Executive Director - Arkansas Economic Development Institute

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Closing Date:

11/26/2025

Type of Position:

Management - Academic AffairsNo

Job Type:

RegularDay Shift (United States of America)No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

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Department:

Provost

Summary of Job Duties:

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock seeks an accomplished and visionary Executive Director for the Arkansas Economic Development Institute (AEDI), a leading research institute specializing in economic analysis, forecasting, and applied research. As the official U.S. Census State Data Center for Arkansas, AEDI provides critical demographic and statistical resources to businesses, communities, and policymakers across the state. The Executive Director will set AEDI’s strategic direction, ensure its impact and financial sustainability, and lead a highly skilled team across the institute’s divisions, including Community Economic Development, Economic Research & Data Analysis, the Arkansas Data Center, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Emergency Management and Continuity. Reporting directly to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, the Executive Director serves as a key member of the Provost’s Leadership Team and as the university’s senior representative for statewide economic and community development initiatives. This position is governed by state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.

Qualifications:

Required Education and/or Experience:

• Minimum of a Master’s degree with relevant professional experience;

• Five (5) or more years of executive-level leadership overseeing complex, externally engaged organizations or institutes with statewide or multi-agency impact;

• Demonstrated effective leadership and management skills, including supervision of senior managers or directors;

• Proven ability to run a non-academic, externally funded unit within a university or public-sector environment;

• Record of strategic and fiscal leadership, including multi-million-dollar budget oversight and revenue diversification;

• Demonstrated success in assessing and managing competitive grants and contracts;  

• Proven experience in policy development, research translation, and public service leadership at the state or regional level;

• Strong ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and translate strategy into measurable impact;

• Expertise in data analysis, economic and community engagement;

• Experience working effectively with university systems, state and federal agencies, and business and industry partners.

Preferred Education and/or Experience:

• Demonstrated history of visible thought leadership, presentations, and/or service on community/civic boards;

• Excellent relationship-building skills with senior leaders in government, business, and nonprofit sectors;

• Experience representing a university, institute, or organization at state and national levels to advance strategic initiatives.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and inspire individuals and teams by developing a clear, statewide vision and actionable strategies that address key economic and community development challenges;

• Set the research and outreach direction of AEDI based on evolving state, regional, and federal needs;

• Foster a collaborative and innovative environment that advances entrepreneurship, workforce development, and public-private partnerships;

• Expand AEDI’s statewide impact by engaging communities, businesses, and policymakers;

• Oversee and mentor a multidisciplinary team of professional staff and researchers;

• Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with federal and state agencies, business and civic leaders, and university partners;

• Secure and manage external funding through grants and contracts to ensure AEDI's financial sustainability;

• Administer AEDI’s multi-funded budget, ensuring compliance, transparency and long-term viability;

• Ensure the timely delivery of high-quality reports, analyses, and policy recommendations that strengthen AEDI's reputation as a trusted and independent economic research authority.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Lead with integrity, professionalism, and a deep commitment to community and economic development that enhances the quality of life in Arkansas;

• Provide visionary and collaborative leadership that fosters institutional excellence, innovation, and accountability;

• Demonstrated capacity to build and sustain strategic partnerships that advance institutional and statewide goals;

• Expertise in financial resource management, stakeholder relations, and grant acquisition;

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills applied at a policy or systems level;

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex economic concepts for diverse audiences;

• High degree of comfort engaging with senior government officials, corporate executives, and community leaders;

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Additional Information:

Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Sharon Sims, Director of Finance, scsims@ualr.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Financial Credit Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check 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 orientation, 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:

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes