Organization’s Summary Statement:
University of Maryland Extension (UME) is a statewide, non-formal education system within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
UME educational programs and problem-solving assistance are available to citizens and are based on the research and experience of land-grant universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park.
In Maryland, UME employs approximately 200 faculty and approximately 200 support staff and contractual employees located at the University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; 23 counties; Baltimore City; and four research and education centers. Many UME faculty members located on the College Park and Eastern Shore campuses have joint appointments with research and academic programs. These joint appointments promote the exchange of knowledge between the universities and among academic specialties.
The UME Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Extension Program serves the leading private industry in the state. In 2017, the market value of Maryland crops and livestock sold exceeded $2.4 billion and contributed $8.25 billion to the Maryland economy. The AgFS Program conducts applied research and provides educational programs for the production and marketing of grains, oilseeds, horticulture, floriculture, poultry, dairy and beef cattle, sheep and goats, equine, and other livestock, helping producers adopt new technologies and practices to improve profitability. As an example, Maryland agriculture has worked to conserve resources and improve water quality through new management practices such as cover crops and nutrient management planning.
Position Summary / Purpose of Position:
This position is based at the University of Maryland’s Wye Research and Education Center in Queenstown, Maryland. The Educator supports the LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program, a UME Signature Program, and provides the delivery of a high-quality leadership development program serving emerging leaders in agriculture and rural communities. This includes teaching a curriculum focused on public issues education, leadership skills development, and personal growth.
The Educator’s responsibilities include planning, teaching, facilitating, and evaluating multi-day seminars, field tours, and other educational events; coordinating logistics and communication with guest speakers, trainers, facilitators, and tour hosts; and managing seminar-related budgets.
The Educator will engage directly with program participants (Fellows), program alumni, and other stakeholders. Strong teaching, event planning, communication, and organizational skills are essential. If qualified, the Educator may lead international study tours and facilitate related learning experiences.
Responsibilities
- Teach leadership development content, including personal leadership, group dynamics, communication skills, strategic thinking, and public issues education.
- Plan, facilitate, and evaluate multi-day seminars and other educational events that support curriculum goals.
- Engage with Fellows, program alumni, and stakeholders to support learning, professional growth, and program goals.
- Communicate with and coordinate guest speakers, trainers, facilitators, and tour hosts to support effective seminar delivery.
- Manage seminar budgets, prepare estimates, track expenses, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Work with tour operators to plan international study tours and facilitate related educational activities.
- Remain current in leadership education through ongoing professional development.
- Contribute to the field through creative and scholarly activities such as developing educational materials, participating in applied research, presenting at conferences, and publishing Extension or peer-reviewed materials.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the program’s mission and success.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of leadership principles, including personal leadership, group dynamics, communication, and adaptive leadership.
- Experience teaching or facilitating in areas such as communication, civil discourse, conflict management, and using self-assessment instruments. Familiarity with tools like Myers-Briggs, CliftonStrengths, Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI), Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory (KAI), Enneagram, and Crucial Conversations.
- Understanding of public policy, civic engagement, and community leadership.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a broad range of individuals and groups.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.
- Experience planning events, coordinating guest speakers, and managing program budgets is preferred.
- Have an appreciation for agriculture and rural communities.
Qualifications:
Required–
- A bachelor’s degree in leadership development, extension education, community development, public administration, adult education, or a related field.
- At least two years of experience teaching career professionals and other adults in leadership and/or management, with demonstrated ability to work effectively with a variety of people.
- Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
- Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel throughout the state of Maryland and Washington DC as needed.
- Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and occasional weekend educational programs and activities as determined by program needs.
- This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Preferences:
- A master’s degree in leadership development, extension education, community development, public administration, adult education, or a related field.
- Three years of leadership and management experience demonstrated with evidence of being able to work well with agricultural and community leaders.
- Extension or similar work experience in formal or non-formal community-based education.
- Ability and experience in using social media to engage clientele.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally.
Physical Demands:
- This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various backgrounds.
- The employee may need to lift and/or move items, set-up, and teardown displays, AV equipment, tables, and chairs at many teaching sites. Able to lift 20 lbs.
- Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
- This position requires the employee to work outdoors primarily for field visits to farms and outdoor spaces occasionally throughout the year.
- Able to traverse farm fields and other agricultural operations and uneven terrain.
Licenses/ Certifications: N/A
Location: This position is located off-campus at the Wye Research and Education Center in Queenstown, MD.
Additional Information:
Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of hiring. The department will not provide sponsorship for work visa requirements.
Required Application Materials:
A complete application packet must include the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume or CV
- Copies of Transcript (unofficial)
- Three (3) References, each with name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.
Please note that you may upload multiple documents within the same upload field when submitting your application.
Best Consideration Date: 01/02/2026
Posting Close Date: N/A
Open Until Filled: Yes
No
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland’s State Ethics Commission website.
AGNR-UME-Associate Director
Faculty Regular
Bachelor’s salary range: $49,073-$63,073, Master’s salary range: $51,290-$65,290
For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
