Executive Director of Economic Development and Public Private Partnerships

This position requires a dynamic leader to manage day-to-day operations, strategic initiatives, and key partnerships to drive measurable results. This role works closely with other senior leaders. This position will develop strategies, including funding opportunities, and bring members of the University together around a shared vision and plan of execution for economic development and positioning GVSU and greater Grand Rapids as an intellectual center for building action focused collaborations and capacity through public-private partnerships.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Strategic Leadership and Cross-Functional Management: Lead economic development efforts across GVSU by setting strategic directions, cultivating internal relationships, managing day-to-day operations, and ensuring sustainability for the new office.
• Roadmap Creation: Analyze and evaluate opportunities to prioritize activities and clearly define key milestones in support of the Office’s goals.
• Partnership Expansion and Engagement: Actively work to expand and deepen relationships with a diverse range of partners, including technology companies, educational professionals, privately held businesses, and funding organizations. Cultivate these partnerships to leverage additional resources and expertise that support economic development and move large-scale projects forward within the region.
• Public-Private Partnership Integrator: Serve as a key leader in nurturing the University’s existing public-private partnerships while creating new relationships. Stay up to date on emerging trends within this space as a thought leader and resource both within GVSU and our broader community.
• Network Coordination: Oversee the coordination of an expanding network structure to optimize collaborative efforts and resource sharing to prevent duplication of efforts. Implement systems and processes that enhance the effectiveness of the network and promote the integration of new members and partners. Participate in existing efforts and serve as a convener of additional strategic conversations and activities.
• Grant Cultivation and Management: Actively seek out and secure economic development-centered funding from federal, state, and local governments and other funders. Working in collaboration with GVSU’s Office of Sponsored Programs and other university divisions, develop a growing portfolio of grant funding to drive economic impacts for the state and region.
• Budget Management and Fiscal Oversight: Manage budgets meticulously and provide fiscal oversight to ensure resources are utilized efficiently and aligned with strategic priorities. This includes the allocation of funds for prototype development, partner engagement, and network activities.
• Constituent Relationships: Build and maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with other EDOs, federal state, and local government and agency partners to support collaboration and outcomes. Serve as a visible, active, and accessible leader on behalf of the University.
• Vision and Plan: Build a vision and plan for the larger vision while engaging in the day-to-day leadership of expanding economic opportunities at GVSU and in the region.
• Evaluate and Measure Impact: Identify key data points to consistently measure and report against in order to track success and identify opportunities for continued improvement.
• Performs other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, assessment, entrepreneurship, project management, innovation, or related field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience working in economic development or public-private partnership spaces.
• Proven administrative and technical skills in project management, financial planning, and communication.
• Experience in strategic planning, particularly in education, business, non-profit, or related fields.
• Strong ability to build relationships and influence across multiple levels and organizations.
• Strong network within the economic development and public-private ecosystem.
• Passion for transformative education and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

​PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strategic thinker with a bias for action and innovation.
• Ability to articulate and execute a clear vision.
• Excellent organizational skills and leadership capabilities.
• Experience at or working within a system that includes a higher education institution.
• Advanced degree preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal office environment. Some travel may be required.

Salary: $91,400 to $125,000; Commensurate with experience.

Division: University Relations

Campus: Grand Rapids

How To Apply: Please include a cover letter and resume. The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you need assistance, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.

Application Deadline: Consideration of applications will begin August 26, 2024 after which the posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.