Director of the Center for Local Government Finance and Policy - Michigan State University

Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff

Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources

Department: Agricultural Food And Resource Economics

Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience

Location: East Lansing

Categories: Agriculture, Fixed Term Faculty, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union, Remote-Friendly

Working/Functional Title: Director of Ctr for Local Gov't Finance and Policy

Position Summary

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and the MSU Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE) invite applications for a full‐time appointment as Director of the Center for Local Government Finance and Policy.  The academic rank is Associate or Assistant Professor (fixed-term), depending upon education and experience. This is an annual (12-month) appointment with a 100% Extension/Outreach assignment.  The initial appointment will be for three years, with reappointments of 1-3 years, depending upon successful performance. The position start date is anticipated to be January 1, 2023. 

The primary role of the Director is to engage in outreach and provide leadership for the Center to undertake applied research. The Center's mission is to conduct applied research and carry out extension and outreach education in support of Michigan local and tribal governments. The Center’s work is built on the existence of core knowledge and practice in: 1) local and tribal government legal, financial and operational mechanisms; and 2) state government legal frameworks affecting local governments. This work is successful when a strong applied research foundation is combined with working knowledge of local government practices and connections to state and local officials and other stakeholders. The Center’s work is focused on Michigan but has also contributed to work both nationally and internationally in the local government sphere. Currently, the Center uses external grant funding to support an Associate Director and Academic Specialist to conduct activities. The Center team also will work closely with MSU Extension’s Government and Community Vitality Team to provide training and serve local and tribal governments throughout the state. 

The position provides technical and education assistance to state, local, and tribal governments in such areas as budgeting and finance, intergovernmental contracting, consolidation of public services, state and local taxation, governmental organization, and other emerging state and local government issues. The position requires the abilities to engage in applied economic and policy analysis of key issues facing state and local governments, develop supporting educational materials, and publishing results in appropriate outlets.

The Director also works with colleagues in designing, coordinating, and presenting educational programs for appointed and elected Michigan local government officials.  On-going established programs include training newly elected officials and board/committee chairs in budgeting and finance, as well as workshops for local officials on new federal and state programs, such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining strong working partnerships with Michigan’s local government associations.

The successful candidate will have an office on the main campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing.  Some travel is required. 

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. MSU offers a generous benefits package (details at https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/index.html).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Agricultural Economics, Economics, Public Finance, Public Administration, Public Policy, law or related field

Minimum Requirements

Ph.D. in agricultural economics, economics, public finance, public administration, public policy, law or related field.  Five years or more of professional experience is required.

Desired Qualifications

Experience leading a Center or Institute is helpful as is success in securing external funding to support activities. 

Required Application Materials

Upload the following required documents:

a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position and statement highlighting how your experiences align with the position;

b) current curriculum vitae;

c) a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity and inclusion goals; and

d) contact information for three professional references.

Together-we-will Statement

The university is requiring all MSU students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at: https://msu.edu/together-we-will/

Special Instructions

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Mark Skidmore, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039, USA, mskidmor@msu.edu, 517-353-9172.

Review of Applications Begins On

09/09/2022

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Apply Here

https://careers.msu.edu/en-us/job/511331/astasc-prof-fixed-term

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/center_for_local_government_finance_and_policy/