Extension Board

Extension Board Member Position Description 

Title: Member of Harlan County Extension Board. 
Term: Three years, expiring December 31 of the third year, with the potential for re-election to 
one additional three-year term. 
Purpose: To serve as a voting member of the advisory body of the Nebraska Extension Program in Harlan County, focusing on programming, finance, personnel and advocacy. Extension board members are appointed by the local county board making them a part of county government. 

Expected Meeting Attendance: 
•  The Harlan County Extension Board meets quarterly. Members should make every effort to attend every board meeting and adhere to the minimum meeting requirement as listed in the organizational bylaws. 
• Participate in board member orientation. 
• Attend Board professional and leadership development activities. 
• Represent local Extension board at Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards (NACEB) Legislative Day and Summer Experience meeting annually. 
• Serve on standing and ad hoc committees as requested. 

Obligations of the Board: 
• Commit time, talent and resources to promote, value and further the mission of the organization. 
• Read and abide by the constitution and bylaws of the organization. Also, be familiar with the interlocal agreement between Nebraska Extension and the local County Board(s). 
• Actively participate in Board meetings and demonstrate commitment to Board activities. 
• Work collaboratively with the Unit Leader and Extension Leadership Team representatives. 
• Commit to presenting the organization in a positive light in the community—In the board room we are many voices, outside of the board room we are one voice. • Listen respectfully to all points of view, striving for Board consensus. 
• Respect the confidentiality of deliberations made at Board and committee meetings that contribute to a climate of trust among the Board, Unit Leader and Extension Leadership Team representatives. 
• Encourage and practice inclusiveness and diversity within the Board and among clientele.

Specific Duties: 
• Become educated about the needs of the community including existing and new audiences. 
• Be well-informed on issues and agenda items in advance of meetings. 
• Contribute skills, knowledge, experience, strategic thinking and leadership. 
• Attend community events sponsored by my organization as requested. Assist Extension professionals with identifying local and regional educational programming priorities. 
• When appropriate, engage in collaborative efforts with regional Extension Boards to more efficiently and effectively meet program needs. 
• Be mindful of the past while helping build a vision for the future and executing plans to achieve it. 
• Actively participate in organizational decision-making. 
• Represent the organization to the general public and advocate for Extension sharing program accomplishments and impacts with key stakeholders. 
• Secure adequate budget, facilities, equipment, technologies, support staff and managerial professionals (Extension Assistants/Associates) to accomplish program objectives. 
• Upon carefully considering input of the Unit Leader, University of Nebraska Extension and Local County Board(s), develop and approve an annual program budget. Present budget request to the County Board(s) for consideration in accordance with state statutory and County Board requirements. 
• Monitor and submit claims for payment within the county budget. 
• Establish a positive and productive working relationship with County Board(s). 
• Prepare and file an annual report for the County Board(s). 
• Provide input on Extension faculty and staff performance. 
• Participate in NACEB activities and initiatives. 
• Identify, recruit and mentor new board members.

Extension Board Member Position Description- PDF

Extension Board Application - PDF