Regional Director (Region 11)

About the role

The Department of County Services in Extension and Outreach at Iowa State University is seeking a Regional Director (Region 11) to serve Benton, Jones, and Cedar counties. The position will be based in a county extension office within the region, with travel required to support multiple counties.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to county Extension councils to fulfill legal obligations and district responsibilities.
• Supervise county staff as outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding between the council and the University.
• Oversee program delivery that meets regional programmatic needs.
• Initiate strategies for fiscal management, grant and contract management, human resources, program needs assessment, and oversight.
• Develop and oversee volunteer networks; identify innovative ways to reach underserved and under‑represented audiences while ensuring civil‑rights compliance.
• Proactively identify regional needs and collaborate with Extension Program Specialists to determine appropriate programmatic responses.
• Coordinate with Program Specialists and County Extension Councils on future program direction, interdisciplinary programming, resource acquisition, and outcome reporting.
• Administer regional resources and ensure completion of all system reports.
• Establish, organize, and facilitate regional networks and coalitions to build community capacity; may engage in regional or multi‑state partnerships.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse individuals and groups.
• Establish partnerships with community leaders and demonstrate strong organizational, supervisory, and leadership skills.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 5 years of related experience.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with financial resource development, including budget creation and management.
• Experience in networking and partnership development leading to educational programs.
• Experience supervising staff and volunteers, including hiring, performance management, and other HR functions.
• Experience with contract and grant writing.
• Background in an educational area or field.
• Experience working cooperatively with an elected board.
• Experience developing and strategically implementing policies and procedures.

About the Department of County Services in Extension and Outreach

Extension offices exist in all 99 Iowa counties, delivering Iowa State University research‑based educational experiences to Iowans and communicating community needs back to the university. The offices are represented by 900 elected extension council members who promote and advance the reputation, interest, and resources of Iowa State University. More information is available at the ISU County Services website.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement plans (defined benefit and defined contribution).
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
• Life insurance and long‑term disability coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing program.

Pay

Pay Grade: PS810

Schedule

Full‑time, 12 months per year.