Iowa State University, President of the ISU Research Park

Iowa State University is seeking applications for President of the ISU Research Park to provide management and leadership of the Iowa State University Research Park Corporation and its subsidiaries. The corporation is a 501 © (3) Corporation organized to assist Iowa State University in carrying out its educational, scientific, and other purposes; corporate governance is provided through the Board of Directors that hires and oversees the President. The mission of the Research Park is: to support and assist Iowa State University in achieving its educational, scientific, research and other purposes and missions; to promote, support and assist job creation and entrepreneurship through interaction with the training, research and education available at Iowa State University; and to promote, support and assist the economic status and well-being of individuals and businesses within the State of Iowa.

Iowa State University is classified as a Carnegie Foundation Doctoral/Research University-Extensive, a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), and ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top public universities in the nation. More than 36,000 students are enrolled and are served by over 6,200 faculty and staff.

Iowa State University is a global and culturally diverse university committed to providing an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment for both learning and employment. We know that diversity in experience and perspective is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and building an inclusive academic community. At Iowa State, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituents. The university has an expectation that all employees will demonstrate a contribution to diversity and inclusion as embodied in Iowa State University’s Principles of Community.

Ames, Iowa is a progressive community of 60,000, located approximately 30 minutes north of Des Moines, and recently voted one of the best college towns in the nation.

This position is responsible for all aspects of an expanding 400 acre development focused on building an innovation community for established and startup companies as well as university entities. The President often gets directly involved in the execution of operational and tactical activities in addition to providing leadership and vision. The Research Park is a highly visible leader in economic development and job creation. The Park operates as a financially self-sustaining entity.

The successful candidate must demonstrate a record of strong management skills; demonstrated success developing and implementing innovative and creative ideas to promote economic development; demonstrated ability to work with business, universities, and state and local government organizations; and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

A Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of related experience; OR a Master’s degree and 8 years of related experience; OR a Ph.D. or other professional degree and 5 years of related experience is required.

Preferred experience includes:

  • Master’s degree.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with business, universities, state and local government organizations.
  • Demonstrated general management and negotiating skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in real estate development.
  • Demonstrated skills in public and private finance.
  • Demonstrated engagement with the university community in encouraging and evaluating entrepreneurial and potential business startup efforts.

The Search Committee invites nominations, applications (a letter of interest, comprehensive curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of five or more references) or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting Iowa State University. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, it is preferred that applications be submitted by February 10, 2019.

Nominations and applications may be sent in confidence to the University’s executive search firm:

Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner

Chelsie Whitelock, Principal

Buffkin/Baker

10 Cadillac Drive, Suite 190

Brentwood, TN 37027

martin@buffkinbaker.com

chelsie@buffkinbaker.com

 

 

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 3410 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.