University of Kentucky

Job Title Assistant Extension Director for Family and Consumer Sciences

Requisition Number FE04679

Working Title

Department Name 81330:FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

Work Location Lexington, KY

Type of Position Faculty

Position Time Status Full-Time

Tenure Track Status Tenure Track

Required Education

Earned Ph.D. or terminal degree in a discipline relevant to Family and Consumer Sciences (e.g., human sciences, nutrition, health promotion, family studies, consumer economics, or related fields)

Required Related Experience

Demonstrated leadership experience in Extension, academic administration, or equivalent professional contexts. Proven ability to build partnerships and collaborations across academic, community, and governmental settings. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with a collaborative and respectful leadership style. Commitment to advancing the mission of Cooperative Extension and the land-grant mission in service to Kentucky communities.

Required License/Registration/Certification

Driver’s License

Job Summary

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Vision

• Provide strategic leadership and long-term vision for FCS Extension.
• Provide program vision and support for Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents, ensuring they have the resources and professional development needed to deliver high-quality, research-based education at the community level.
• Support innovation in program development that addresses emerging needs in health, family well-being, economic stability, and community vitality.
• Ensure FCS Extension programs align with the strategic priorities of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.

Administration & Operations

• Serve as Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Unit Leader overseeing programmatic operations.
• Lead the development and oversight of budgets, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and university policies related to Extension programming.

Program Development & Integration

• Strengthen connections between Extension, research, and instruction to advance impactful, evidence-based programs.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across UK units and with external partners.
• Support faculty and specialists in developing strong extramural funding portfolios and provide leadership in pursuing and securing external resources to sustain and grow FCS Extension programs.

Engagement & Outreach

• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, community organizations, and Extension partners.
• Advance the visibility and relevance of FCS Extension through outreach, partnerships, and public engagement.

Faculty Development & Support

• Provide mentorship, guidance, and leadership to faculty, staff, and county-based agents.
• Support professional development and performance evaluation.

Qualifications

• Earned Ph.D. or terminal degree in a discipline relevant to Family and Consumer Sciences (e.g., human sciences, nutrition, health promotion, family studies, consumer economics, or related fields).
• Demonstrated leadership experience in Extension, academic administration, or equivalent professional contexts.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and collaborations across academic, community, and governmental settings.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with a collaborative and respectful leadership style.
• Commitment to advancing the mission of Cooperative Extension and the land-grant mission in service to Kentucky communities.

Faculty Appointment Details

Our new colleague will also have a 12-month faculty appointment as an Associate Extension Professor or Extension Professor (Extension Title Series, tenure-eligible) in an academic unit aligned with their education and experience. The distribution of effort is reviewed/adjusted annually to meet the needs of Extension, department, college, and university. Initial effort is expected to focus on Extension activities.

Application

Screening of applications will begin on December 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Please use the University of Kentucky’s electronic application process to apply. The application should include a letter of interest that outlines the candidate’s approach to the position’s qualifications, responsibilities, and vision for innovative and impactful extension program, followed by a career curriculum vita, and conclude with the name, address, email, and phone number for at least three references. The references should be able to address in their professional judgement your performance in advancing your scholarly field, significance of the venues in which you have been published, the grants you have been involved with, instructional accomplishments, and the service performed. Please also indicate your relationship to the reference. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

PhD- Doctoral Degree

Deadline to Apply

Open Until Filled Yes

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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