Associate Director, Western Rural Development Center

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.

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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.
• Dem…