Description
Responsibilities
The Associate Dean/Assistant Director provides vision and leadership in how Extension, research, academic programs, and other allied programs develop synergy to enhance collaborative research and evidence-based outcomes. The position provides coordination and leadership for Human Sciences Extension Programs carried out by ACES in collaboration with the CHS and Alabama A&M University. The position is responsible for the coordination and integration of Extension programs that engage Alabama citizens in evidence-based programming and research to support the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The Associate Dean/Assistant Director will:
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Department/School Heads in the College, ACES program units, and County Extension Offices;
Serve as a liaison between CHS and ACES;
Assess institutional needs and explore collaboration across CHS and ACES.
Foster entrepreneurial approaches to engage faculty in the pursuit and procurement of revenue through grants, contracts, gifts and fees to expand programming;
Mentor and work collaboratively with Extension Specialists in CHS Human Sciences Extension programming;
Provide input to Department/School Heads for the evaluation of Extension Specialists and professional staff with ACES appointments;
Recommend changes to ensure constant improvement of Extension programming;
Lead program needs assessment activities, priority program team plan-of-work development, delivery of transformational Extension programs, outcome evaluation and impact reporting;
Be responsible for the recruitment, hiring, supervision, mentoring and performance assessment of Extension Agents;
Provide leadership to assure program alignment with the annual plan-of-work and direction set by ACES and CHS;
Serve as the ACES representative to the Southern Region Family and Consumer
Sciences Extension Program Leaders Network;
Serve as an active member of the CHS Executive Leadership Team;
Provide leadership and guidance to team leaders that may include priority program team coordinators.
Foster the use of emerging pedagogy and communication technologies, including the appropriate media and social media, to engage new and diverse constituent audiences;
Build teamwork through communication with ACES and departmental Extension Specialists, Regional Extension Agents, and others as appropriate.
Requirements
Qualifications
An earned doctorate from an accredited institution in a field within human sciences or related field;
Academic credentials commensurate with Professor rank;
An established academic record of scholarship in a relevant discipline;
Experience and demonstrated effectiveness in leadership, including supervision of professional staff;
Experience and demonstrated effectiveness in development, delivery, and evaluation of extension and/or outreach programs that meet the needs of a target audience and create measurable impacts;
Strong working knowledge of current human science issues in the world, United States and Alabama;
A proactive vision of the future of Extension, a demonstrated commitment to the Extension philosophy and mission, and the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders on these matters;
An outstanding performance record in previous employment;
Proven record in generation of revenue streams to support applied-research, Extension programming, and/or outreach;
Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication and a proven ability to interact extremely effectively with faculty, staff, administrators and external stakeholders;
Proven record of extension and/or outreach leadership and scholarship to be eligible for tenure at the full professor rank in his/her appropriate academic department, if applicable;
Commitment to Auburn University's core values of excellence, global involvement, and accountability;
National leadership experience desired;
The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment; excellent communication skills
Application Instructions: Applications must be submitted online through Auburn University’s employment portal. A complete application will include: A cover letter describing teaching, research, and administrative interests. A current curriculum vitae, leadership philosophy statement, and names and contact information for at least three references (name, address, phone, and email). Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will begin on June 30, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
For additional information, contact: Casey Mull at [email protected] or Elaine Molaison at [email protected].
Why Work at Auburn?
Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
