Community Resource and Economic Development Regional Director /Extension Specialist V

University of Arkansas•Pine Bluff, AR

45d•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Resource and Economic Development Regional Director provides leadership and oversight for community and economic development initiatives within an assigned region of Arkansas. This position is responsible for coordinating educational outreach, stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, and regional program implementation that support sustainable economic growth, community capacity building, and quality of life improvements. The Regional Director works collaboratively with Extension personnel, community leaders, government agencies, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and university faculty to identify local needs and develop innovative solutions that advance the mission of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Cooperative Extension Program.

Requirements

Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree) from an accredited institution in Community Development, Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Administration, Agricultural Economics, Extension Education, Education, Ag Education, Rural Sociology, Social Sciences, or a closely related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in community and economic development, Extension programming, higher education outreach, public service, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading regional, statewide, or multi-county programs and initiatives.
Experience developing and maintaining partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and private-sector stakeholders.
Evidence of successful program planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting.
Strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively with diverse populations and communities.
Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively throughout Arkansas.

Nice To Haves

Seven (7) or more years of leadership experience in Extension, community development, economic development, or a related field.
Experience supervising professional staff and managing organizational resources.
Experience securing and managing externally funded grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements.
Demonstrated record of scholarly, outreach, or applied research activities related to community and economic development.
Knowledge of the land-grant university system and Cooperative Extension mission.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, guidance, and support to regional community and economic development personnel and program staff.
Assist in establishing regional priorities, staffing recommendations, and operational plans that align with Extension and university goals.
Foster a collaborative work environment that promotes professional growth, accountability, and program excellence.
Support recruitment, training, mentoring, and evaluation of regional staff.
Ensure compliance with university policies, grant requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.
Facilitate communication and coordination among county offices, Extension administration, community partners, and university departments.
Lead the assessment of community and economic development needs across the assigned region.
Coordinate the design, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs, technical assistance initiatives, and outreach efforts that address community challenges and opportunities.
Promote the use of research-based information and best practices to strengthen local economies and community resources.
Develop strategies that support workforce development, entrepreneurship, leadership development, community planning, and economic resilience.
Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among Extension educators, specialists, faculty, and external partners to address complex community issues.
Monitor program outcomes and document impacts that demonstrate value to stakeholders and funding agencies.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local governments, economic development organizations, community leaders, businesses, nonprofit agencies, and educational institutions.
Serve as a regional representative of UAPB Extension at meetings, conferences, advisory groups, and community events.
Facilitate partnerships that enhance program delivery and increase access to resources for underserved and rural communities.
Engage stakeholders in identifying priorities and developing solutions that address regional needs.
Promote awareness of Extension programs and services throughout the region.
Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, and regional partners to identify emerging trends and opportunities affecting community and economic development.
Contribute to the development and implementation of regional and statewide strategic initiatives.
Assist with securing external funding through grants, cooperative agreements, sponsorships, and other resource development opportunities.
Support grant-funded projects by coordinating activities, partnerships, and reporting requirements.
Encourage innovative approaches that leverage community assets and strengthen long-term sustainability.