Tagged With "who we are is how we lead"
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GET MORE GRATITUDE!
What is gratitude ? It's a sense of wonder, thankfulness & appreciation for life . Gratitude helps increase optimism for life. It promotes positive thinking. It helps us cope with daily stress & traumatic events. Appreciating things in our life and focusing on the positive can help us move forward with purpose. Gratitude can also strengthen our relationships. People who feel gratitude towards others feel closer to them and report overall better relationships, even if they don't...
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Job Posting -- UVM Extension Assistant Professor of Community and Economic Development
The University of Vermont is hiring an Extension Assistant Professor of Community and Economic Development . Details below and online at University of Vermont Employment Opportunities | Extension Assistant Professor (uvmjobs.com) . Review of applications will begin on June 15, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. University of Vermont (UVM) Extension is recruiting for an exciting career opportunity as an Extension Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will join us in...
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Beliefs on the Leadership Journey
Getting clear with ourselves about our beliefs helps connect us to our core values. They will shift over our lives so it's a constant journey of discovery. Here are some things to ponder as you check in on your journey. Your Leadership Philosophy Defining what the huge topic of leadership is to you is of utmost importance. It helps us get clear on our approach, communicate it to others, and measure how we're doing every day. Here's mine right now... It's realizing it's not about me &...
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The Impact of Food Insecurity on Mental Health
When families experience food insecurity, hunger may be only one result. An often-overlooked factor of insufficient access to food is the detrimental impact on mental health. Adults with low food security are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and heightened stress [1]. Socio-economic background, race, culture, and location all play a role in the development of one’s psychological well-being. Historically marginalized groups are already at a disproportionate disadvantage to being...
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USDA Studies Determine that the Way We Treat Our Land Impacts Water Availability
Studies by USDA Agricultural Research Service Determine that the Way We Treat Our Land Impacts Water Availability Media Contact : Maribel.Alonso@usda.gov What impact, if any, do farming and ranching practices have on how much water is available downstream? That was the question scientists at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Agroclimate and Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit in El Reno, Oklahoma, set out to answer in a series of studies conducted in Central and Western Oklahoma.
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5 Reasons Estate Planning is Vital for Caregivers
While most Americans plan for retirement, many neglect another crucial aspect of financial planning – end of life or estate planning. Although about 6 in 10 Americans have a retirement account (Census Bureau, 2020), only 1 in 3 have an estate plan according to Caring.com’s 2023 Wills and Estate Planning Study. Estate planning is one of the most important, yet often overlooked aspects of caregiving. When someone becomes a caregiver for a loved one, their focus is primarily on providing...
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Extension Foundation Position Announcement: Chief Executive Officer
Extension Foundation Chief Executive Officer Position Description Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Time: Full-time Overall Role: Executive leader and manager of the Extension Foundation and Executive Officer of the Extension Foundation Board of Directors Salary: Commensurate with education and experience The Extension Foundation (EXF) is a member-based, nonprofit 501(c)3, created to support Cooperative Extension and its strategic partners. The primary purpose of the EXF is to generate...
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Military Families and Food Security
Mark your calendars for OneOp’s upcoming Military Family Readiness Academy series , Military Families and Food Security: A Call to Action , starting on 1 June. The MFRA is a free virtual multi-disciplinary learning opportunity for service providers, expanding their knowledge to educate and support service members and families. Watch a special message from Mrs. Patricia Barron, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Military Community and Family Policy at...
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2 Questions...
How do you know it's time to do leadership development? The short answer is it's always time. Developing our leadership is a journey, not a destination. Improving our self-awareness and becoming truly effective takes consistent focus. Here are some clues to watch for on your journey to help stay focused: If you're feeling like some honest and respectful feedback it might be time for leadership development! Feedback is the breakfast of champions. Getting meaningful information from trusted...
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University of AZ - Associate Director for 4-H Youth Development
Arizona is hiring and we encourage YOU to consider applying and joining our team! This is a full-time, year round position that provides leadership for 4-H statewide. To review the position description and qualifications, see attachment. To apply for Req16498 use link: https://arizona.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/16498?c=arizona
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EXCITE Launches Implementation Phase for 33 Immunization Education Projects/37 Land-grant Universities
Cooperative Extension has been given the opportunity to continue immunization education work through the Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE). The Extension Foundation, in cooperation with the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP), through an Interagency Agreement with the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are funding the Cooperative Extension System to increase...
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Smart Uses for 2022 Tax Year Refunds
Below are five smart uses for tax refunds for Extension professionals: Debt Repayment- There is probably no better “investment” than repaying consumer debt (e.g., outstanding credit card bills). Paying off an 18% credit card is equivalent to earning a 20.5% return for taxpayers in the 12% tax bracket
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What keeps senior leaders up at night?
Our family had the pleasure of being stationed in Tokyo, Japan while my wife and I were in the U.S. Air Force. While Japan and the other countries we visited were amazing, it was a particularly complicated time in the Pacific region. Most notably, North Korea's leader was threatening war. Additionally, many career fields in the Air Force lacked the people to sustain the operational pace required to maintain peace and stability in the region. Because of these situations, several military...
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Job Opening: Associate Director of Outreach & Engagement at UConn
The Office of Outreach and Engagement (O&E) at the University of Connecticut centrally oversees and supports public engagement and initiatives at UConn through outreach, community-based learning, and scholarship in dedicated partnerships with communities. O&E strengthens UConn’s activities in particular fields of regional engagement and fosters collaboration with the University’s academic divisions to further the development of UConn’s efforts. Reporting to the Director of Outreach...
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Game On! Equitable Development Leadership Academy: Calling Brave Souls
Attention, you courageous hearts and fearless spirits! Prepare to step out of your comfort zone and embark on a developmental adventure like no other with the National 4-H Council. Get ready for an extraordinary journey that will call upon your bravery and determination to redesign equity in your community. An experience where youth and adults unite to deepen their knowledge and leadership skills for a better tomorrow. Together, our cohort of community changemakers will build a strong...
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Virginia Cooperative Extension is hiring an Employee Development Specialist
Direct link to position announcement: https://careers.pageuppeople.com/968/cw/en-us/job/526577/associate-extension-specialist-employee-development The Associate Extension Specialist, Employee Development will provide leadership to Virginia Cooperative Extension in new agent onboarding and continued professional development for Extension employees. The position is housed in the VCE Program and Professional Development Unit and reports to the Extension Leader, Program and Professional...
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Job Opening: Extension Evaluation Specialist
We're hiring an Extension Evaluation Specialist. Join our team and advance the field of program evaluation by designing and testing methods that lead to improved capacity to measure outcomes of UConn Extension programs. The Specialist designs and delivers education programs and non-credit courses for UConn Extension faculty, staff, and administrators to increase their capacity to evaluate programs aligned with the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources strategic vision and...
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Job Opening: State 4-H Program Leader at Iowa State University
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is seeking an exceptional individual to lead its 4-H Youth Development program to enhance the impact of ISU on the lives of Iowa youth. The Program Leader provides strategic leadership and administrative management for the 4-H Youth Development program. Specifically, this person provides motivation, strategy, vision, and coordination for the development and delivery of 4-H Youth Development Extension programs that address the diverse needs in Iowa...
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Balancing Your Mental Health to Better Serve Others
As September approaches we want to recognize Suicide Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention, promoting understanding of mental health challenges, and fostering conversations that can save lives. Mark your calendar for 11:00 AM ET on September 27, 2023 and plan to attend OneOp’s professional development opportunity focused on balancing our mental health to better service others. To learn more, go to: Balancing Your Mental Health . Providers, whether...
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Position Announcement: Associate Director, Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development
The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD) is seeking applicants for an Associate Director position. The Associate Director will lead the Center’s outreach-oriented activities in consultation with the Director. Read the full job description and apply online!
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The #1 clue of dysfunction
In some leadership sessions recently we asked the participants what they were experiencing that might be holding back their teams. Without much hesitation, they said there was something keeping them stuck. Keeping them from collaborating the way they hoped. It's probably not what you expect. They said it was not asking for help . Seriously? Yes! This one thing reveals a number of things that work against effective collaboration. Here are two... Fear exists Poor psychological safety Fear is...
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Leadership is...
So often when we think about "leadership" it becomes such a big concept we can't imagine how it might apply to us. It is easier to think that it applies only to people with bigger positions, titles, and more responsibility than we have. As a coach of mine once said: "That's stinkin' thinkin'." When we think leadership is just for those "other people" we've unconsciously decided it's not for us. That we don't have to do it. We've told ourselves what we do every day doesn't really matter. In...
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How to be a leadership "boss"
My first real job where there was a paycheck was at 13 years old at a local pizza joint. It was "the" pizza joint in town run by a graduate of the college where my parents both taught. This meant it was okay to work there as they trusted him. Most of the kids in Branson, MO worked over the summer because it was (and still is) a huge tourist destination. Despite being busy with camps and sports we found a few hours to earn a little money each summer. If you could do it someplace that taught...
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GUEST POST: How to Fix the Workplace Through a Culture of Voluntary Influence
By Don Shapiro President, First Concepts Consultants, Inc. University Extension faces the same challenges today as any organization where a group of people are working together to accomplish something significant. You’re challenged with issues such as retention, burnout, managing change, leadership, and collaboration. Each one of these has a huge impact on how well you carry out your mission and serve your communities and constituents. Leadership stands out on this list because it’s not just...
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Holiday Shopping with a Financial Mind$et
As we approach the Christmas season, be mindful of excessive holiday spending. While Christmas is the season of giving, excessive spending can lead to much regret, depression, and even added financial struggles in the new year. According to Berden and Haws (2012), spending can quickly get out of hand when it is driven by emotions rather than a plan. Have you ever gone to the store to grab a few items, but as you stroll next to the; buy one get one free, the rollbacks, the manager's special,...
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Family Life Educator Position - Illinois
WE TRANSFORM LIVES. Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence. Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and...
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Treat each other with L.O.V.E.
A team we worked with was doing well except for a couple of team members who didn't get along very well. At the end of their time with us, we asked how their relationship was going. Particularly we asked if they could trust the other person. One of them replied "yes". Initially, we were excited about their progress! They continued to say they could trust them to be a jerk. What?! After some follow-up questions, we learned the behaviors they exhibited to this team member supported predictive...
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Available Grant Opportunities for Cooperative Extension!
Each week, the Extension Foundation newsletter dedicates a section to highlight the latest federal grant opportunities available for the Cooperative Extension system. In this blog post, we're excited to share with you a compilation of the most recent funding prospects featured in our newsletter. Cooperative Extension professionals who want to stay informed about these valuable opportunities can easily do so by subscribing to our weekly Connect Digest. You can subscribe to the Newsletter here...
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Illinois Extension Youth Development Educator position opening - closes November 9
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development – Unit 2 The University of Illinois Extension is seeking an individual to provide educational leadership for program delivery in Unit 2 (Boone, DeKalb, and Ogle Counties). Master’s degree related to subject matter emphasis required. To view complete job description and apply, visit https://go.illinois.edu/1020816 . Closing date is November 9, 2023 . The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled http://go.illinois.edu/EEO that participates in the federal...
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Emotional Spending 101
Unlike impulsive buying, emotional spending is frequently heightened by stress, grief, or moments of happiness or sadness. Regardless of these triggers, they can impact your finances negatively. For example, you shop to make yourself feel better after a bad day at work. As a result, compulsive shopping and spending stems from an impulse disorder habit that can be addictive for many. The relationship between money and happiness is now seen as complete. Aknin, Wiwad, and Hannibal (2018)...
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How do you want to be remembered?
During a recent workshop we did a connection exercise where participants chose a question to discuss with others at their tables. When visiting the tables one of the folks was sharing their take on how they wanted to be remembered. It was very moving and inspirational. They asked me if I'd answer the same question. Here's the story I shared with them... When we were stationed in Japan my father's health was declining. Just a few years earlier he had recovered from an impossible amount of...
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National Bullying Prevention Month: What Parents and Providers Can Do To Combat Bullying
Written by: Jason Jowers, MS, MFT, Virginia Tech Every October, communities across the United States come together to observe National Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying is a widespread problem in the U.S. that affects millions of children, adolescents, and even adults. Bullying behavior is very common. According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied on school property and 1 in 6 high schoolers reported being bullied electronically in the last year (CDC,...
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Extension Foundation Seeks Chief Operating Officer
Application Link: https://registry.extension.org/232986146271058 Application Deadline: November 16th, 2023 Extension Foundation (EXF) is a well-established non-profit organization providing diverse services to over 100 public universities across the United States. EXF is a membership-based 501(c)(3) non-profit operating foundation formed in 2006 by Extension Directors and Administrators. EXF partners with university-based Cooperative Extension Services to increase their capacity and offers...
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Empower Yourself to be a Trusted Health Messenger: A Valuable Resource for Extension Professionals
October is National Health Literacy Month, a time to highlight the importance of understanding and effectively communicating health information. At a time when accurate and reliable health information is crucial, Extension professionals feeling confident to be a trusted messenger to their audience is so important. If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, we want to remind Extension professionals about a valuable resource from - the Washington State EXCITE team! Explore the toolkit...
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Application Deadline Extended for 12 Coordinator Positions – AgriProspects Workforce Development Network
Summary NEW Application Due Date: November 17th, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET. Application Link: https://webportalapp.com/sp/agriprospects Positions Available: AgriProspects Regional Network Coordinators, AgriProspects Regional Content Coordinators Time Frame: This is a five-year grant project. Support for each position is a flat $25,000 per year beginning on or about January 1, 2024. Funds can be used by the recipient to support the portion of an FTE commensurate with the incumbent’s current rate of...
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Extension Foundation Announces New Technologies for Ag Extension Funding Opportunity: Applications Due December 22nd, 2023
Technology-Enhanced Cooperative Extension Hub (TECHExt) Summary : NTAE (New Technologies for Ag Extension) a grant from NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture) will begin Year 1 with the Extension Foundation January, 2024. EXF has the subaward for this grant from the University of New Hampshire who is the prime award for this funding. Within the funding EXF receives from the NTAE grant, one of the grant activity focus areas are the development of projects that lead to local impact...
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Mental Resilience
Thought you might enjoy a Yogi Berra quote to start... "Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical." Too funny and makes a great point. Life is a constant mental challenge. And we know, heaven or hell, it's between our ears. As you ponder what it will take for you to become more mentally resilient, here are some things to consider. "I don't count my sit-ups; I only start counting when it starts hurting because they're the only ones that count." -Muhammad Ali When the going gets...
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Call for Proposals - 2024 National Health Outreach and Engagement Conference
Greetings Colleagues: The planning committee for the 2024 National Health Outreach and Engagement Conference is now accepting proposals to present at next year’s conference. The conference will be held May 13-15, 2024 and will be hosted by University of Georgia, Clemson University, and North Carolina State University Extension Services in Greenville, SC. Interested individuals may submit proposals for concurrent sessions of 60 or 20 minutes in length as well as poster presentations that will...
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Two AgriProspects Workforce Development Network Coordinator Positions Available for 1994 Institutions
Summary: Two individuals are needed to fill the Regional Content Coordinator and Regional Network Coordinator roles across the 1994 institutions. As 1994 institutions are located across the country, the 1994 incumbents will serve as leads with assistance in program execution from other AgriProspect coordinators, specifically those where CES regions overlap. These critical positions will help build and engage our national network of partners working to provide access to skills training and...
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Some reminders...
At an appointment the other day Sesame Street was on the TV in the waiting room. Naturally, everyone from kids to adults was watching it. One of the adults looks over at me and says; "I stopped watching this show years ago, I already know most of that stuff." 🤣 Even if you know all that stuff already, it's still nice to have a reminder every once in a while! Here goes... There's never been another person like you on the planet, and there won't ever be another person like you. Your core...
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CDC Issues Health Advisory for Respiratory Diseases
CDC issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to ensure health care providers are aware of the current low vaccination rates for influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Low vaccination rates, coupled with ongoing increased national and international respiratory disease activity caused by multiple pathogens, including influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV, could lead to more severe disease and increased health care capacity strain in the coming weeks.
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Extension Foundation Selects Ashley Griffin as New Chief Operating Officer
The Extension Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer Search Committee, led by Dr. Scott Reed, advertised an application for a new Chief Operating Officer beginning in November, 2023. As a result of this search, the Extension Foundation has selected Ashley Griffin as its new Chief Operating Officer effective January 1st, 2024. Griffin has served as the Interim Chief Operating Officer for the past 12 months. Griffin’s career with Cooperative Extension began in 1996 at the University of Kentucky...
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New Year Resolutions?
Every year is an adventure we take one step at a time over 365 days. The adventure is up to us, we get to choose. Each January, these choices lead us to resolutions. The thought of these resolutions leads me to recommit to my version of Merlin Olsen's mission statement. Without boring you with mine, here's what he says… “The focus of my life begins at home with family, loved ones & friends. I want to use my resources to create a secure environment that fosters love, learning, laughter...
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Re: Moving the Needle on Racial Equity in Extension, Part 2 of 3
This is not an easy tightrope to walk -- being uncomfortable and even offended can lead to shutting down and distancing from DEIB matters and conversations, but it can also lead to questioning, learning, and growth. Some of us, particularly people who are like myself (white, cis-gender, middle-class) are less familiar with discomfort and may be more resistant -- we're accustomed to having our way be the "normal." I think there are benefits to affinity groups as a more familiar space to take...
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USDA Scientists Work to Ensure Nutritious and High-Quality Potatoes are Available During the Winter Season and All Year Round
Can you help us spread the word? USDA-ARS researchers team up with Chef Mark Mills to create three tasty and easy-to-prepare dishes featuring potatoes. While Chef Mills prepares a vegetable hash, Spanish tortilla, and potato black bean burger, ARS researchers chime in on the history of the potato, its value in U.S. agriculture, and how we are making healthier, tastier potato cultivars that last longer in storage. Click on the link to check out the potato recipes and learn more about ARS...
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Re: Moving the Needle on Racial Equity in Extension, Part 2 of 3
I appreciate the suggestion of training in smaller groups. In Extension, we like to train on culture inclusion during conferences. The message gets diluted in big rooms - it is the nature of a big room. Big rooms tend to lead to group think. Thank you!
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Are you ready?
Are you ready for a new experience at work in 2024? (If you continue reading the answer is "yes"!) Are you ready to dive into "why" you do some of the things you do? Are you ready to make a list of things to stop doing and start doing? The folks at " The Ready " have some great suggestions to help bring more clarity to your intentions! While we probably can't change some of the things where we work we can make it feel better to work together. Here are some ideas to get you thinking...
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Immunization and Health Partnership Development Specialist
Application Deadline: open until filled Position Type: 1 FTE Application Link: https://registry.extension.org/240245225299861 The Extension Foundation (EXF) is a well-established non-profit organization providing diverse services to over 100 public universities across the United States. EXF is a membership-based 501(c)(3) non-profit operating foundation formed in 2006 by Extension Directors and Administrators. EXF partners with university-based Cooperative Extension Services to increase...
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UNH Extension Seeks Associate Director of Development and 4-H Foundation Executive Director
We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented individual to join our team as the Associate Director of Development and 4-H Foundation Executive Director, leading UNH Cooperative Extension fundraising efforts. This position reports to a managing director of development through UNH Advancement with a dotted line to the director of UNH Extension. In this role, you will lead and oversee fundraising efforts to support the impactful work of UNH Cooperative Extension, with a focus on 4-H programs...
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What makes a successful Executive team?
Being chosen for a role with the primary responsibility of caring for others is a privilege. It's an honor to be selected for these positions. The real challenge is to be worthy of that honor every day. Too much? You're right to think that. It's a lot. Notice though, you're part of an executive "team". Everything that needs to be done can only be done with a team. An executive team is expected to model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the status quo, enable others to act, and...