Community Resource and Economic Development Regional Director /Extension Specialist V

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

• Management - Extension
• Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

• University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
• The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is an 1890 Land-Grant HBCU with a diverse student population, competitive degree offerings and stellar faculty.

For more than 140 years, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has worked to create an environment that inculcates learning, growth and productivity while affording a basic need to its students – a chance to advance.

The 15:1 student to teacher ratio makes it possible to maintain a learning environment with close interaction between students and faculty while challenging curricula encourage our students to seek and fulfill their potential.

You can excel in your chosen field of study through a curriculum of Certificate and Associates degree programs, more than thirty Undergraduate programs, Master’s degree programs and a Doctorate program in Aquaculture/Fisheries. You can also develop workplace readiness through internships, co-ops and fellowships in the U.S. and abroad.

Out-of-class experiences and student involvement include more than 90 student organizations, an internationally renowned Vesper Choir, Marching Band, Concert Bands, Wind Symphony, nationally recognized debate team, award-winning theater department and accomplished athletic program.

Though the main campus is in Pine Bluff, its reach is worldwide. UAPB has an extended campus in North Little Rock and offers as well as online courses. With the addition of the Arkansas Research and Education Optical Network (ARE-ON), students can engage in information exchange with others anywhere in the world. There are also Research and Extension offices in Lonoke, Newport and Lake Village and collaborations with other colleges and universities in the State through the National Science Foundation funded STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy.

As the second oldest land-grant institution in the state of Arkansas, the mission of this No Excuse University remains the same – to provide a high quality, affordable education with a personal touch. We invite you to Become a Part of the Pride at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact Human Resources at 870.575.8400 .

Department:

• Agriculture, Fisheries & Human Science
• Department's Website:

Summary of Job Duties:

• 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.
• Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Regional Leadership and Operations
• •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.
• Program Development and Implementation
• •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.
• Community and Stakeholder Engagement
• •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.
• Strategic Planning and Resource Development
• •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.

Qualifications:

• •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 s