University Of Idaho
Associate Director, Western Rural Development Center
University Of Idaho, Boise, Idaho, United States, 83708
Associate Director, Western Rural Development Center
Position Title: Associate Director, Western Rural Development Center
Division/College: College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Department: WRDC (Western Rural Development Center)
Location: (unspecified)
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 WRDC’s objective is to enhance the capacity of the region’s 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 WRDC’s 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
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.
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 driver’s 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.
Posting Information FLSA Status: Exempt
Employee Category: Exempt
Pay Range: $95,014.40 or higher depending on experience
Type of Appointment: Fiscal Year
FTE: 1.0
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.
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.
If you would like to receive a full position description that includes the position responsibilities, please email Angelica Reyes Perez at angelica@uidaho.edu and request that one be sent to you or please go to this website for a copy. 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
Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Required Documents
Resume/CV
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Transcripts
Other Document 1
Other Document 2
Other Document 3
Other Document 4
Optional Documents (none specified)
Supplemental Questions
* How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
Academic Careers
Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
Chronicle
Facebook
HigherEd/Academic Impressions
Higher Ed Jobs
Idaho Department of Labor/Job Service including Job Central or Idaho Works (Idahoworks.gov)
Indeed.com
Inside Higher Ed
LinkedIn
Newspaper
Other Venue
Professional Listservs (Ex: NACUBO, AAAE, ISMC, etc.)
University of Idaho Website
University of Idaho Daily Register
University of Idaho Employee
Word of Mouth
Militaryjob.com
DSPSjobs.comHigher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
* Were you referred to this employment opportunity by a current University of Idaho employee? If so, please provide their name and department. (Open Ended Question)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Division/College: College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Department: WRDC (Western Rural Development Center)
Location: (unspecified)
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 WRDC’s objective is to enhance the capacity of the region’s 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 WRDC’s 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
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.
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 driver’s 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.
Posting Information FLSA Status: Exempt
Employee Category: Exempt
Pay Range: $95,014.40 or higher depending on experience
Type of Appointment: Fiscal Year
FTE: 1.0
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.
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.
If you would like to receive a full position description that includes the position responsibilities, please email Angelica Reyes Perez at angelica@uidaho.edu and request that one be sent to you or please go to this website for a copy. 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
Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Required Documents
Resume/CV
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Transcripts
Other Document 1
Other Document 2
Other Document 3
Other Document 4
Optional Documents (none specified)
Supplemental Questions
* How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
Academic Careers
Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
Chronicle
HigherEd/Academic Impressions
Higher Ed Jobs
Idaho Department of Labor/Job Service including Job Central or Idaho Works (Idahoworks.gov)
Indeed.com
Inside Higher Ed
Newspaper
Other Venue
Professional Listservs (Ex: NACUBO, AAAE, ISMC, etc.)
University of Idaho Website
University of Idaho Daily Register
University of Idaho Employee
Word of Mouth
Militaryjob.com
DSPSjobs.comHigher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
* Were you referred to this employment opportunity by a current University of Idaho employee? If so, please provide their name and department. (Open Ended Question)
#J-18808-Ljbffr