Work Location: Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Southeast Region. Exact domicile to be determined upon completion of selection process.
Position Description: This is a 12-month tenure track position focused on community engagement and development and economic development. The position will have an 80% extension appointment and 20% research appointment. The faculty member will be expected to develop and sustain a nationally recognized program in community engagement and development and economic development, focused primarily on rural communities. Priority focus will be on issues associated with fostering community engagement and development, leadership development and relationship building with community leaders, economic development, and small business development.
The successful candidate will work with and through extension agents throughout the state to facilitate community engagement and development, help communities identify appropriate external funding opportunities, and assist communities with navigating state, federal and private funding sources to enhance economic development at the local level. The successful candidate will also develop and market educational programs or workshops for agents and other stakeholder groups as warranted. The successful candidate will facilitate and sustain effective working relationships with community leaders, decision makers, regional / state agencies, and the business community.
The faculty member will provide curricula, training, and support for state, area, and parish agents on improving local community viability. They will provide research support and develop / present outreach materials to assist community leaders in recruiting, attracting, expanding, and retaining business and industry using appropriate tools such as surveys and strategic planning. The successful candidate will support entrepreneurship efforts and training as part of the overall extension and research mission of the LSU AgCenter. The faculty member will be expected to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to assist communities in making informed decisions to promote local economic development. They will also be expected to generate external support from private and governmental sources to sustain program growth.
This individual must be willing to maintain professional competence as a faculty member of the LSU AgCenter. Coordination and collaboration with faculty in the Department of Agricultural Economics and other LSU AgCenter Extension faculty and other state agencies will be essential. This position may require overnight travel and work on evenings and weekends.
The successful candidate will be expected to conduct research focused on community engagement and development with a priority on rural community enhancement. Formal participation in multi-disciplinary, regional, or national research initiatives will be expected. Results of research and extension projects should be published in peer-reviewed journals and other scientific/technical publications. Extramural funding to support the research and extension program must be secured from federal and state agencies, and other appropriate industry partners. Participation in regional, departmental and campus committees is expected as a faculty member in a land grant university. Continued education development through association with professional societies and attendance at national and international conferences will be required. The incumbent is expected to perform other tasks that may be assigned by supervisor(s) and work cooperatively with other LSU AgCenter faculty.
Qualification Requirements: The applicant must possess a Ph.D. in economics, agricultural economics, kinesiology, sociology, or closely related field. Previous extension experience is desirable. A proven track record of scholarly achievement in community engagement, development and / or economic development in both rural and urban settings is preferred. Outstanding oral and written communication skills are required.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. LSU has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort, and length of employment.
Date Available: Upon completion of the interview process.
Application Deadline: June 15, 2024, or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Procedure: Apply online at LSU AgCenter Careers (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching a package including a curriculum vita, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and names and addresses of three persons who can be contacted for letters of reference. In addition, applicants should provide a letter of application describing abilities, research and extension interests and experience, and vision for the research, extension, and service components of the position. Paper, faxed, or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted. Direct questions to:
Dr. Glen Gentry
Interim Southeast Regional Director and Resident Director
The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer.
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