Association Board of Directors Fact Sheet
A Cornell Cooperative Extension executive director is employed by the association and receives a title conferred the Director of Extension. Both are required to function in the position. Thus, the Board of Directors (represented by the President) and the Director of Extension (represented by the State Extension Specialist) must work together closely concerning the recruitment, supervision and evaluation of executive directors.
Background
Employment is determined by the employer, which is the association. Employment is not a contract. All CCE employees are employed “at will” and employment may be terminated by either the employer or the employee at any time for any lawful reason. Typically new executive directors are employed for a term of two years with an initial one year provisional period. Subsequent employment terms may be for up to four years. Associations may also employ executive directors for ongoing terms with no specified end date, although this is not recommended.
Upon employment, executive directors receive a corresponding title conferred by the Director of Extension. NYS County Law 224 and the memorandum of agreement between Cornell University and the United States Department of Agriculture confer on Cornell oversight responsibility for the conduct of educational work by associations, including supervising and setting standards for professional staff. The Director of Extension meets these obligations, in part, through the Conferral of Title, which recognizes an individual’s connection to the state extension system and is separate from the employment of the individual by the association. The term of the conferred title typically runs concurrently with the term of employment, but in any case must be renewed at least every four years. Title may be terminated at any time for any reason, including the individual’s not meeting professional or performance standards.
Annual Performance Reviews
All Cornell Cooperative Extension Association employees must receive a performance review at least annually, as required by the Memorandum of Agreement (Agreement BR) executed annually between the Association and Cornell University. The review process is handled locally, and documentation is maintained locally, subject to audit. For executive directors, the annual performance review is conducted by the Board President, with input from the State Extension Specialist.
In-Depth Reviews
In support of the Director of Extension’s consideration of renewal of title, and at least every four years, executive directors with a current conferred title must receive an in-depth review. As the name implies, an in-depth review covers a longer time period and goes into more detail than an annual performance review. The purpose is to assess and document the overall impact of the executive director’s leadership on the association. A comprehensive survey of stakeholders both within and external to the association is an important part of the process. For the year in which it is conducted, the in-depth review shall be in lieu of the annual performance review.
The in-depth review process for Executive Directors is conducted jointly by the Board President and the State Extension Specialist. The association Board of Directors makes a recommendation to the Director of Extension concerning the renewal of title. Documentation is maintained by CCE Administration. The Director of Extension may revoke title at any time.
Summary
All Cornell Cooperative Extension professional educators in positions classified as Resource Educator and above, including Executive Director must have both an offer of employment from the association and a title conferred by the Director of Extension. Annual performance reviews are an integral part of the performance management process for CCE association staff, including executive directors. In addition the conferral of title by the Director of Extension, supported by the in-depth review process, helps to maintain high standards and assure the achievement of system goals. Together, they reinforce the partnership between Cornell University and county associations. Specific policies, procedures, tools and additional background related to employment, performance management and conferral of title may be found in the association’s human resources policy manual and the Association Board of Directors section of the CCE website.