Community Resource and Economic Development Regional Director

About the role

The Community Resource and Economic Development Regional Director provides leadership and oversight for community and economic development initiatives within an assigned region of Arkansas, advancing the mission of the UAPB Cooperative Extension Program.

Key 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 aligned with Extension and university goals.
• Support recruitment, training, mentoring, and evaluation of regional staff while ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.
• Lead assessment of community and economic development needs and coordinate design, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs and technical assistance.
• Develop strategies for workforce development, entrepreneurship, leadership development, community planning, and economic resilience.
• Build and maintain relationships with local governments, economic development organizations, businesses, nonprofit agencies, and educational institutions.
• Represent UAPB Extension at meetings, conferences, advisory groups, and community events.
• Assist with securing external funding through grants, cooperative agreements, and sponsorships.

Required profile

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent) in a related field such as Community Development, Economic Development, Public Administration, Agricultural Economics, or Rural Sociology.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in community and economic development, Extension programming, higher education outreach, or public service.
• 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.