Associate Director

Posting Context Statement:

The Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) is one of four rural development centers established by Congress/s Rural Development Act of 1972. It is a collaborative effort between the USDA and the University of Idaho. The core of its funding comes from NIFA. The WRDC works with public universities in the Western region to conduct research-based studies and educational outreach programs. It partners with local communities, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, families, farmers, and ranchers to address various rural development issues. The WRDCs objective is to enhance the capacity of the regions land-grant universities and cooperative extension services to help rural communities thrive and become self-sustaining.

Position Overview:

The Associate Director serves as a senior leader responsible for designing, managing, and independently leading a highly specialized and multifaceted research and Extension program. The position plays a key leadership role in advancing the WRDCs mission by supporting day-to-day operations, promoting collaborative multistate initiatives, and driving integrated research and outreach efforts across the western United States.

This role combines advanced scientific expertise with strategic and administrative oversight. The Associate Director directs the work of junior research and Extension scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and professional staff, establishing priorities, performance standards, and accountability systems. The position ensures that scientific findings are translated into practical, evidence-based applications that strengthen rural communities and inform policy and practice. The Associate Director maintains an independent research and Extension portfolio while collaborating closely with the WRDC Director and institutional partners to guide programmatic initiatives and facilitate integrated 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.

Required Experience:

• Two years of research and/or Extension experience in rural development
• Experience with U.S. rural community development issues; demonstrated knowledge of issues facing U.S. rural community development may substitute for this experience

Required Education:

• Ph.D. in applied economics, rural sociology, political science or closely related field

Required Other:

• 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 vehicles

Additional Preferred:

• 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 public

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• None

Degree Requirement: Listed degree qualification is required at time of application

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employee Category: Exempt

Pay Range: $95,014.40 or higher depending on experience

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Funding: This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.

A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy: Uncertain

Posting Date: 12/08/2025

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications received by January 21, 2026, will receive first consideration.

View the full position description at https://wrdc.uidaho.edu/job-announcements/.

Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded to the posting documents section. In addition, please note the following documents are required and can be submitted under the appropriate document number:

Other Document 1 - Research Statement

Other Document 2 - Extension Statement

Other Document 3 - Management Approach Statement

Other Document 4 - 1 research paper

Applicant Resources: https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources

Background Check Statement:

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

To apply, visit https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/50266

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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