• Works closely with the associate dean and director of Extension and the senior leadership team to develop, guide, and sustain Extension’s strategic priorities.
• Leads organization-wide strategic planning efforts, oversees the Extension strategic planning workgroups, and manages the execution of key initiatives.
• Supports decision-making on confidential, operational, and emerging issues with organizational-wide impact and risk.

Develops and leads innovative, revenue-generating strategies to advance the long-term sustainability of Extension.

• Coordinates with Extension faculty, field staff, and community stakeholders to ensure local input and statewide alignment on strategic priorities.
• Develops and delivers workshops, trainings, and events to build strategic thinking capacity and support the implementation of Extension initiatives.
• Leads and facilitates strategic ad hoc committees and task forces that address critical issues and promote innovation across units and regions.
• Gathers and evaluates stakeholder feedback to continuously refine strategies and improve alignment with community needs.

• Develops and manages internal and external communication strategies that convey the vision, progress, and impact of Extension’s strategic efforts.
• Prepares executive communications, strategic planning impact reports, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Collaborates with the Extension marketing and communications team to craft messaging, marketing, and multimedia resources that support strategic engagement.
• Builds and sustains relationships with government leaders, community partners, and campus stakeholders to support mission-driven initiatives.

• Pursues grant opportunities and other forms of funding to support strategic priorities and special initiatives.
• Designs and delivers presentations, guest lectures, webinars, and learning opportunities across academic, campus, and community settings.
• Supports professional development and organizational learning efforts such as the Extension Academy and strategic workshops.

The team ensures that University of Illinois Extension is future-focused, mission-aligned, and equipped to lead innovative and inclusive change across the state.

• Introduction to Strategic Planning: Understand the components of a strategic plan and how to apply it at the unit or program level.
• Building a Culture of Strategic Thinking: Learn how to embed strategic thinking into daily operations and long-term planning.
• Aligning Programs with Strategic Priorities: Tools and strategies to ensure your programming supports Extension’s mission and strategic goals.

• Innovation in Extension Programming: Explore frameworks and techniques to develop fresh, responsive, and impactful programming.
• Efficiency & Process Improvement: Training on streamlining workflows, reducing duplication, and maximizing team capacity.
• Building a Culture of Strategic Thinking: Learn tools and frameworks for integrating strategic thinking into daily work. 

• Facilitation Skills for Strategic Conversations: Learn how to guide teams through visioning, planning, and prioritization sessions.
• Customized Retreat or Planning Session Design: The team can design and facilitate tailored planning sessions based on your unit’s needs.
• Team Readiness and Change Management Tools: Use assessments and change models to prepare your team for transitions or new initiatives.