Director of Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership
The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is looking for a dynamic, entrepreneurial, innovative leader with manufacturing experience to be the Director of the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
The Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a technology-oriented non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the success and performance of Nebraska manufacturing companies. By providing tailored services and training, we support the growth of Nebraska’s manufacturing industry and enhance its competitive advantage. As the US Department of Commerce NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership affiliate for Nebraska, we are an essential component of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Nebraska MEP is headquartered in Lincoln with a regional office in Kearney.
Position Overview: The Director will provide strategic leadership, budgetary management, staff supervision, and direction to the organization. This role requires a visionary leader who can drive increased client impacts and overall manufacturing growth in Nebraska.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Nebraska MEP.
- Manage the organization’s budget and financial performance.
- Supervise and mentor staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
- Develop and implement programs and services that meet the needs of Nebraska’s manufacturing sector.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality consultations, training, seminars, and events.
- Cultivate partnerships with industry experts, professional engineers, and other stakeholders.
- Oversee the development of individualized proposals and fixed-fee services for clients.
- Receive annual evaluations by the Associate Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, and the Dean of the College of Engineering.
- Monitor and report on the performance of Nebraska MEP as evaluated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) MEP which will weigh heavily in evaluation of Director’s performance.
Why Join Us: At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming and supportive work environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace—it’s the place to build your career and make a real impact in Nebraska.
When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:
- Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
- Employee & dependent scholarship program to pursue higher education
- Generous retirement plans with a university match
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high performing and collaborative workforce. UNL is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success where every person and every interaction matters. The University is proud to be one of Nebraska’s preferred and largest employers where individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.
As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, science, engineering, or related field plus at least six years of experience in a manufacturing company at the senior management level.
- Experience interpreting organizational needs, programs, and activities for employees, community agencies, state governmental leaders, or similar groups.
- Demonstrated experience in the application of best business practices and ethics.
- Experience must demonstrate excellent customer service, communication, interpersonal, and project management skills.
- Proficiency with MS Office products.
Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications are preferred but not required:
- Master’s degree in business, science, engineering, or related field.
- Experience working with startup and/or small manufacturing companies.
- Experience with market segmentation analysis and client discovery research.
- Entrepreneurial experience.
- Experience working with a state MEP program.
- Knowledge and understanding of NIST MEP initiatives, reporting requirements, regulations, and guidelines.
- Experience working with grant funded programs.
- Demonstrated coordination, decision-making, and leadership skills within a complex organization.
- Professional engineering license.
- Six Sigma Black Belt and/or Lean certification.
Posted Salary $110,000/year minimum