Kansas State University

President announces two searches for K-State 105 positions

Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing

The Office of the President has appointed a search committee to lead the search for two open roles: a director of K-State 105 and a communications director of K-State 105.

Kansas State University will lean into its land-grant mission to answer the call for a comprehensive economic growth and advancement solution that fuses innovation and entrepreneurial ideas with research-driven expertise; provides statewide access to ongoing support, knowledge and technical solutions; and engages in business creation and workforce development to propel Kansas businesses and communities forward in all 105 Kansas counties. This initiative is K-State 105, which is part of the university’s economic prosperity plan, and it has been funded by the state of Kansas at $5 million each year for the next two years.

The K-State 105 director leads engagement with communities, economic groups, industry, government and educational institutions across Kansas to connect stakeholders with resources to stimulate and drive economic growth. The incumbent works to leverage networks of support, technical solutions, business creation and workforce development, enabling partners to create jobs, identify investment resources, develop new business and identify technical assistance. The director evaluates and monitors the program's effectiveness, communicates outcomes to stakeholders and adjusts tactics as needed to meet program goals, and the position reports to the senior vice president for executive affairs, university engagement and partnerships, and chief of staff.

The K-State 105 communications director reports within the university’s Division of Communications and Marketing and leads the communications strategy and execution for the K-State 105 initiative. The incumbent works closely with the K-State 105 director to set the tone for messaging and ensure appropriate positioning for optimal public perception of the initiative. The director evaluates and monitors the effectiveness of communications strategies, implementing adjustments to meet program goals. This role will have a dual reporting line to the director of K-State 105 and the executive director of news and communications services.

The searches will be chaired by Tim Steffensmeier, director of the Office of Engagement and professor in the Staley School of Leadership. Inquiries, nominations and applications will be treated confidentially. For full consideration, application materials must be received by Monday, June 19. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita or resume.

Application materials should be submitted using the university's candidate portal:

• Director of K-State 105. 
• Communications director of K-State 105. 

Search committee members include:

• Tim Steffensmeier, chair, director of the Office of Engagement and professor in the Staley School of Leadership.
• Michelle Geering, public information officer, Division of Communications and Marketing.
• Kent Glasscock, former president, K-State Innovation Partners.
• Gregg Hadley, associate professor of agricultural economics and director for K-State Research and Extension.

The full position descriptions, including required qualifications, may be found on the president's website. Interviews will take place in mid-to-late July.