Kansas State University, in partnership with the Southeast Kansas regional development initiative known as Project 17, seeks a collaborative and entrepreneurial individual to serve as the project’s Executive Director. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a coalition of regional leaders, civic volunteers, and partner organizations focused on increasing regional capacity to create a strong, thriving, and self-reliant economy for Southeast Kansas through cultivating regional leadership, growing new and existing industries, and improving the health of its citizens.
Primary responsibilities of the position include: coalition leadership development and support; collaboration with communities throughout the region to identify and prioritize regional development opportunities; asset-based regional strategy development; regional marketing and promotion; volunteer management; regional network development; large-scale project development and facilitation; and regional investment funding development.
The candidate should possess a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Community or Regional Planning, Economic Development, Business Administration or other relevant educational background. A minimum of seven years of experience in the position’s primary responsibilities is expected as is in-region residency during employment.
The successful candidate for this full-time position should possess excellent communications and organizational skills, be a visionary leader capable of leading/performing a variety of administrative, technical and professional work in preparation and implementation of regional economic and community development plans, programs, and services. Fulfillment of these tasks involves working with regional leaders, local elected officials, development professionals, volunteers, and business entities throughout the region and beyond to create and/or retain jobs, train future regional leaders, improve public health metrics as well as plan for future economic growth within the region.
Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Employment and health benefits will be in accordance with those offered to Kansas State University unclassified employees.
Consideration of applications by the search committee will begin January 14, 2013 and continue until the position is filled. Interested persons should submit an application letter; resume; and contact information of three professional references to: Jeff Tucker, Associate Director, Advanced Manufacturing Institute, Kansas State University, 510 McCall Road Manhattan, KS 66502 or send via email to jwtuck@k-state.edu.
For more information follow the link to the Full Position Announcement.
KSU is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its employees.
Background check is required.