RURAL SERVICES DIRECTOR

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

3d•$85,943 - $127,195•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Rural Services provides strategic leadership and oversight for programs and initiatives intended to improve quality of life, infrastructure, and economic opportunities in rural Arkansas. The role coordinates resources, develops partnerships, advocates for rural needs, and ensures effective service delivery to underserved areas. The Director advises governmental agencies and community leaders on rural challenges and sustainable development, while advancing equity and growth in rural communities. The position leads rural program planning, implementation, and evaluation; collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies; and develops initiatives addressing economic development, infrastructure, healthcare access, education, and workforce development. It advocates for funding and policy support, represents rural interests in public forums and legislative hearings, monitors rural trends, and makes strategic and policy recommendations. The Director also supervises and mentors personnel, develops community outreach and communication strategies, manages division operations and its budget, prepares reports, and oversees grant programs. The role includes designing and executing the annual Arkansas Rural Development Conference, including themes, session formats, vendor and sponsor relations, contract negotiations, onsite logistics, and promotion. The Director may serve as a public relations and educational officer for AEDC and the Rural Development Commission, and as AEDC Rural Services representative on designated boards and commissions. This position is onsite, with no remote or hybrid options. Salary range: $85,943–$127,195.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, rural development, community planning, or a related field.
At least 8 years of experience in rural development, public administration, community planning, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities.
Demonstrated success in building partnerships, managing budgets, and driving impactful results.
Exceptional leadership and team management abilities.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong advocacy and public relations capabilities.
Proficiency in grant writing, program evaluation, and resource development.
Ability to navigate complex policy and regulatory environments.

Responsibilities

Manage and administer division operations, including coordinating activities, maintaining staff work schedules, overseeing daily tasks, and contributing to division goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Prepare and maintain the division's annual budget and oversee effective allocation of resources.
Research and prepare reports on division programs and present them to the Executive Director, Rural Development Commission, and/or public officials.
Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services targeting rural areas.
Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to identify and address rural community needs.
Develop and manage initiatives focused on economic development, infrastructure improvement, healthcare access, education, and workforce development in rural areas.
Advocate for funding and policy support benefiting rural regions.
Build partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and other personnel to enhance service delivery.
Represent rural interests in public forums and legislative hearings.
Monitor trends and challenges in rural areas to inform strategic planning and policy recommendations.
Supervise and mentor personnel and foster a collaborative, results-driven work environment.
Develop outreach and communication strategies to engage rural communities and raise awareness of available resources.
Design, execute, and promote the annual Arkansas Rural Development Conference, including managing themes, sessions, vendors, sponsors, contract negotiations, onsite logistics, and promotional campaigns.
Oversee implementation of the Arkansas Rural Community Grant Program, Rural Services Block Grant Program, Community Assistance Grant program, and Arkansas Game and Fish Wildlife Conservation Grant Program.
Serve as a public relations and educational officer for AEDC and the Rural Development Commission, as needed.
Represent AEDC Rural Services on boards and commissions, including the Joint Rural Fire Study Legislative Committee, Feral Hog Eradication Task Force, Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission, and Arkansas Department of Emergency Management Federal Surplus Property Advisory Board.
Perform other duties as assigned.