Assistant Professor, Community Economic Development

Acsp; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin–Madison invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in community economic development. This is a joint appointment between the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AAE) and Extension (EXT), with the tenure home in AAE.

The appointment is 12 months, 75% EXT/25% CALS, and no traditional undergraduate/graduate teaching requirement. The ideal candidate will lead regionally and nationally recognized research and outreach focused on rural and

Qualifications

• Evidence of ability to combine rigorous economic research with effective outreach and public engagement.
• Demonstrated commitment to public engagement and real-world impact.
• Ability to design and conduct applied research addressing rural and community economic development.

Responsibilities

• Publish scholarly and applied research on community economic development in the United States, with Wisconsin relevance.
• Develop an extension program translating research into practical resources for Wisconsin communities.
• Collaborate with CALS, Extension, and UW‑Madison teams to advance integrated approaches to rural challenges.
• Engage with stakeholders including industry leaders, policymakers, and community groups.
• Secure extramural funding to support research and programming.
• Mentor students and contribute to curriculum development.
• Participate in departmental/college/university committees and public service activities.
• Contribute to a supportive and inclusive academic environment.

Job description

The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AAE) in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), together with the Division of Extension (EXT) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in community economic development. This is a jointly appointed faculty position to both AAE and the Department of Extension, with the tenure home in AAE. Within Extension, the candidate will affiliate with the Community Development Institute. The position is funded 75% EXT/ 25% CALS and structured as a 12-month appointment. Given the outreach expectations of the Extension appointment, there is no requirement for traditional group instruction in the undergraduate or graduate program.

The ideal candidate has demonstrated research potential in rural and/or community economic development and complements existing departmental strengths in agricultural, environmental, community, and/or development economics. We seek candidates with evidence of the ability to combine rigorous economic research with effective outreach and who have demonstrated a strong commitment to public engagement and real-world impact.

As a faculty member, the candidate will lead regionally and nationally recognized research, outreach, and educational programming focused on community economic development within the United States, with relevance to Wisconsin. They will design and conduct applied research to address challenges facing rural communities. The faculty member will translate research findings into practical, accessible resources for stakeholders, such as local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders. The faculty member is expected to support the university’s mission of fostering inclusive, sustainable community growth, as well as the scholarly life of the department through collegial engagement, mentorship, and service.

This position offers an outstanding opportunity for impact by working at a top land-grant institution, joining an established network of community development professionals across the state and nationally, and working directly with local leaders and communities.

• Publish scholarly and applied research on community economic development in U.S. and relevant to communities in Wisconsin on topics such as workforce development, housing, entrepreneurship, local government capacity, and regional economic resilience.
• Develop an extension program that translates and applies research-based knowledge and methods to issues and problems facing Wisconsin communities and document the impact of these efforts.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams within CALS, Extension, and across UW–Madison, to advance integrated approaches to solving real-world challenges in Wisconsin and rural America.
• Engage with stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, and community groups on community development issues.
• Secure extramural funding to support research and programming.
• Mentor students at all levels and contribute to curriculum development.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university committees, as well as relevant professional associations and public service activities.
• Contribute to a supportive and inclusive academic environment.