Principal Extension Specialist for Outreach and Strategic Initiatives

Posting Details

Posting Details

Job Title Principal Extension Specialist for Outreach and Strategic Initiatives Requisition Number RE55835 Working Title Department Name 81170:Program and Staff Development Work Location Lexington, KY Grade Level 49 Salary Range $73,861-121,888/year Type of Position Staff Position Time Status Full-Time Required Education

PhD

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies Required Related Experience

5 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

Driver's License required

Physical Requirements

Lifting, pushing or pulling objects up to 50 lbs.

Shift

Primarily days, some possible evening and weekend activities.

Job Summary

The Principal Extension Specialist serves as a senior Extension leader providing statewide leadership in outreach, strategic partnerships, organizational development, and advisory system support. The position leads complex, high-visibility initiatives that advance the Cooperative Extension mission. The individual develops innovative solutions to organizational challenges, builds consensus among stakeholder groups, and represents Cooperative Extension in statewide and national forums.

Why Join Us

At the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, you'll find a community that values collaboration, growth, and recognition. Benefits of joining our team include:

• Exceptional benefits package.
• A formal mentoring program to support your professional development
• Access to a staff development fund for continued learning and skill building
• Dedicated staff recognition programs that celebrate your contributions

A shared commitment to making the University of Kentucky the University of, for, and with Kentucky.

Join us in shaping the future of teaching and learning-where innovation meets impact.

To find out more about Martin-Gatton CAFE and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky, Click Here.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No Preferred Education/Experience

Doctoral degree.

Deadline to Apply 09/29/2026 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.

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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have a valid driver's license and are you able to drive?

• Yes

• No

• • How many years of experience do you have developing and managing strategic partnerships, collaborative initiatives, or stakeholder engagement programs?

(Open Ended Question)

• • How many years of experience do you have providing administrative leadership, strategic planning, or organizational development support within a large organization?

(Open Ended Question)

• • How many years of experience do you have facilitating collaborations among diverse stakeholder groups, organizations, or community partners?

(Open Ended Question)

• • Describe your experience leading complex initiatives that required consensus-building, organizational coordination, and stakeholder engagement.

(Open Ended Question)

• • Describe your experience working with advisory councils, boards, volunteer organizations, or community leadership groups.

(Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents