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 (location dependent on candidate and office availability) and requires travel among the counties served.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to county Extension councils to meet their legal obligations and fulfill the roles and responsibilities of an Extension District.
• Supervise county staff as outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding between the council and the University.
• Oversee program delivery that meets the programmatic needs of the region.
• Initiate strategies for fiscal management, grant and contract management, human resources, program needs assessment, and oversight for the Extension council.
• Develop and oversee volunteer networks; identify innovative ways to reach underserved and under‑represented audiences and ensure compliance with civil‑rights requirements.
• 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 reporting of program outcomes.
• Administer resources and oversee completion of all system reports for the region.
• Establish, organize, and facilitate regional networks and coalitions to build community capacity; may participate in regional or multi‑state partnerships or programs.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of individuals and groups.
• Establish partnerships with community leaders and demonstrate strong organizational, supervisory, and leadership skills.

Requirements

• Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience.
• Special required qualification: Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience with financial resource development, including creation, development, and establishment of budgets.
  • Experience with networking and partnership development leading to educational programs.
  • Experience supervising staff and volunteers, including hiring, performance management, and other human‑resource functions.
  • Experience with contract and grant writing.
  • Experience 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 counties of Iowa, bringing 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.

Benefits

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

Pay

Pay Grade: PS810. Appointment type: Regular.

Schedule

Full‑time position; 12 months per year.