POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Assistant Vice President, Economic Development
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2327
GRADE 49
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Vice President, Community and Global Partnerships
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Assistant Vice President, Economic Development is responsible for leading the University’s entrepreneurship support and economic development programs. This position supervises all activities of the efactory – Center for Business and Economic Development including incubator and coworking members, the Missouri Small Business Development Center, Student Employment Services, resource partners, business service providers, economic development entities, and collaboration with University stakeholders and the business community. The Assistant Vice President, Economic Development assesses the effectiveness of programs, policies, and procedures, supervises personnel, and provides financial management and oversight of all center and departmental budgets. This position serves as Chief Executive Officer of Springfield Innovation, Inc.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications or a related field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least five years of professional full-time experience is required in progressively responsible positions that include experience in management, administration, or business consultation. Experience in marketing and promotions is required.
Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, and management skills, in particular planning and budgeting, are required. The ability to work collaboratively with a variety of constituents and organizations is 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. Ensures the success of the University's commitment to supporting economic development and community partnerships by leading entrepreneurship and business development programs in collaboration with academic and administrative units.2. Serves as Chief Executive 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.
3. Promotes a positive image of the University and establishes and maintains credible relations through participation in community, statewide, and professional organizations and represents the University at professional meetings.
4. Works with stakeholders to advance community and employer partnerships on behalf of the University to stimulate economic development in the region and state.
5. Coordinates efforts to secure the resources of federal, state, and local governments in combination with the resources of Missouri State University to promote business and industrial growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
6. Supervises overall operations of the efactory, including facility operations and client support, programming and training, financial management and the employer partnerships initiative.
7. Develops and coordinates the delivery of new and existing business support and talent development programs developed by efactory or in conjunction with partners, stakeholders, or affiliates.
8. Provides leadership and management to the Center for Business and Economic Development in a manner that fosters and facilitates academic, research, and service activities across the University, and throughout the region and state.
9. Ensures that University-based research is transferred efficiently for commercialization by coordinating activities with the Executive Director, Jordan Valley Innovation Center.
10. Assists start-up ventures by providing business support services to sustain and grow product commercialization efforts in Missouri, particularly in southwest Missouri.
11. Develops and oversees a comprehensive database of all business support and economic development services in order to prepare and deliver accurate program results for the University and agency reporting on the status of the center.
12. Manages funds by planning and developing center budget(s), exercising authority regarding expenditure of funds, and providing reports of activities which justify expenditures. Evaluates, seeks, and administers funding sources through program revenue, grants, private support, and other efforts.
13. Develops and supervises an effective and competent staff of professional and administrative support personnel by hiring qualified candidates, providing appropriate training, supervising activities, and evaluating performance.
14. 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.
15. Contributes to the overall success of the Division of Community and Global Partnerships by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Assistant Vice President, Economic Development supervises full-time and part-time staff, graduate assistants, and student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED FEBRUARY 2026
