Rep4 Executive Director

Grand Valley State University is seeking an Executive Director for REP4, a pioneering alliance of public universities aiming to transform education by focusing on innovation and user-centered design. This role requires a dynamic leader to manage REP4's day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives, enhancing its national prominence and sustainability. The Executive Director will report to the Chief of Staff to the President and collaborate closely with the president.

Position Overview:

Grand Valley State University is seeking an Executive Director for REP4, a pioneering alliance of public universities aiming to transform education by focusing on innovation and user-centered design. This role requires a dynamic leader to manage REP4's day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives, enhancing its national prominence and sustainability. The Executive Director will report to the Chief of Staff to the President and collaborate closely with the president.

REP4 is a national educational initiative led by Grand Valley State University, currently comprising seven institutions and impacting over 200,000 learners. The initiative focuses on systemic change through collaborative summits, innovative educational experiences, and a network of support services. More about REP4 can be found at www.rep4.org.

Primary Duties:

• Strategic Leadership and Alliance Management: Lead REP4 in achieving higher levels of national prominence by setting strategic directions, managing day-to-day operations, and ensuring sustainability. Guide the initiative through its next phases by identifying and implementing strategic opportunities for growth and impact.

• Council of Presidents Meetings: Chair the Council of Presidents' meetings, fostering effective collaboration and alignment among alliance leaders. Facilitate regular engagement and open communication channels to ensure all partner institutions are cohesively working towards shared goals.

• Prototype Development and Advancement: Identify, support, and advance innovative educational prototypes developed within the alliance. Ensure that promising prototypes are effectively tested and scaled, enhancing the educational impact across the network.

• Partnership Expansion and Engagement: Actively work to expand and deepen relationships with a diverse range of partners, including technology companies, educational professionals, and funding organizations. Cultivate these partnerships to leverage additional resources and expertise that support REP4's objectives.

• Network Coordination: Oversee the coordination of an expanding network structure to optimize collaborative efforts and resource sharing. Implement systems and processes that enhance the effectiveness of the network and promote the integration of new members and partners.

• Conference and Summit Execution: Plan and execute high-impact conferences and summits that embody the principles of design thinking and user-centered innovation. These events should serve as platforms for ideation, prototyping, and decision-making, pushing forward the boundaries of educational innovation.

• Budget Management and Fiscal Oversight: Manage budgets meticulously and provide fiscal oversight to ensure resources are utilized efficiently and aligned with strategic priorities. This includes the allocation of funds for prototype development, partner engagement, and network activities.

• Constituent Relationships: Build and maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with all partners, including educational leaders, industry partners, and funders. Ensure these relationships support REP4's strategic goals and enhance its visibility and impact.

• Performance Management: Establish high standards of team performance by setting clear goals, monitoring progress, and addressing performance gaps. Develop strategies to enhance team productivity and alignment with REP4's mission.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• At least a Master's degree in education, assessment, project management, innovation, or related field.

• Proven administrative and technical skills in project management, financial planning, and communication.

• Experience in strategic planning, particularly in education or related fields.

• Strong ability to build relationships and influence across multiple levels and organizations.

• Experience in user-design frameworks and approaches.

• Passion for transformative education and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strategic thinker with a bias for action and innovation.

• Ability to articulate and execute a clear vision.

• Excellent organizational skills and leadership capabilities.

• Experience at a higher education institution.

• Advanced degree preferred.

SALARY: $90,000-$125,000 commensurate with experience

Benefits are effective on the first day of employment

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance offered.

• Generous 403B contributions by employer and employee fully vested after 2 years.

• Tuition is waived for undergraduate and graduate courses!

• Up to four weeks of accrued vacation.

• Work-Life Program to assist in achieving a balanced life between work and personal needs.

• More benefits can be found on our website at https://www.gvsu.edu/hro/benefits/

CAMPUS: Allendale

HOURS: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm

HOW TO APPLY: Please include your resume and cover letter

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Application review begins May 13. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the university.

This grant funded position is considered a full-time, temporary, position with benefits. It is currently funded for 3 years with the possibility of future funding and/or conversion to a full-time, regular position with benefits and is also subject to annual performance reviews.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.