POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Associate Vice President for Economic Development
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1006
GRADE 49
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Vice President for Research and Economic Development
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR President
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Associate Vice President for Economic Development is responsible for coordinating the resources of the federal, state, and local governments with the resources of Missouri State University to promote business and industrial growth by coupling entrepreneurship with research and innovation. The business development program provides services to emerging entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial companies that lead to economic development in southwest Missouri as well as throughout the state of Missouri. The Associate Vice President for Economic Development is responsible for developing strategic international research and economic development partnerships, primarily in China and Central and Eastern Europe.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Master’s degree is required. Professional certification in economic development is preferred.
Experience: At least five years of professional full-time experience is required in progressively responsible positions that include experience in entrepreneurial activities, particularly as they relate to working with small to mid-sized emerging technology companies and start-up ventures.
Skills: Strong oral and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills and proven entrepreneurial skills are required.
Other: This position is designated “sensitive” as defined by University policy. This position may include job duties, responsibilities, or activities that are subject to export control regulations.The scope of the position requires evening and occasional weekend work. Occasional overnight, out-of-town travel is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Serves as Chief Operating Officer of Springfield Innovation, Inc., which includes the daily operation, contracting, and budgeting for the designated Missouri innovation center, as well as managing the projects and priorities of the Springfield Innovation, Inc. Board of Directors.
2. Enables the Jordan Valley Innovation Center to meet its mission of providing support to small to mid-sized emerging technology companies and high-technology start-up ventures by quickly moving corporate and university-based research and development to commercial products.
3. Leads the business development program in a manner that fosters and facilitates entrepreneurship-related academic and service activities with the Missouri State University College of Business Administration.
4. Works to secure funding to sustain and grow product commercialization efforts in Missouri, particularly in southwest Missouri.
5. Ensures that University-based research is transferred rapidly and efficiently for commercialization by coordinating activities with the Executive Director of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center and the Directors of the Center for Applied Science and Engineering and the Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences.
6. Provides services to entrepreneurial companies, such as opportunity assessment (technology, marketing, and management), R & D planning, funding and execution, developing venture capital plans and investor presentations, and providing assistance in securing startup capital.
7. Assists start-up ventures by providing business consulting services, coaching business strategy, and securing growth capital.
8. Assists the Jordan Valley Innovation Center Executive director in the operations of the Center, which houses the Center for Applied Science and Engineering, the Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences, and Springfield Innovation, Inc.
9. Serves as the Economic Development Director for the Center for Cultural Understanding, an international research and economic development partnership with Qingdao University, China.
10. Coordinates the activities of the Springfield Center of Excellence for Life Sciences Research, which is one of four such Centers in Missouri by managing the Center’s activities including the solicitation and review process.
11. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed.
12. Contributes to the overall success of the Research and Economic Development division by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
This is an executive position with a high level of freedom to act consistent with the mission, values, and strategy of research-based product commercialization. This position supervises consultants, office and clerical personnel, graduate assistants, and student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED MARCH 2009
