JOB DESCRIPTION

Michigan State University seeks an accomplished, visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Center for Community and Economic Development (CCED). This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a long-standing, mission-driven center at a pivotal moment for both CCED and Michigan State University. Reporting directly to the Vice Provost for University Outreach and Engagement, the Director provides leadership, strategic direction, administrative oversight, and external engagement for the Center’s full portfolio of research, outreach, partnerships, and community-based initiatives.

The Director is responsible for advancing CCED’s mission in alignment with Michigan State University’s land-grant values by fostering responsive engagement, strategic partnerships, collaborative learning, and applied scholarship that address the needs of distressed communities across Michigan and beyond. The position carries broad responsibility for organizational leadership, fiscal stewardship, personnel management, external relations, grant and contract administration, and institutional representation.

The ideal candidate for this position is a collaborative and visionary leader with a strong record of community-engaged scholarship, partnership development, and organizational leadership. They will bring experience advancing community and economic development initiatives, securing external funding, and leading multidisciplinary teams, along with a commitment to Michigan State University's land-grant mission and the ability to translate research into meaningful community impact. Tenured faculty at MSU are strongly encouraged to apply.