Director, Government & Economic Development Institute

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for University Outreach, Professional & Continuing Education, with a secondary reporting line to the Vice President for University Outreach and Associate Provost, the Director advances Auburn University’s land-grant mission by developing and delivering innovative education, training, technical assistance, and other services that strengthen local governments, economic development organizations, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders throughout Alabama and beyond.

About the role

The Director serves as the chief executive of the Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI), providing strategic leadership, vision, and operational management for one of Auburn University’s premier outreach institutes. This position is responsible for strategic planning, program development, fiscal management, personnel leadership and supervision, partnership development, external relations, sponsored programs, and the overall growth and reputation of the Institute, University Outreach, and Auburn University. This is a non-tenure track faculty position.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Institute’s strategic vision and long-term priorities in conjunction with an annual program of work.
• Oversee budgeting, financial management, funding development, and other areas for revenue generation and effective program delivery in compliance with university policies.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing organizational culture through the supervision of personnel for the unit.
• Establish performance metrics and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Identify emerging needs and opportunities in government, economic development, workforce development, and community development to guide future Institute growth.
• Seek external funding through grants, contracts, sponsorships, and philanthropic support that advance the Institute’s mission.
• Position GEDI as a leader in university-based training, professional development, government service, economic development, and outreach.
• Develop, conduct, and present trainings, workshops, and other relevant content in support of the Institute’s partnerships with government bodies, economic development organizations, and related entities to reflect best practices and emerging trends.
• Engage with faculty/instructors (internal and external) in trainings and other opportunities with stakeholders and unit partners.
• Promote the Institute’s visibility and impact through publications, digital communications, engagement, and public presentations.
• Strengthen the Institute’s brand and statewide reputation.
• Collaborate across Auburn University colleges, centers, and administrative units.
• Participate in University governance and strategic initiatives.
• Support the broader mission of University Outreach.
• Involvement in professional associations related to outreach and government.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (doctorate desired) from an accredited institution in Public Administration, Public Policy, Economic Development, Business Administration, Political Science, Planning, Higher Education Administration, or a closely related field.
• At least six years of progressively responsible leadership experience in government, higher education, economic development, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• At least six years of demonstrated experience managing budgets, overseeing complex organizational operations, supervising staff, and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated success securing grants and awards, developing and overseeing programs, and advancing community development at the community, municipal, county, and state levels.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public presentation skills.
• Knowledge of Alabama governmental systems and economic development organizations, with experience building strategic partnerships across sectors.
• National and international government and economic development experience and perspectives are desired.
• Knowledge of higher education policies and procedures (particularly Carnegie and SACS-related guidelines for outreach/engagement), university operations, strategic planning, and program evaluation.
• Understanding of outreach at a comprehensive land-grant university.
• Ability to travel throughout Alabama and nationally.

Skills

• Leadership and supervision of personnel and multidisciplinary teams.
• Partnership development with government, economic development organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Grant and funding development, including securing external support.
• Budget oversight and fiscal management.
• Public speaking, written communication, and training delivery.
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship-building across university and external partners.
• Organizational management and strategic planning.
• Identifying emerging community and workforce needs.
• Program evaluation and performance metrics.

Benefits

• Life-changing impact through research, instruction, and outreach.
• Culture of excellence with a commitment to collaboration and innovation.
• Generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a supportive work/life balance culture.
• Southern charm of the Auburn/Opelika area with vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• Inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.