NYS Capital Region – a great place to live & work.
Located in the upper Hudson Valley – the Capital District of New York State is within a few hours’ drive of New York City, Boston, and Montreal. On the southern edge of the Adirondacks and not far from the Berkshires in Massachusetts and the Hudson Valley, living in the Capital Region has something for everyone. Our agricultural region is varied, innovative, and progressive – uniquely positioned for direct, niche ag markets. Farming, hiking, fishing, skiing, arts, dining, nightlife, and music festivals abound in the region. And, you’re never far from a fun weekend day trip to the mountains or a few hours’ drive to the coast for some sunny New England beaches.
Application Instructions
Enter your full name, full address, email, and phone number(s) in the My Information section.
Upload a cover letter, resume, and contact details for at least three references (including one current or former supervisor or teacher). In the My Experience section, use the Select Files button to search for files or use the Drop Files Here box to drag documents into your application. If you plan to upload more than one document, please click the Upload icon for each additional document. If you would like to add or update documents to your online application after submission, please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail jpm373@cornell.edu.
External applicants (including employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations): see Applying for a Job with Cornell Cooperative Extension External Candidate for additional guidance.
Internal applicants (current employees of the hiring CCE Association): apply through your Workday account.
Apply By
All applications must be received online by 11:59 pm on May 20, 2026. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.
Required Qualifications
Master's Degree in a field appropriate to the position (e.g., Agricultural Business Management or Agribusiness) and a minimum of four years related experience. A PhD may substitute for 2 years’ experience.
Ability to meet the frequent travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for Association insurance coverage are required.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Program Skills — Ability to assess, develop, deliver, and evaluate regional programs; secure funding through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships; and build strong partner relationships while serving on advisory groups and teams.
Communication Skills — Ability to communicate effectively with partners, Cornell teams, program participants, staff, and volunteers.
Technology Skills — Proficiency with, or ability to learn, program‑related software, Microsoft Office, databases, online tools, and virtual presentation platforms.
Work Environment – In addition to the Working Conditions, the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position works in a typical office environment. In addition, the position frequently lifts, moves, or transports program-related materials and equipment. The position regularly works in agricultural and outdoor weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Coursework in research methodology, education, and management experience is highly preferred.
Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions
Program Responsibilities:
Program Assessment and Development – 25%
Working with key stakeholders in the region, provide regional program leadership by identifying community needs, analyzing gaps and trends, and recommending improvements.
Work directly with Cornell University faculty and specialists for guidance on program assessment and development.
Collaborate with regional, multi‑association teams to assess and develop programs and educational strategies that address emerging regional issues.
Program Delivery, Evaluation and Applied Research – 45%
Serve as subject matter expert with emphasis on farm management and marketing; respond to inquiries and provide guidance.
Apply in-depth subject matter expertise to deliver regional educational programs, including but not limited to: Small Farm Business Development, Business Planning and Management, Market Development, etc.
Strengthen the connections between the regional team, Cornell faculty and specialists, peers, and others.
Foster acceptance of programs, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs.
Stay abreast of new and accepted teaching technologies to provide effective educational programs.
Represent CCE before the public, committees, work teams, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities.
Involved in regional, multi-association team efforts to deliver programs.
Apply in-depth subject matter knowledge to evaluate and analyze regional programs, communicate findings, and make recommendations for improvements.
Conduct applied research; collaborate with Cornell faculty to design or create applied research collection framework.
Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University faculty and specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon.
Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University or other Land Grant Universities for guidance in program delivery, evaluation, and applied research.
Ensure program delivery and applied research are within the scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction and Management – 20%
Plan and manage regional educational programs, delivery methods, budgets, events, marketing, and communications .
Develop, enhance, and expand relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders.
Monitor regional programs to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the Association, and is research knowledge based.
Explore and secure grant opportunities.
Provide guidance to volunteers, interns and staff.
Coordination and Operation – 5%
Coordinate and schedule assigned programs.
Recruit program participants.
Promote public awareness by writing articles, impact statements, social media posts, web updates, news releases, etc.
Complete and submit all required data, reports, records, and documentation on time.
Professional Improvement – 5%
In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions
Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
Policy – Applied to all duties and functions
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Albany County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
Position Details
This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of $68,500 annually. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:
Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and holiday pay)
NYS Health Insurance Program
NYSHIP Dental Insurance
NYS Retirement (NYSERS)
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity Plan
Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
Voluntary Pet Insurance
Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
For additional questions please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail jpm373@cornell.edu or phone (518) 765-3503.
http://albany.cce.cornell.edu/
Job Title:
Association Regional Issue EducatorLevel:
No Grade - AnnualPay Rate Type:
SalaryCompany:
Contract CollegeContact Name:
Jim McNaughtonCornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.
Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.