Regional Director (Region 11)

Iowa State University; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Vacation and leave plans

Life insurance

Long‑term disability

Flexible Spending Accounts

Wellbeing program

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a Regional Director for Region 11 within the Department of County Services in Extension and Outreach. The role covers Benton, Jones, and Cedar counties, traveling as needed and supervising county staff under a formal agreement.

The Regional Director leads county councils, oversees program delivery, management, and civil rights compliance, and collaborates with program specialists to shape regional programming and resource development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience.
• Valid U.S. Driver's License.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the county Extension councils to meet their legal obligations as an elected body and to carry out the roles and responsibilities of an Extension District.
• Supervise the county staff as detailed 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 the Extension council’s implementation of fiscal management, grant and contract management, human resources and program needs assessment, and oversight.
• Work with the councils to initiate strategies to develop and oversee volunteer networks and assist the Extension council and staff to identify innovative ways to reach under‑served and under‑represented audiences and ensure compliance with civil rights requirements.
• Additionally, coordinate with Extension Program Specialists to determine the appropriate programmatic response and future direction.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Position Title

Regional Director (Region 11)

Job Group

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Special Required Qualifications

Valid U.S. Driver's License

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

Are you passionate about supporting others in achieving their full potential and fostering a culture of growth? Are you driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community and help create positive change through your work?

If so, the Department of County Services in Extension and Outreach with Iowa State University is seeking qualified candidates for an Assistant Director County Services, known as the Regional Director!

The position will serve Benton, Jones, and Cedar counties, also known as Region 11. The primary office location for this position will be a county extension office in one of the counties served and the location will be dependent on the successful candidate and office availability. Because the position will support multiple counties, travel is required.

• Provide leadership to the county Extension councils to meet their legal obligations as an elected body and to carry out the roles and responsibilities of an Extension District.
• Supervise the county staff as detailed 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 the Extension council’s implementation of fiscal management, grant and contract management, human resources and program needs assessment, and oversight.
• Work with the councils to initiate strategies to develop and oversee volunteer networks and assist the Extension council and staff to identify innovative ways to reach under‑served and under‑represented audiences and ensure compliance with civil rights requirements.

Additionally, the Regional Director uses a proactive approach within the region to identify needs and cooperates with Extension Program Specialists to determine the appropriate programmatic response. They coordinate with Program Specialists and County Extension Councils on future program direction, inter‑disciplinary programming, securing resources to support identified needs, and assisting with reporting program outcomes.

The Regional Director is responsible for the appropriate administration of resources and oversees completion of all system reports for the region. They establish, organize, and facilitate networks and coalitions at the regional level to build community capacity and may also be involved in regional or multi‑state partnerships or programs.

The successful candidate will possess the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of individuals and groups. The ability to establish partnerships with community leaders along with strong organizational, supervisory, and leadership skills are also needed for success in this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with financial resource development including creation, development, and establishing of budgets.
• Experience with networking and partnership development leading to educational programs.
• Experience with staff and volunteer supervision, 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 with development and strategic implementation of policies and procedures.

About the Department of County Services in Extension and Outreach

There is an extension office in all 99 counties of Iowa, which bring Iowa State University research‑based educational experiences to Iowans. In turn, they communicate the needs of Iowans back to the university to help shape research and educational experiences. Extension offices are represented by 900 elected extension council members who promote and advance the reputation, interest and resources of Iowa State University. For more information about County Services, please visit ISU County Services.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work‑life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

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

Appointment Type

Regular

Number Of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

PS810

Original Posting Date

September 23, 2026

Posting Close Date

October 6, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R19966

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non‑discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.