President
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Department Executive Group Job Posting Title Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development Job Description Fort Hays State University seeks an innovative and dynamic Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development to develop and advance the university's efforts to foster economic growth, innovation, and workforce development. This strategic leadership role is crucial in advancing the university's role in promoting economic prosperity, driving innovation, and enhancing workforce development within our service area and beyond. The Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development will collaborate with academic leadership, affiliated technical colleges, business and industry partners, government agencies, elected officials, and community organizations. The successful candidate will spearhead regional business initiatives, foster strategic partnerships and opportunities, and propel economic vitality across the communities we serve. This position reports directly to the president and is an executive leadership team member. Primary Responsibilities: Economic Development Leader: Drive the university's role in stimulating regional and statewide economic growth through establishing and nurturing strategic alliances across government, industry, and the private sector. Develop and implement initiatives to attract new industries, support existing business expansion, and enhance the university's role as an economic driver. Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive strategic economic development plan that aligns with long-term regional economic objectives. Workforce Development Advocate: Partner with our Professional Development and Continuing Education department to create innovative workforce training initiatives tailored to the regional labor markets demands. Collaborate with technical college partners, the University Division of Academic Affairs, the Robins Banking Institute, regional businesses, industry leaders, and government agencies to design programs that equip individuals with the skills necessary to meet the needs of our evolving workforce. Business Development Strategist: cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national businesses to expand opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and investment. Leverage partnerships with our Cybersecurity Institute and Technology Incubator, and regional and state-wide Small Business Development Centers, to stimulate the growth of start-ups while facilitating initiatives that provide essential resources for small businesses, including funding, technical assistance, and mentorship programs, thereby nurturing a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurs, helping them scale and grow in rural Kansas communities. Strategic Initiatives Driver: Lead strategic initiatives as directed by the FHSU President to enhance the university's mission. Government Relations Partner: Collaborate with the university's government relations team to advocate for policies and funding opportunities that promote innovation, economic development, and the overall advancement of Fort Hays State University and its affiliate partners. Grant Development Coordinator: Collaborate closely with the President, Provost/VPAA, and Government Relations Team to lead efforts in securing strategic grants that further the universitys mission. Establish and cultivate relationships with local, state, and federal grant-making organizations to ensure the successful funding of strategic initiatives. Note this is a focus on the Merchant McIntyre work. Qualifications: Education: Bachelors degree required; Masters degree preferred. Experience: At least 10 years of senior-level leadership experience in higher education. Proven success in leading economic development initiatives, workforce development programs, and strategic partnerships. Experience engaging with government entities, elected officials, industry stakeholders, and small businesses to develop and execute impactful projects. Demonstrated expertise in securing external grant funding that drives institutional strategic initiatives. Proven ability to foster collaboration with diverse stakeholders, resulting in transformative change. Skills and Abilities: Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into action. Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities, capable of engaging effectively with various stakeholders, including academic leaders, business representatives, government officials, and community organizers. Proven leadership ability with a track record of managing cross-functional teams towards shared goals. In-depth knowledge of current economic development trends, workforce demands, and innovations in business practices. Experience with public-private partnerships and facilitating collaboration between academic, governmental, and business sectors. Personal Characteristics Visionary leader with an entrepreneurial spirit passionate about fostering economic growth and innovation. Results-driven with a strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and excellence. A collaborative unifier who can inspire others, forge partnerships, and navigate organizational change effectively. Benefits : To review out competitive benefit package, please visit FHSU Benefits. Application Process : To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted. Required Application Documents: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for three professional references. In your cover letter, please provide detailed examples illustrating your qualifications, skills, and experiences that position you to succeed in this role. For your references, be sure to include those that will attest to your skills and competencies in the relevant areas. Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF. Application Deadline : Review of applications will begin after January 20, 2025 and continue until the position has been filled. Join Fort Hays State University and make a lasting impact on the economic landscape of Kansas and beyond! If you have questions regarding the position, please contact: Name: Dr. Joey Linn Email: ...@FHSU.edu Community of Hays FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call Hays, America home. Notice of Non-discrimination Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status. Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check. Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.