Regional Director (Region 11)

About the role

The Department of County Services in Extension and Outreach at Iowa State University seeks a Regional Director (Region 11) to lead Extension activities in Benton, Jones, and Cedar counties. The position is based in a county extension office (location to be determined) and requires travel among the three counties.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to county Extension councils to fulfill legal obligations and district responsibilities.
• Supervise county staff as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the council and the University.
• Oversee program delivery that meets regional programmatic needs.
• Initiate and guide fiscal management, grant and contract administration, human‑resources functions, and program needs assessments for the council.
• 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, including participation 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.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States on an ongoing basis 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 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

Iowa State University maintains an extension office in each of Iowa’s 99 counties, delivering research‑based educational experiences to Iowans and communicating community needs back to the university. Extension offices are represented by 900 elected council members who promote and advance the university’s reputation, interests, and resources.

Benefits

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

Pay

Pay Grade: PS810

Schedule

Full‑time, 12‑month appointment.