Program Director of UCCS Economic Forum

Updated: about 1 year ago
Location: Colorado Springs, COLORADO
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Program Director of UCCS Economic Forum - 28611 
University Staff 

Description

 

Envision yourself in a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment that has a deep commitment to position our graduates for success in their professional and personal lives. Visualize applying your energy and skills for an organization that respects and cares about its employees enough to offer some of the best benefits of the industry while encouraging every team member to grow, collaborate, and provide input on how to consistently make the workplace a place people love to work. Imagine working at a college that welcomes everyone — students, faculty, staff, and community members — regardless of their backgrounds, beliefs, or traditions. If what was just described is what you look for in a workplace, welcome to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) !

The UCCS Economic Forum in the College of Business is the leading source of unbiased and rigorous economic information in the Pikes Peak region. The Forum conducts high level, analytical research to inform businesses, nonprofits, and government on the economic and quality of life conditions in the region. The information is used to help drive economic development initiatives through its monthly and annual publications as well as other media opportunities. This cooperative effort is made possible through the paid partnerships developed between the Program Director, the College, and its local business community. The Program Director gathers the data, performs statistical analyses, and prepares informational reports to assist the business community and government in planning, management, and decision making. The Program Director works closely with local leaders and informs them on economic development trends and related issues that the community may face. On a weekly and sometimes daily basis, the Program Director responds to media inquiries for expert opinion. Other duties can surface throughout the year based on need and opportunity. New responsibilities are discussed with Forum sponsors and the Dean of the College of Business.

Who We Are:

UCCS is one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system and is home to over 9,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students. We have a strong focus in fueling student success by creating, using, and maintaining a multitude of different offices and programs. Overall, UCCS is constantly focused of preparing our students to have success in the future, and we understand that every single employee on our campus has a significant effect on that focus. Find more information about working at UCCS here: https://hr.uccs.edu/work-at-uccs .

The city, which was recently ranked as the number two Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report in 2022, known as Olympic City USA, rests at the base of Pikes Peak, the inspiration for the song “America the Beautiful” and a must-see for residents and visitors alike. With a mild climate and 247 days of sunshine each year, the Springs boasts some of the state’s best recreation opportunities. Find out more about living in Colorado Springs through the Visit Colorado Springs page: https://www.visitcos.com/ .

Job Duties:

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Manages all Annual Forum Partner Activities (60%)

  • Analyzes monthly, quarterly, and annual economic data to create and send out monthly and annual economic reports.
  • Coordinates with COB and campus marketing to:
    • Publish data on economic trends in various articles for the media outlets
    • Publish the electronic monthly economic dashboard and send this information to the local business community members who are Forum partners.
  • Serves as a point of contact and resource for comments on local, state, national, and international media. Provide expertise (or referrals to other campus experts) as requested for community leadership (e.g. Mayor’s office, regional economic and workforce development partners) in coordination with UCCS marketing and communication resources. 
  • Maintains a strong community presence for UCCS through attendance at city events, presentations, analytical writing and social media outlets.
  • Responsible for securing the Forum’s funding through program partnerships and any other incremental external work for Forum partners.
  • Maintains and enhances funding by meeting regularly with Forum partners.
  • Responds to all Forum partner questions related to economic data throughout the year.
  • Researches best practices for community and economic development initiatives (to help inform context for analytics and advise on local economic development efforts).
  • Develops strong partnerships with federal and state government agencies, local and regional stakeholders, chambers of commerce. NGOs. Universities and research institutions.
  • Provides quarterly demographic and economic projections for forum partners and/or additional contracts
  • Markets any new UCCS programs or special offerings during economic development/workforce community meetings, monthly economic dashboard mailings, and presentations.

Organizes and coordinates projects and events (25%)

  • Presents at community events per year with updated economic information.
  • Coordinates the annual UCCS Economic Forum to include: 
    • Plans marketing activities including brochure development and mailing list
    • Coordinates and schedules event speakers and panelists (when applicable)
    • Coordinates the development and maintenance of the Forum’s website
    • Publishes monthly and annual reports
    • Presents results of research on the local economy
    • Meets with Forum partners regularly in consultation and coordination with the Dean
    • Works with COB on Forum activities and partner stewardship (e.g. marketing and communication, event planning, advancement)

Directs and oversees all aspects of forum operations (15%)

  • Strategically sets the direction of the Forum in the College of Business with the guidance of the Forum Business Partners and the Dean of the College of Business.
  • Establishes short-term and long-term goals for the success and growth of the Forum and strategies to implement and achieve these goals.
  • Support the oversight of community initiated projects and incorporate student supported research into the work of the forum.
    • May need to administer independent study courses as part of this activity. 
  • Works with UCCS departments (e.g., University Advancement) and/or faculty that are submitting a federal, state, or private grant and assist with the grant writing process.
  • Responsible for managing the student intern process as needed for certain projects.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Job Competencies:
To be successful in this position, the employee will need the following:

  • High level of ethics and integrity.
  • Knowledge of data gathering and analysis tools, techniques and processes.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and other commonly used software programs applicable to business operations.
  • Ability to present relevant economic data and business intelligence in a way that is understandable and meaningful to local and state audiences.
  • Ability to research and understand the market and trends in the local economy.  
  • Ability build and nurture relationships with business, community organizations, and government leaders and identify funding for supporting the forum operations.
  • Techniques, relevant statistical principles and methods needed for statistical analysis.
  • Provide leadership for forum event scheduling and management
  • Knowledge of presentation tools and techniques to present information to groups.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to include excellent written and verbal communications. 
  • Ability to generate and maintain productive, professional working relationships with internal and external partners.
  • Ability to manage various objectives, projects, and groups to make judgment on prioritizing and time.     
  • Ability to adhere to ethical business practices and promote ethical behavior.
  • Ability to work with diverse populations in a multi-cultural environment that is committed to diversity and equality in education.
  • Knowledge of programmatic, budgetary, operational, and strategic skills to set and achieve goals.
  • Ability to train and supervise employees.
  • Ability to work independently. 

Work Location: This position has the option to work partially remote as determined with supervisor.

This position has been determined to be exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

What We Offer:

Salary Range: $55,030 - $81,120 per year.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers excellent benefits , some of which include:

  • Medical insurance, with the lowest cost option being $0 to the employee
  • Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance
  • Generous paid vacation and sick time accruals (14.67 hours of vacation and 10 hours of sick accrued per month, prorated if part-time)
  • Mandatory retirement plans. Employees contribute 5% of their annual compensation. CU doubles that and contributes 10%
  • Tuition Assistant Benefit available to you or a dependent
  • Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of employment
  • Off Campus Housing Resources

Total compensation goes beyond the value on the paycheck. Please consider reviewing the Total Compensation page at Total Compensation Calculators  I University of Colorado.

Tentative Search Timeline:

  • Priority will be given to applications submitted by 5:00 PM MST on March 3, 2023 (Friday). However, this posting will remain open until filled.
  • Application review is expected to begin the week of March 6, 2023.
  • The potential dates for interviews with the search committee will be mid-March 2023.
  • The potential dates for interviews with the supervisor and appointing authority will be end of March - beginning of April 2023.
  • The potential employee start date is May 2023.

UCCS is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To assist in achieving this goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history check. 

UCCS is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, the University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation or political philosophy in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the Office of Human Resources at (719) 255-3372.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

 

Qualifications

 

Please note that while the position details both required qualifications as well as preferred qualifications below, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work, along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

Minimum Qualifications: 
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

  • Completed Master’s degree in a field related to the work assignment (e.g. related fields include Business, Public administration and/or Policy, Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, etc.).  
  • At least 5 years of full-time equivalent work experience related to the job assignment (e.g. of work experience: conducting regional economic analysis; economic impact and economic base diversification analysis).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Completed Ph.D. from a regionally accredited institution in a field related to the work assignment (e.g. related fields include Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, etc.).  
  • At least 10 years of full-time equivalent work experience related to the job assignment (e.g. of work experience: conducting regional economic analysis; economic impact and economic base diversification analysis; fundraising and grant writing).

 Physical Requirements:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit.
  • Tasks may involve using computer screen continuously for long periods of time
  • Ability to type on a keyboard and use a mouse continuously for long periods of time.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.

Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date.  If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.

 
  
Special Instructions to Applicants: • This position is open until filled. Complete applications received by 5:00 PM MST on March 3, 2023 (Friday) will receive full consideration. • Applications submitted through email or surface mail will not be considered. Please apply at cu.edu/cu-careers (job #: 28611). • Official transcripts will be required upon hire. • Upon request, please be prepared to provide five professional references (at least two previous/current supervisors), including their email contact information. If you have technical difficulties with your application, please contact the CU Careers help desk at 303-860-4200 #5 or [email protected]. Job related inquiries should be directed to the posting contact. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs will not sponsor work visas or permanent resident applications for this position.    Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Additional Attachments - Refer to Application Materials Instructions Below Application Materials Instructions: Please identify the job specific minimum qualifications you possess in your cover letter and be sure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting. To apply, please submit the following application materials to this posting. 1. A current resume. Must include date ranges to include month and year (mm/yyyy) and whether the position was full time or part time. 2. A cover letter that specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications. 3. Unofficial transcripts (optional). 4. Work samples: Provide at least two work samples demonstrating your experience working with a diverse audience (e.g. employers, government, economic development professionals, professional associations). Work samples may be in a written format or a presentation. When submitting the materials, check the Job Specific Attachments box next to each document in order for the search committee members to see your materials.   
Job Category
: Business Services 
Primary Location
: Colorado Springs 
Department: C0001 -- Colorado Springs Campus - 40025 - BUS-Administrative Ops 
Schedule
: Full-time 
Posting Date
: Jan 19, 2023 
Unposting Date
: Ongoing 
Posting Contact Name: Julia Costin, Search Committee Chair 
Posting Contact Email: [email protected] 
Position Number: 00451504

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