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Current Positions Available:

• Energy Program Leader (FT)
• Finance Manager (FT)

Energy Program Leader

** Search extended until May 19, 2025.**

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Energy & Environment Program Leader provides leadership for broad, innovative energy programs in Dutchess County and the Mid-Hudson Region. The Program Leader is responsible for program development, implementation and administration, including grants development, execution and tracking, marketing, evaluation, and applied research to address local and system initiatives. The Program Leader maintains Cornell connection (administration and faculty/area teams), including research connection with faculty, as well as developing and maintaining local, regional, and community liaisons. The Program Leader works with the local environmental groups, government officials and other community based organizations on issues of local energy policy and education. The Program Leader identifies local/regional priorities and program direction as part of the management team with Executive Director and state/local Program Leadership and Program Work Teams and connects with other Associations and Cornell faculty/area teams to examine and develop regional efforts in program and research related to Extension's mission, priority programs and issues. This position supervises Energy & Environment Program staff to deliver quality programming as well as offer input, coach and evaluate each staff member on job performance and program goals.

• Master's degree with appropriate subject-matter specialization and at least four years of progressively responsible experience in Cooperative Extension or equivalent professional education experience in an academic, human service, government or industry setting. A relevant PhD may substitute for two years’ experience. Coursework in research methodology, education and management experience highly preferred.
• Experience in building science, renewable energy technologies, grid management, or other related energy sectors.
• Familiarity with GIS or other data systems.
• Volunteer management experience and program/personnel management experience.
• Good verbal, written and Internet communication skills with web-based research ability.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Ability to work with a variety of people and groups.
• Ability to resolve conflicts.
• Ability to manage long-term goals within a context of day-to-day deadlines. Ability to organize work and set priorities; ability to handle multiple tasks; ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to creatively solve problems. Ability to gather, assemble, consolidate and analyze facts and draw conclusions.
• A high degree of accuracy, integrity, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels using traditional educational tools and methods. Familiarity with electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, etc.). Proficiency with programs such as Microsoft Office and Internet-based communications.
• Must learn, know and abide by Association personnel policies.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
Program Responsibilities:
Program Assessment - 5%

• Provide program leadership to the application of subject matter knowledge to identify gaps and trends in the community.
• Develop program needs assessment and processes and analyze to make recommendations that reflect the community’s priority needs.
• Maintain direct linkage to Cornell University faculty and program units for guidance.
• Ensure program assessment is within scope of statewide Plan of Work.
• May be involved in multi-Association team efforts to assess program.

Program Development - 15%

• Provide overall leadership in the application of high-level subject matter knowledge to develop educational strategies and to create innovative educational programs meeting changing local issues.
• Ensure program development direction includes Cornell and local Association Committees/Staff input and is within the guidelines of overarching organizational mission, Plans of Work, policies and procedures.
• Seek input from the Cornell faculty, Association staff, program committee and clientele in the development of educational programs that address the needs of the community.
• Develop programs that reflect the breadth of the Cornell Cooperative Extension System and program participants, coordinating with staff from other program areas in the Association, the region and state.
• Make programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.

Program Delivery - 5%

• Serve as a subject matter expert to staff and clientele, including schools, agencies and other groups, as they are identified.
• Responsible for implementing and conducting educational programs that address critical local needs as identified through needs assessments. This may include meetings, special training seminars, roundtable discussions, etc.
• Participate in mass media effort related to program including newsletters, magazine articles, press released and web-based and social media communication.
• Professionally represent the Association with the public, community leaders, government offices and Cornell University.
• Ensure program delivery is within scope of statewide Plan of Work.

Program Evaluation - 10%

• Analyze and evaluate program impact and make recommendations to supervisor, program committee, and advisory committees for strengthening and improving programs.
• Manage and assist with evaluation of educational programs of assigned staff.

Applied Research - 10%

• Collaborate in the applied research process in conjunction with Cornell University faculty as identified and opportunities present to design or create applied research collection framework.
• Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University Specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon as identified.
• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units to for guidance in applied research as appropriate.
• Ensure applied research is within the scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.

Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction - 20%

• Responsible for short and long range program planning that address critical local needs as identified through needs assessments. This may include meetings, special training seminars, roundtable discussions, etc.
• Provide high-level leadership for program planning and team efforts with other program areas and Associations to address priority issues.
• Provide leadership and commitment to seek out and secure grants/alternative funding sources to support Energy & Environment Program priorities.
• Investigate, develop and prepare proposals to secure additional funds for programs and support of the overall Association.
• Work with Fiscal Staff and Executive Director on the development and allocation of program budget.
• Lead the planning of effective strategic external and internal program communication efforts.
• Lead the development of expanding relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, and community leaders.
• Develop staffing plans for program area and assist in planning organizational leadership development strategies.
• Design a system of ongoing involvement of citizens which expresses the demographics of the community.
• May assist in the creation of an Association Plan of Work within the scope of the statewide Plan of Work.

Management - 25%

• Provide leadership for the Energy Program Staff Team including ongoing supervision, guidance for program planning and implementation, employee development and training.
• Evaluate and conduct annual performance reviews of Energy Program staff.
• Monitor program to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the Association and is research knowledge-based.
• Manage a volunteer supported system for programming and outreach that promotes and involves local residents.
• Responsible for management of Energy & Environment Program grants/contracts including evaluation of grant/alternative funding programs and all required reporting, salary allocations and expense vouchering.
• Provide leadership in funding proposal submission.
• Work with Human Resource Staff and Executive Director re: staffing plans, new staff searches and orientation for Energy & Environment Program staff. Provide supervisory responsibilities for all direct reports.
• Provide leadership and address and resolve Energy & Environment Program personnel, volunteer and administrative issues utilizing appropriate policies and procedures. Work and communicate with Executive Director re: resolution strategies and any critical situations/issues.

Coordination/Operation - 5%

• Cooperatively participate as a member of the Association’s leadership team re: Association issues, priorities, etc., providing reports, etc. as needed.
• Provide evaluation reports that include impact/outcome measures utilizing a variety of evaluative methods.
• Maintain effective working relationships with legislators, local government leaders, community leaders, funding agencies, etc.
• Perform tasks related to supervisory responsibilities.

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.

• Maintain respectful and professional interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching a variety of audiences.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Dutchess County policies, procedures.
• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

This is a full time, exempt, benefits eligible position. Compensation starting at the rate of $72,000.00 per year, commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal time
• Paid Holidays
• NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
• NYS Retirement
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity
• Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
• Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
• Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
• Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
• Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:

https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs

How To Apply: Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/. For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply

All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume and indicate three individuals who may be contacted as a reference. Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.

**Search extended until May 19, 2025.** All applications must be received on-line by April 28, 2025. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. For additional questions or if you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Leah Cadwallader, Regional Human Resources Manager, e-mail LC267@cornell.edu or (845) 340-3990x314.

Finance Manager

**Search extended to May 19, 2025**

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Finance Manager works independently with substantial initiative and discretion to direct, manage, and coordinate the daily financial and business functions of the financial and accounting processes for the Association. Under the general administrative supervision of the Executive Director, the Finance Manager constructs complex financial statements and reports in order to track county and donor grants, monitor, and verify all accounts assigned. Responsible for the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable finance functions. Finance Manager will oversee and supervise work assignments of full time Accounts Payable and Receivable Manager and finance assistant for the department. The Finance Manager utilizes the SBN Finance Lead for high-level guidance and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and experience relevant to the role of the position. Associate degree and two years transferrable financial experience is acceptable.
• Must have experience with grant management, grant tracking, and budgeting.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, procedures, and practices.
• Ability to prepare, maintain, and audit financial and statistical records which are accurate.
• Proficient in computer operations of the Windows operating system, one or more major double-entry accounting software programs, and spreadsheet software.
• Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing in English, and to understand and effectively carry out standard programs and instructions.
• Commitment to learn all Association accounting software.
• Must be able to ensure confidentially of information relating to financial and sensitive personnel matters.
• Ability to gather, consolidate, and analyze facts and draw conclusions.
• Ability to set goals, initiate, plan, and organize work.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the Association in order to accomplish planned Association objectives.
• Must demonstrate a high degree of accuracy, integrity, sound professional judgment, tact, and maturity to effectively relate to people in order to accomplish Association’s financial goals.
• Ability to display commitment to and enthusiasm for the mission of CCE.
• Ability to maintain a positive public image of CCE and professional, personal appearance when dealing with the clients, volunteers and stakeholders.
• Must be able to work cooperatively in a team effort on a day to day basis.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in the use of MS Excel or equivalent spreadsheet software, other MS Office products and web based applications.
• Experience in budget preparation and management, accounts receivable/payable tracking, expense/revenue tracking, cash flow tracking, reconciliation, reporting, compliance, financial statement preparation.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction - 30%

• With substantial initiative and discretion, strategically plan for the overall financial function of the Association including development of new accounting/finance policies, procedures and actions plans.
• Develop financial strategies that adhere to all applicable laws, regulations and CCE guidelines for compliance, utilizing the SBN Finance Lead for high-level guidance and recommendations.
• Develop Association budgets for all funding sources, includes setting strategy with principal investigators.
• Plan for the Administrative financial staff to realize Association goals and objectives.
• Analyze budgets and financial statements for trends and develop projections and strategies to address.
• Plan budget estimates for all program areas.

Management - 35%

• With substantial initiative and discretion, lead the overall finance function of the Association including the management and monitoring of budgets, expenditures, revenues, etc. ensuring the adherence to various internal and external regulations, e.g., GAAP regulations and Cornell Accounting Procedures.
• Monitor state and federal appropriations received through Cornell University.
• Responsible for management of all accounting computer operations including cash receipts entries, bank deposits and withdrawals, accounts receivable invoices; vouchers for cash disbursements and accounts payable entry; reimbursement claim vouchers for grants; cash handing and recording procedures; fiscal year-end financial reports and subsidiary ledgers to Cornell University Extension Administration.
• Ensure payments, petty cash and other financial transactions are processed accurately and timely.
• Provide leadership in all cost analyses and in determining appropriate methodologies, utilizing the SBN Finance Lead for high-level guidance and recommendations.
• Liaison between funders including Dutchess County Government Departments and program staff to manage contracts and deliverables.
• Manage administration of the grant cycle from application to closing; ensures that grant requirements are met, and payments are appropriate.
• Collaborate with program staff to develop and manage the grant proposal calendar. Maintain a pipeline/system to reflect and manage all grant activity.
• Ensure confidentiality of all financial, personnel and payroll records.
• Responsible for management of all Association expenses, so that all primary and sub-accounts balance and all funds are expended within Association policies.
• Ensure periodic physical inventories of the Association’s fixed assets are complete.
• Supervise finance staff and back-up finance as required.

Coordination/Operations - 30%

• Perform highly complex tasks to support the financial administration of the Association including the preparation of financial data for internal and regulatory reporting.
• Coordinate audits and follow-up on results and findings.
• Conduct financial analyses as requested or required.
• Prepare, analyze, interpret and present reports including monthly and quarterly financial statements/reports.
• Prepare Association financial statements and reports for statistical reporting and financial analysis as needed for internal decision makers and funding partners and tot track trends.
• Complete fiscal reports to funders by working with lead grantees and gathering financial data for financial reporting requirements.
• Coordinate tax-ready end of year reports.
• Under the supervision of the Executive Director, research the investment of all Association funds. Work closely with the banking community executives to assure the highest available interest rates on all accounts.
• Prepare labor distribution and reimbursement vouchers as required.
• Ensure timely payment of the Cornell monthly operating statement by ordering ACH transfer by the deadline date.
• Maintain a strong connection with Shared Business Network (SBN) Finance Lead and be an active participant to meet SBN obligation.
• Reconcile monthly bank statements for all Association accounts.
• Complete all data entry including general journal, accounts receivable and accounts payable ledgers, as necessary.
• Process vouchers for payments and other financial transactions including tracking revenues and expenditures for designated and restricted fund balances so that they are properly accounted for in the appropriate funds.
• Maintain subsidiary journal for Fixed Assets based on physical inventories.
• Work with Program Leaders, Principal Investigators and/or Executive Director to prepare budget requests and budget modification requests, including the preparation and coordination of budget estimates from Association staff into a comprehensive annual budget for presentation and submittal to appropriate staff, Association Finance Committee, Board of Directors, and County Budget Office.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 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 in programming and association priorities.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Extension programs and other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety - Applies to all duties and functions

• Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar 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 - Applies to all duties and functions

• Maintain respectful and professional interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to a variety audiences.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Dutchess County policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

This is a full time, benefits eligible, exempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of $65,000.00 per year. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal time
• Paid Holidays
• NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
• NYS Retirement
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity
• Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
• Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
• Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
• Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
• Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:

https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs

How To Apply: Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/. For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply

All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume and indicate three individuals who may be contacted as a reference. Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.

All applications must be received on-line by May 19, 2025. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. For additional questions or if you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Leah Cadwallader, Regional Human Resources Manager, e-mail LC267@cornell.edu or (845) 340-3990x314.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Cornell 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.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.

Last updated April 29, 2025