faculty role headquartered on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, reflecting its system-wide responsibilities supporting County Extension Directors and county operations across all 67 counties. This role provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and professional guidance to enhance county-based faculty effectiveness, strengthen operational consistency, and support the UF/IFAS Extension mission statewide.

 Statewide Leadership and County Operations Support

• Supervise approximately 67 County Extension Directors, two Community Resource Managers, and an Assistant Director at the state level.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and operational leadership to County Extension Directors to support strong county operations and effective community engagement.
• Strengthen partnerships with Florida’s county governments through clear communication, administrative support, and operational troubleshooting.
• Serve as the primary communication conduit between the Dean for Extension’s Office and county faculty across the state.
• Travel extensively across the state is expected.
• Administrative support will be provided.

Administrative Management and System Operations

• Lead the development, dissemination, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures for county offices to promote consistency, efficiency, and operational clarity.
• Approve travel and time for all County Extension Directors.
• Complete annual evaluations for County Extension Directors and support their evaluations of county faculty in collaboration with State Program Leaders.
• Work closely with UF/IFAS Human Resources on personnel matters involving county faculty and staff.
• Serve as the Hiring Authority for all County Extension Director faculty searches.
• Coordinate with Extension Business Services (EBS) and Artificial & Business Intelligence (ABI) to ensure county faculty receive timely administrative support and guidance.
• Track outcomes and metrics; prepare reports and updates for relevant stakeholders; represent the UF/IFAS Extension on committees and working groups as assigned.

Training, Capacity Building, and Program Integration

• Develop and lead statewide training programs for County Extension Directors focusing on operational leadership, county partnerships, communication practices, and administrative expectations.
• Strengthen county operations, support organizational effectiveness, and enhance local governance relationships.
• Lead or contribute to initiatives that reinforce county partnership success, operational integrity, and applied problem-solving within the UF/IFAS Extension system.

You Belong at a University That's Leading the Way

The University of Florida is a major public research institution and land‑grant university committed to advancing knowledge, innovation, and service for the people of Florida and beyond. With a strong foundation in academic excellence and a national reputation for high-impact research, the University of Florida supports a wide range of educational, scientific, and community-oriented initiatives. The institution offers extensive resources that promote professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative program delivery. Employees of the University of Florida have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support personal and family well‑being. Information is available at https://hr.ufl.edu/benefits/.

Within the University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension delivers science‑based information and educational programs to support Florida’s residents, businesses, institutions, and communities. As part of the statewide land‑grant mission, UF/IFAS Extension integrates applied research, community engagement, and workforce development to address local and statewide needs. UF/IFAS Extension operates through a collaborative structure involving federal partners, the University of Florida, and county governments, ensuring that educational programs are accessible, relevant, and responsive to emerging issues affecting Florida’s communities.

UF/IFAS Extension maintains offices in all 67 Florida counties and is further supported by Research and Education Centers, demonstration units, and statewide Extension program teams. This network enables faculty throughout the state to deliver programs that foster economic resilience, community leadership, environmental stewardship, agricultural advancement, and organizational effectiveness. Through its work, UF/IFAS Extension provides applied solutions to help Florida communities develop leadership capacity, strengthen operations, support informed decision‑making, and apply practical strategies for long-term success.

By joining UF/IFAS Extension, faculty members become part of an organization committed to fostering leadership, supporting local governance structures, and strengthening the foundations of county-based operations throughout the state. This position reflects the University of Florida’s commitment to maintaining high-quality Extension operations in every county and ensuring that county faculty have the leadership support and resources they need. The statewide responsibilities of this role provide an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to county operations, strengthen partnerships, and support the effectiveness of Florida’s Extension system.

About Alachua County

Alachua County is located in north‑central Florida and spans approximately 969 square miles. The county includes a blend of urban, suburban, and rural areas, and is home to a population of more than 280,000 residents, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Gainesville, the county seat, is the location of the University of Florida and serves as a regional center for education, healthcare, research, and community development. Historically, Alachua County has been shaped by agriculture, commerce, transportation corridors, and educational institutions that contribute to economic vitality.

Commensurate with education and experience

• Applicants must have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in an Extension related field of study with at least 10 years of experience in a faculty position (permanent status track or tenure track).
• Statewide recognition for educational programs; creative work, professional writing, or applied extension research of high quality.
• Must be eligible for hire as an Extension Agent IV or Professor.

A doctoral degree in Extension related field of study is preferred for this statewide administrative position, with a working knowledge of UF policies and procedures.

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• At least 10 years of County Extension Director experience with demonstrated success in managing county partnerships and administrative operations.
• Demonstrated success mentoring faculty, leading teams, or delivering professional development programs.
• Experience overseeing budgeting, operational planning, or organizational improvement efforts.
• Experience collaborating with county administrators, statewide partners, or institutional leadership.
• Experience designing and delivering statewide or multi-county training programs.
• Experience evaluating Extension Agent performance.
• Experience in providing strategic leadership, including goal setting, planning, supervising personnel, and implementation of priorities aligned with UF/IFAS Extension.

Apply at Careers at UF by 11:55 p.m. (Eastern) of the posting end date, and attach:

• Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above 
• Curriculum vitae 
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation 

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible.  Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). 

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities. 

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.