Senior Director of Regional Economic and Community Development

The W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research invites nominations and applications for the position of Senior Director of Regional Economic and Community Development.

The Upjohn Institute is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan, independent research organization devoted to finding and promoting solutions to unemployment and related challenges. Since its founding in 1932, the Institute has developed into one of the world’s leading independent labor research organizations, seeking to understand the causes of unemployment and develop strategies and solutions to alleviate its effects. With approximately 125 staff members, the Institute is headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Reporting to the President, the Senior Director is responsible for creating a strategic vision and directing the work of two departments: the Division of Regional Economic Development and the Division of Community Development. The Senior Director works collaboratively with external stakeholders and other Institute staff. In particular, the Senior Director collaborates with staff involved with the Institute’s research and workforce development programs to identify projects that bridge the world of research and policy with practical applications to both local and regional economies.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of the national dialogue around issues of labor and unemployment, have familiarity with academic publishing, and be well-versed with applied economic impact analysis. The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in public policy, economics, or a related field along with at least four years of relevant work experience, or they will hold a master’s degree and at least six years of relevant work experience. Additionally, the next Senior Director will be well-positioned to blend the Institute’s research activities with building external partnerships and expanding public engagement; serve as a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion both within the Institute and in external engagement; and serve as a strategic and valuable member of the senior team.

Evaluation of candidate materials will begin immediately and continue until a new Senior Director is named. Nominations and applications can be sent electronically and in confidence to:

Shelly Weiss Storbeck, Global Education Practice Lead and Managing Director

Anne Koellhoffer, Senior Associate

UpjohnSDRECD@StorbeckSearch.com

For more information, please visit Upjohn Institute’s home page at upjohn.org.

The Upjohn Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, is committed to affirmative action steps to help achieve a goal of equality in the treatment of employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age height, weight, national origin, veteran or disability status in hiring, promotion training and development, compensation, transfer, termination, disciplinary action, and all other personnel actions and Institute related functions and activities.