Economic Development Director Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

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Type of Position:

Professional Staff - Project/Program Administration

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Regular

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that’s redefining higher education. We’re on a mission to provide transformative, hands‑on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi-faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. We’re committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas’s rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state’s varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work‑life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities.

Thank you for your interest in joining our university. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at (479) 788-7080.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 479-788-7080. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied.

Department:

Center for Economic Development

Summary of Job Duties:

Reporting directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development, the Director of the Center for Business & Professional Development leads and manages the Center for Business & Professional Development (CBPD). CBPD provides noncredit professional development, customized training, contract training, and open enrollment learning opportunities for regional employers, community partners, and individuals. The Director is responsible for program leadership, employer engagement, faculty and staff supervision, revenue generation, budget administration, customer service, and alignment with the mission of the University of Arkansas - FortSmith and the Center for Economic Development.

Qualifications: Required Education and/or Work Experience:

Master’s degree in business, management, leadership, education, workforce development, organizational development, or a related field. Five or more years of progressive experience in business, industry, workforce development, professional development, higher education, nonprofit leadership, or a closely related field. Demonstrated leadership, budget management, customer relationship, and oral and written communication skills. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for part of these requirements.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience:

Doctorate or additional graduate/professional degree from an accredited institution. More than five years of progressive leadership experience in business, industry, higher education, workforce development, professional development, or nonprofit leadership. Experience with customized training, revenue generation, grants, contracts, marketing, sales, business development, event management, employer engagement, and profit/loss or budget responsibility.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Program Development:
  • Lead, manage, and advance CBPD as a primary noncredit business and professional development training unit within the Center for Economic Development.
  • Develop annual business, budget, marketing, and operational plans for CBPD that are consistent with UAFS priorities and the strategic direction of the Center for Economic Development.
  • Establish short‑and long‑term goals that support CBPD’s mission, promote regional workforce capacity, and strengthen the financial sustainability of the center.
  • Use employer feedback, regional workforce data, participant evaluations, and financial performance measures to assess program effectiveness and identify new training opportunities.
• Employer Engagement and Training Solutions:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with regional employers, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, workforce partners, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders.
  • Lead employer needs assessments and develop responsive customized training solutions, proposals, and delivery models for business and industry clients.
  • Identify, coordinate, and evaluate open enrollment professional development opportunities that meet the needs of individuals, employers, and the broader community.
  • Represent CBPD and UAFS at community events, employer meetings, professional association meetings, and other workforce and economic development activities.
• Faculty, Staff, and Instructor Oversight:
  • Supervise assigned CBPD faculty, staff, instructors, contractors, and related program personnel.
  • Work with faculty and instructors to establish individual performance, program, and financial goals; meet regularly to monitor progress and support continuous improvement.
  • Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain qualified faculty, instructors, and staff who support CBPD’s training mission and customer service expectations.
  • Set high standards of performance, conduct regular performance evaluations, and encourage professional development for faculty and staff.
• Financial, Contract, and Grant Administration:
  • Develop, monitor, and manage the CBPD budget, including revenue targets, expenses, net revenue, and financial performance for open enrollment and customized training activities.
  • Oversee the contract, invoicing, registration, and customer service processes for open enrollment, customized training, and contract training programs.
  • Identify, pursue, and administer grants, contracts, sponsorships, and other funding sources that support training efforts and expand access to workforce development opportunities.
  • Ensure compliance with university policies, grant and contract requirements, fiscal procedures, and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Maintain regular communication with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development regarding CBPD operations, opportunities, challenges, financial performance, and strategic priorities.
  • Establish effective working relationships with other UAFS departments and colleges to support interdisciplinary programming, employer engagement, and regional service.
  • Collaborate with state and regional organizations, including workforce boards, economic development agencies, and training assistance programs, to support monetary training assistance for employers and participants.
  • Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that fosters teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and service to internal and external customers.
• Other Job Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Attend and participate in required faculty, staff, administrative, university, commencement, and community events as appropriate.
  • Maintain consistent and timely attendance and fulfill other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of professional development, customized training, workforce development, business operations, budget management, marketing, sales, and customer relationship management.
• Ability to lead faculty and staff, manage multiple projects, build partnerships, evaluate program effectiveness, and use data to support decision‑making.
• Strong communication, organization, prioritization, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse employers, participants, faculty, staff, students, community partners, and public agencies.

Additional Information:

The Director of the Center for Business & Professional Development reports directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development. The position involves frequent contact with university faculty and staff, regional employers, community leaders, workforce partners, public agencies, professional associations, and the general public. The Director must maintain positive collaboration with regional employers in business and industry and effective working relationships with UAFS colleges and departments.

Working Relationships:

The Director of the Center for Business & Professional Development reports directly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development. The position involves frequent contact with university faculty and staff, regional employers, community leaders, workforce partners, public agencies, professional associations, and the general public. The Director must maintain positive collaboration with regional employers in business and industry and effective working relationships with UAFS colleges and departments.

List Employees Supervised:

Assigned CBPD faculty, staff, instructors, contractors, and related program personnel.

Special Job Dimensions:

Work is performed primarily in an office, classroom, training, and event setting. The position requires frequent meetings and occasional travel for employer visits, community events, conferences, and out‑of‑town activities. Extended hours, evening, or weekend work may occasionally be required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly uses a computer and other office technology, communicates verbally and in writing, and may sit or stand for extended periods. The employee may occasionally lift materials up to 10 pounds.

Background Check Requirements:

Criminal Background Check and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check. Position requires employee to complete Arkansas Mandated Reporter training prior to employment.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and/or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary Information:

$90,000 - $95,000/year, commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Optional Documents:

(none)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Full consideration will be given to applications received by August 31, 2026.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check

This position may be subject to a pre‑employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non‑discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Hearing

Frequent Physical Activity:

Talking

Occasional Physical Activity:

Walking

Benefits Eligible:

Yes