Position Function:
Mississippi State University is seeking a 12-month, tenured faculty appointment in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with split responsibilities in research (50%), and extension (50%). The faculty member in this position serves as Director of the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC). The Center Director is responsible for carrying out policies and procedures established by the SRDC Board of Directors; managing the Center's budget, activities and programs; generating and directing innovative multistate research and extension programs; promoting the Center's mission, capabilities and program with primary funding organizations, potential financial supporters and clientele; providing synergistic leadership to public and private rural development activities in the South; seeking funding and other resources to support state and multistate development activities of the participating states and institutions; and fostering more effective and better funded partnerships among the region's 1862, 1890, and 1994 land-grant institutions.
Salary Grade: UC
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Regional Rural Development Centers (RRDCs) are a national network of four centers that work in partnership with the land-grant university system and the Cooperative Extension Service to strengthen economic opportunity and quality of life in rural communities across the U.S. The centers serve as hubs that connect researchers, Extension professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to translate research into practical solutions for rural challenges. The Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC), located at Mississippi State University, leads these efforts across the 13 Southern states as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Through research, data analysis, and collaborative outreach, the SRDC helps communities address a broad range of issues common to rural development. By convening partners across universities, government agencies, and local organizations, the SRDC serves a critical role in ensuring that evidence-based strategies reach the communities that need them most, making it a central catalyst for innovation and prosperity in the rural South.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
January 1, 2027.
Tenure Track Status:
Yes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Center Director is responsible for carrying out policies and procedures established by the SRDC Board of Directors; managing the Center's budget, activities and programs; generating and directing innovative multistate research and extension programs; promoting the Center's mission, capabilities and program with primary funding organizations, potential financial supporters and clientele; providing synergistic leadership to public and private rural development activities in the South; seeking funding and other resources to support state and multistate development activities of the participating states and institutions; and fostering more effective and better funded partnerships among the region's 1862, 1890, and 1994 land-grant institutions. Specific responsibilities will include the following expectations:
• Successfully seek and acquire external funding to support the development and delivery of SRDC research and Extension programs
• Supervise the Center’s staff to oversee progress on projects, support professional development, and evaluate performance
• Develop Regional Programs that incorporate innovative teaching tools and decision support resources to better equip decision makers
• Utilize workshops and county/state/regional presentations as well as coordinate with Extension communication specialists in the distribution of content for mass media programs where applicable
• Generate significant scholarly output including articles in peer-reviewed journals, Extension and Experiment Station publications, departmental papers and popular press articles.
• Foster multi-state collaboration and linkages on high impact rural development issues or concerns.
Minimum Qualifications:
The Director must have a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Regional Economics, Economics, Community Development, Rural Sociology, or a closely related area. Must qualify for rank of Associate Professor or Professor with tenure within an appropriate academic unit (i.e., Agricultural Economics, Human Sciences, etc…) of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Preferred Qualifications:
It is preferred that the candidate have an established record in grant writing, knowledge of the USDA/land-grant system, administrative experience, and an established record in rural/regional development research or Extension activities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
It is important that the Director have strong interpersonal skills as well as strong skills in effective oral and written communications.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Normal office environment. Frequent in-state and routine regional/national travel are required to fulfill the duties of this position.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Complete the online application, include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae (including statement of current position and responsibilities), academic transcripts with redacted SSN, a statement of Research and Extension philosophy and interests, and names of three professional references.
Screening Date:
May 11, 2026, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
