University of Idaho
Associate Director, Western Rural Development Center
🇺🇸
Boise, ID
🕑
Full-Time
💰
$95K
💻
Other
🗓️
January 15th, 2026
Edtech.com's Summary
University of Idaho is hiring an Associate Director for the Western Rural Development Center. The role involves leading and managing a specialized research and Extension program focused on rural community and economic development, directing staff, securing and overseeing projects, and fostering collaborations across the western United States to support rural communities.
Highlights
- Lead design, implementation, and evaluation of an independent research and Extension portfolio on rural community and economic development.
- Support strategic planning and daily management of WRDC programs and operations.
- Supervise research and Extension staff, postdoctoral fellows, and junior scientists.
- Oversee budgeting, deliverable tracking, and reporting on funded projects.
- Conduct applied research and complex analyses to inform community development practices.
- Disseminate findings via peer-reviewed publications, Extension materials, and presentations.
- Engage with partners, stakeholders, and community leaders to align research with regional needs.
- Facilitate multistate and interdisciplinary collaborations integrating research, education, and Extension.
- Requires Ph.D. in applied economics, rural sociology, political science, or related field and at least two years of relevant research or Extension experience.
- Compensation starts at $95,014.40 annually, with full-time, exempt fiscal year appointment.
- Position involves travel, nonstandard hours, and requires valid driver's license.
- Works with public universities, USDA, NIFA, and rural communities in the Western U.S. region.
Associate Director, Western Rural Development Center Full Description
Associate Director, Western Rural Development Center
Position Information
Internal Posting? |
Posting Number | SP005113P
Position Title | Associate Director, Western Rural Development Center
Division/College | College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Department | WRDC (Western Rural Development Center)
Location | Boise
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 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 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.
Unit URL | wrdc.uidaho.edu
Posting Number | SP005113P
Position Title | Associate Director, Western Rural Development Center
Division/College | College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Department | WRDC (Western Rural Development Center)
Location | Boise
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 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 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.
Unit URL | wrdc.uidaho.edu
Position Qualifications
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 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
Degree Requirement | Listed degree qualification is required at time of application
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
Degree Requirement | Listed degree qualification is required at time of application
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. | Uncertain
Posting Date | 12/08/2025
Closing Date |
Open Until Filled | Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants | Applications received by February 08, 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
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.
EEO Statement | The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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. | Uncertain
Posting Date | 12/08/2025
Closing Date |
Open Until Filled | Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants | Applications received by February 08, 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
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.
EEO Statement | The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Transcripts
- Other Document 1
- Other Document 2
- Other Document 3
- Other Document 4
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * 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.com
- Higher 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)
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