Director, Economic Development/Community Engagement

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title
Director, Economic Development/Community Engagement

FLSA Status
Exempt

Posted Salary Range
Commensurate with experience.

Employment Status
Full Time

Department
Office of the President

Job Summary

The director of the Office of Economic Development and Community Engagement will lead, manage, and develop the initiatives of the Office of Economic Development and Community Engagement.
The mission of the Office of Economic Development and Community Engagement is to explore, stimulate, create, and support employment and economic development opportunities across the region.
Specifically, the goals of the office are to create viable partnerships with community organizations in Alcorn State University’s 13-county regional service area, foster solid networks with business and industry leaders to develop credentials, certificates, and training programs at Alcorn State University’s Vicksburg and Natchez campuses, and to engage the community in creating experiential learning opportunities for Alcorn State University students.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of business, community, and economic development principles across rural and urban regions.
• Knowledge of the environmental and socio-economics implications of the community and economic development planning process and statues, laws, rules, and regulations affecting these functions.
• Knowledge of basic computer operations including internet searches and advanced use of the Microsoft Office suites.
• Skilled in the collection, analysis, and presentation of data and recommendations based on evidence and research.
• Skilled in grant writing and management and exploring additional funding opportunities for the department.
• Skilled in meeting facilitation, public presentations, problem-solving and collaborative conflict resolution.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with business owners, education and community leaders, and the general public.
• Ability to tactfully engage with people from diverse backgrounds and build consensus among groups and community members.
• Ability to supervise, lead and direct a unit with one or more staff members including management of budgets, performance evaluations, and related administrative tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written forms.

Essential Job Functions

• Plans, initiates, and directs economic development and community engagement initiatives to establish and expand tactical partnerships in the university’s 13-county service area and the surrounding Southwest Mississippi region including Louisiana.
• Provides direction, leadership, supervision, and guidance to assigned staff in the functions and operations of the Office of Economic Development and Community Engagement.
• Markets the Office of Economic Development and Community Engagement through various contacts and resources, aligning resources and infrastructure for extension services and new community engagement initiatives with businesses, community organizations, and local schools and school districts.
• Researches, submits and manages grant opportunities as additional funding sources.
• Meets with community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and citizens to learn the resources and needs of the community and promote the merits of economic development; plans special events for regional service areas and create partnership hubs specifically in Natchez and Vicksburg.
• Publishes and disseminates presentations and annual reports about education and workforce outcomes at the University.
• Leverages the Department of the Athletics as a means for expanding community engagement and partnerships and identify opportunities for experiential learning in the community of Alcorn State University students.
• Participates in professional development through training courses and attendance at conferences and engaged membership in relevant associations including professional certifications.

Other Duties: Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred in Public Administration, Business Management, Urban and Regional Development, or closely related field.
• Three (3) to Five (5) years of professional level experience.

Licensing and Certifications

A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Requirements

Work in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas

Sedentary Work - Exerting 10 pounds
Occasionally

Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds

Medium Work - Exerting 20-50 pounds

Heavy Work - Exerting 50-100 pounds

Very Heavy Work - Exerting in excess of 100 pounds

Travel
Frequently

Extended Work Hours
Frequently

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
S894

Number of Vacancies
1

Location
Lorman

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date
01/20/2023

Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

EEO Statement

Alcorn State University

Equal Employment Opportunity and Notice of Non-Discrimination
Alcorn State University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Alcorn State University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

Advertising Summary
Excellent Benefits Package

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. Letter of Recommendation (Professional)
5. Letter of Recommendation (Personal)
6. Letter of Recommendation (Professional or Personal)

Optional Documents