Deputy Director, Center for Resilience and Economic Impact

Colby College•Colby, KS

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Deputy Director serves as the operational and strategic partner to the Inaugural Director of the Center for Resilience and Economic Impact, providing leadership for the Center’s community engagement initiatives, applied research partnerships, grant administration, and regional economic development efforts. The Deputy Director works collaboratively with community organizations, government agencies, industry partners, faculty, students, and external stakeholders to advance initiatives that strengthen the economic resilience and long-term vitality of Maine’s coastal and rural communities. The position provides operational leadership for the Center’s programs, manages complex grants and collaborative projects, develops strategic partnerships, supports applied research initiatives, and serves as the Inaugural Director’s designee when appropriate. The Deputy Director plays a central role in translating innovative ideas into practical community solutions while helping position the Center as a statewide leader in resilience, economic development, and community collaboration.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Environmental Studies, Marine Research or Policy, Business Administration, Planning, or a related field required.
Five to seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in community development, economic development, higher education, nonprofit leadership, public administration, grant management, or related fields.
Experience leading collaborative partnerships involving multiple organizations and stakeholders.
Experience managing externally funded projects and complex budgets.
Strategic planning and organizational leadership
Grant development and administration
Budget management
Community engagement and partnership development
Facilitation and consensus building
Project management
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Public speaking and stakeholder engagement
Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities
Excellent political awareness and relationship management skills
Commitment to community-centered and collaborative leadership

Nice To Haves

Experience working in coastal communities.
Knowledge of Maine’s economic, environmental, and community development landscape.
Experience working within higher education or research organizations.
Experience supervising professional staff.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Inaugural Director to establish strategic priorities and implement the Center’s mission and long term goals.
Provide operational leadership for Center initiatives and serve as acting leader in the Inaugural Director’s absence.
Coordinate implementation of multi-year strategic initiatives and community based projects and events.
Develop operational policies, procedures, and assessment strategies to support Center objectives.
Supervise assigned professional staff, project personnel, and student employees.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with municipalities, nonprofit organizations, industry leaders, state and federal agencies, tribal partners, and community organizations.
Represent the Center at public meetings, conferences, and community events.
Identify opportunities for new partnerships that advance economic resilience and regional development.
Facilitate stakeholder meetings and collaborative planning efforts throughout coastal Maine.
Coordinate complex grant-funded initiatives involving multiple institutional and community partners.
Manage relationships with contractors, consultants, and external service providers to ensure project objectives, contractual obligations, timelines, and deliverables are achieved.
Assist with proposal development, grant reporting, compliance requirements, and budget administration.
Monitor project timelines, deliverables, and program outcomes.
Support financial planning, reporting, and stewardship of Center resources.
Support faculty and community based applied research initiatives that address regional economic and environmental challenges.
Coordinate projects that translate research into practical applications benefitting Maine communities.
Assist with development of pilot programs, workforce initiatives, entrepreneurship activities, and economic development strategies.
Evaluate program outcomes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Develop presentations, reports, brief materials, and communications that highlight Center initiatives and impact.
Prepare technical and plain-language reports, briefing materials, and policy communications that effectively translate research findings, project outcomes, and complex technical information for regulators, policymakers, funding agencies, and community stakeholders.
Collaborate with College Communications and Advancement to promote Center activities.
Represent the Center with external partners, elected officials, funding agencies, and community organizations.
Support fundraising initiatives and development of external funding opportunities.