Job Title

This job was posted by : For more information,please see: Director, Western Rural Development CenterrrPosting Number: SP005113PrDivision/College: College of Agricultural & Life SciencesrDepartment: WRDC (Western Rural Development Center)rLocation: BoiserrPosting Context Statement:rThe Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) is one of four ruraldevelopment centers established by Congresss Rural Development Act of1972. It is a collaborative effort between the USDA and the Universityof Idaho. The core of its funding comes from NIFA. The WRDC works withpublic universities in the Western region to conduct research-basedstudies and educational outreach programs. It partners with localcommunities, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, families, farmers, andranchers to address various rural development issues. The WRDCsobjective is to enhance the capacity of the regions land-grantuniversities and cooperative extension services to help ruralcommunities thrive and become self-sustaining.rrPosition Overview:rThe Associate Director serves as a senior leader responsible fordesigning, managing, and independently leading a highly specialized andmultifaceted research and Extension program. The position plays a keyleadership role in advancing the WRDCs mission by supporting day-to-dayoperations, promoting collaborative multistate initiatives, and drivingintegrated research and outreach efforts across the western UnitedStates.This role combines advanced scientific expertise with strategic andadministrative oversight. The Associate Director directs the work ofjunior research and Extension scientists, postdoctoral fellows, andprofessional staff, establishing priorities, performance standards, andaccountability systems. The position ensures that scientific findingsare translated into practical, evidence-based applications thatstrengthen rural communities and inform policy and practice. TheAssociate Director maintains an independent research and Extensionportfolio while collaborating closely with the WRDC Director andinstitutional partners to guide programmatic initiatives and facilitateintegrated teams spanning research, education, and Extension functions.Duties may include:- Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of an independent research and Extension portfolio focused on rural community and economic development.- Support the WRDC Director in strategic planning, day-to-day management, and coordination of Center programs and operations.- Direct the work of research and Extension staff, postdoctoral fellows, and junior scientists, including hiring, training, supervision, and performance evaluation.- Oversee technical and administrative aspects of funded projects, including budgeting, deliverable tracking, and reporting.- Conduct original, applied research and perform complex analyses to inform community and regional development practices.- Develop and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, Extension materials, and professional presentations.- Review and provide consultation on scientific and Extension projects, proposals, or methodologies.- Engage with partners, stakeholders, and community leaders to align research and outreach efforts with regional needs and priorities.- Facilitate multistate and interdisciplinary collaborations that integrate research, education, and Extension functions.- Other duties as assigned.rrRequired Experience:r- Two years of research and/or Extension experience in rural development- Experience with U.S. rural community development is sues; demonstrated knowledge of issues facing U.S. rural community development may substitute for this experiencerrRequired Education:r- Ph.D. in applied economics, rural sociology, political science or closely related fieldrrRequired Other:r- Ability to travel- Ability to work nonstandard business hours, including weekends and holidays- Must possess a valid drivers license and be able to meet policy requirements for driving university-owned vehiclesrrAdditional Preferred:r- Demonstrated ability to work independently and with an interdisciplinary team- Demonstrated record of research and Extension achievement- Experience serving as PI or Co-PI on extramurally funded projects- Knowledge of the U.S. land grant university system- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with constituents, clients and the general publicrrPhysical Requirements & Working Conditions:r- NonerrDegree Requirement:rListed degree qualification is required at time of applicationrrFLSA Status: ExemptrEmployee Category: ExemptrPay Range: $95,014.40 or higher depending