Job Listings Title:
Regional Director, Central Region
Post Date
5/8/2025
Expiration Date
5/23/2025
Details:
Title: Regional Director, Central Region
Classification: Community Relations/Outreach Manager 2 (9341R2), P&A
Extension Area: Field Operations
Office Location: Extension Regional Office, Andover
Salary Range: $93,000 – $100,000; Depending on qualifications
Apply By: May 23, 2025
This Central regional director position supports the Andover Regional Office and various counties located within approximately 120 miles in the central region.
The Regional Director serves a major role in Extension operations, providing critical functions related to internal and external partners and relationships, county funding, talent/staff management, and overall management of regional and county offices. To be successful, the Regional Director must provide strong leadership and management skills consistent with University of Minnesota Extension mission, vision, and core values. The Regional Director interacts effectively with a variety of interested groups and staff. They are committed to expanding and fostering inclusion, and respecting the unique needs, perspectives, and potential of many. This position is part of a statewide team of Regional Directors, serving a designated number of counties in a geographic region that spans approximately 120 miles.
The Regional Director works closely with both programmatic and operations staff and serves as the principal communicator for the Regional Office.
The Regional Director reports to the Director of Statewide Operations.
Duties, responsibilities, and performance expectations:
Management – 50%
Budget Management:
Using knowledge of the county government budget process and funding structure, build support for, develop, and manage county budgets by engaging CEC members, county boards, and county administration
Negotiate the level of investment for local program delivery via the Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) between the University and counties
Monitor and manage county and regional office budgets
Office Operations Management:
Manage regional and county office space, leases, administrative/operational work, inventory, purchases, safety, and emergency plans
Monitor technology resources in regional and county offices to meet the functional needs of staff and comply with University and County standards
Support regional program delivery, including negotiation of office space, office clerical support, technology, and finance
Provide leadership and ensure compliance with workplace and employment safety
Spearhead the development and implementation of effective operational strategies and processes, including communicating, maintaining, and updating the operations instructions
Provide leadership for USDA/NIFA Civil Rights compliance
Talent/Staff Management:
Develop a supportive and productive work environment and teamwork among staff in county and regional offices, convening staff conferences, and meetings and encouraging transparent communication
Recruit, hire, develop and supervise administrative staff. Onboard and support the learning of all administrative staff and encourage professional development and growth
Lead and serve on county, regional, and state search committees
Supervise regional administrative support staff and university-hired county administrative support staff, and ensure effective performance management through goal setting and work plans
Provide support and coaching with appropriate representatives when office team issues arise
Provide work guidance and support to assigned work functions. Determine and assign administrative support for program staff
Relationships and Communications – 50%
Provide leadership in communication, team building, and collaboration
Internal/External Relations & Communications:
Facilitate County Extension Committee (CEC) leadership and development through member selection and onboarding; support of meetings and materials; capacity building for budget development, identification of local needs, program input for local Extension staff; and recruitment of CEC members to participate in skill-building opportunities
Communicate the value of, and advocate for, Extension programs and positions with new and existing interested groups
Advocate for sustaining and increasing county investments and Extension partnerships
Deliver presentations to stakeholders (County Boards, tribal nations, and community groups, etc.)
Nurture regional legislative relationships
Serve on committees and leadership teams to represent Extension’s interests
Program Support Relations & Communications:
Develop and maintain working relationships with Extension Program Leaders to:
support program and talent development
collectively ensure program success through local staff hiring practices, onboarding, conflict management, and financial stewardship
communicate program outcomes and impacts with interested groups to ensure public support and funding for Extension
Listen to the various perspectives to determine local needs and emerging issues, and communicate these to Extension program leaders
Build administrative and supervisory relationships throughout Extension and other University academic units to create synergies
Ensure county MOA deliverables are met
Professional development:
Individuals in the Regional Director role will identify and participate in professional development opportunities in support of Extension’s organizational goals and mission.
Pay Range: $93,000 – $100,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment
Position Type: P&A Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
Required Qualifications/Competencies:
A Bachelor’s degree and eight (8) years of related experience in Higher Education, government, public, or non-profit agency, or Extension to include:
Experience developing budgets and managing finances.
Experience working with boards/advisory committees
Strategic decision-making experience
Two (2) years of experience supervising non-student professionals, including training, managing performance, coaching, and team building.
Experience with office management (space, equipment, leases, etc.)
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated experience working respectfully and effectively with individuals with different identities, thoughts, and with under-served groups
Skilled in Microsoft and Google Suite applications
Additional Requirements:
Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office and must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the office.
When not in the assigned office location, must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry at least 20 pounds occasionally
Must be able to travel regularly to perform the responsibilities of this position; approximate average travel within the region 25% time each week. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work, and overnight stays at least 4 times a year.
This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications/Competencies:
Success working and leading in a complex, multi-layered and collaborative environment
Demonstrated skills in conflict management or organizational problem-solving
Demonstrated leadership ability and an ability to influence others directly and indirectly.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, using sound judgement, and the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing across all levels of the organization
Experience managing teams where employees are geographically dispersed.