Executive Director of Outreach and Community Engagement
Conway, AR
Full Time
Experienced
| Full-Time/Part-Time | Full Time |
| Salary Range | TBD |
| Will this position be Onsite, Remote, or Hybrid? | Onsite |
Position Information
| Posting Number | NC0942025 |
| Working Title | Executive Director of Outreach and Community Engagement |
| Department Org | 410000 - Office-Provost Office |
| Why should you work at UCA? | We are excited that you are considering joining the UCA Family—the faculty, staff, students and alumni—who make the University of Central Arkansas a great place to work! At the University of Central Arkansas, we value our employees striving to maintain a work-life balance. We realize that this affects the overall well-being of employees while learning to prioritize challenging work and the ability to make a difference. Participation in university-wide remote work days may be available for certain positions. Training is provided on systems or job-specific software, and tools are available supporting professional and personal development. The benefits package allows you to customize your benefits to meet your current needs, with the ability to adjust them as your priorities change. This includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, 80% tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a retirement program with university contributions of 10% of employee salary. Also available are health and wellness incentives, as well as access to sports and cultural activities on campus for the family, free gym membership and equipment rentals. |
| Position Summary | Position Overview The University of Central Arkansas invites nominations and applications for the position of Executive Director of the Office of Outreach and Community Engagement. The Executive Director provides strategic vision and leadership for community-based programs and partnerships that align with UCA’s mission to advance learning, engagement, and service. The successful candidate will be an experienced and collaborative leader who understands the role of public higher education in regional development, civic engagement, and lifelong learning. The Executive Director will work across the university to strengthen partnerships with community organizations, governmental agencies, K–12 schools, nonprofit entities, and business leaders—serving as a bridge between the university and the broader public. |
| Job Duties and Responsibilities | Primary Responsibilities ● Provide strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and promotional activities for all outreach and community engagement initiatives and venues. ● Lead a team of professional staff and coordinate efforts related to external grants, continuing education, and special initiatives. ● Oversee collaborative projects that support adult education, regional economic and workforce development, civic engagement, and service-learning. ● Serve as UCA’s primary liaison to community-based partners and regional networks. ● Develop and implement measurable outcomes to assess the impact of community engagement programs. ● Represent UCA at state, regional, and national conferences and consortia related to outreach and public engagement. ● Seek external funding to support and expand outreach programs through grants, philanthropic partnerships, and sponsored contracts. ● Collaborate with faculty, deans, and academic leadership to embed community-based learning opportunities into the curriculum. ● Promote UCA’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and service through community-engaged scholarship and practice. |
| Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities | |
| Skills Considered Essential for Success | -Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education. -Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures. -Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment. -Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team. -Ability to make sound judgments. -Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities. -Civility in all interactions. -Demonstrate effective follow-up. |
| Required Education and/or Experience | Required Qualifications ● A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. ● A minimum of 5-7 years of proven leadership experience in community engagement, public service, university outreach, or related fields. ● Demonstrated success in building partnerships with diverse external stakeholders. ● Experience with program development and strategic planning. ● Strong project management, budget oversight, and personnel management experience. ● Excellent verbal and written communication and relationship-building skills. |
| Preferred Education and/or Experience | Preferred Qualifications ● A minimum of 10 years of proven leadership experience in community engagement, public service, university outreach, or related fields. ● Advanced degree in a related field (e.g., public administration, nonprofit management, education, social sciences). ● Experience working in or with public higher education institutions. ● Demonstrated record of building partnerships and/or external fundraising, including grants or sponsorships. |
| Desired start date | 09/01/2025 |
| License(s)/Certifications | |
| Physical Demands Checklist | |
| Physical Exertion |
| Background Check Statement | This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and 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. |
| UCA EEO Statement | The University of Central Arkansas is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution dedicated to attracting and supporting a diverse student, faculty and staff population through enhanced multicultural learning environments and opportunities. In keeping with its nondiscrimination policy in employment, admissions and other functions and programs, the university considers employees and students on the basis of individual merit and will not discriminate against a person on the basis of, race or color, ethnicity, religion, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, familial status, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, disability, political beliefs, intellectual perspective, genetic information, military status, or other factors irrelevant to participation in its programs. |
| Open Date | 06/19/2025 |
| Close Date | 07/15/2025 |
Job posted for the employer by: Workforce Connections, Arkansas Department of Commerce.
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