Executive Director, Center for Rural Engagement

Are you a visionary leader who is enthusiastic about strengthening rural communities through research, education, and engagement? The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford invites dynamic, experienced, and mission-driven professionals to apply for the role of Executive Director of the Center for Rural Engagement—a transformative initiative dedicated to improving the vitality and resilience of rural communities in the region.

As Executive Director, you will shape the Center’s strategic direction and lead efforts that will bring together faculty, students, community partners, and regional stakeholders to address the most pressing issues facing rural communities today.

What You’ll Lead

The Executive Director of the Center for Rural Engagement will:

• Lead with Purpose: Oversee Center operations, budgeting, staffing, and development initiatives to ensure long-term sustainability and program excellence.
• Strengthen Community Partnerships: Build lasting relationships with local governments, nonprofits, regional organizations, and business leaders to foster collaborative, place-based solutions.
• Drive Strategic Collaborations: Partner across the Pitt system—including Pitt’s School of Public Health, External Relations, and other academic units—to amplify the Center’s reach and impact.
• Grow Educational Impact: Expand experiential learning opportunities—internships, service-learning, and research assistantships—that immerse Pitt-Bradford students in rural engagement.
• Advance Community-Engaged Research: Guide and disseminate research that tackles challenges and unlocks new opportunities for rural communities.
• Measure What Matters: Evaluate program outcomes and share the Center’s impact with university leadership, funders, and community stakeholders.

The success of the Center will depend on the Executive Director’s ability to invite and support collaboration among many parties. Diplomacy, creativity, and a collaborative mindset are essential.

Who We’re Looking For

An experienced leader with a passion for rural issues and a record of making things happen and brings:

• At least seven years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, research, community organizations, or related fields.
• Expertise in rural studies, public policy, sociology, public health, economic development, regional planning, or similar disciplines (master’s degree preferred).
• Demonstrated success building cross-sector partnerships and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
• A commitment to elevating rural voices and strengthening rural futures through innovation, collaboration, and research-informed practice.
• The position requires in-person work on campus and frequent travel across the six-county region surrounding Pitt-Bradford.

Why Pitt-Bradford?

Pitt-Bradford is deeply committed to serving as a partner and catalyst for regional growth. The Executive Director of the Center for Rural Engagement will have a unique opportunity to:

• Shape a high-visibility initiative with local, regional, and national significance.
• Influence real, measurable change that strengthens rural communities.
• Support research, education, and practice that improve quality of life and expand opportunity.
• Work in a collaborative, mission-driven university that values innovation, community partnership, and student success.

Benefits:

Excellent benefits package including tuition assistance for employees and their dependents at any Pitt campus; retirement plan with employer match; group medical insurance, life insurance, optional vision and dental insurance; and vacation, sick and personal time. Paid federal holidays and winter break. For more information visit www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits.

Apply Now