Salary: $76,617.00 - $90,137.00 Annually
Location : 800 W University Parkway, Orem
Job Type: FT Exempt Salaried Staff
Job Number: FY2604682
Division: VP Administration/Strategic Rel
Department: AVP University Relations
Opening Date: 08/21/2025
Closing Date: 8/31/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
Required Documents Needed to Apply: Resume
Applicant Support: 1-855-524-5627

[email protected]

Position Announcement
Utah Valley University invites experienced and visionary leaders to apply for the role of Director of Economic Development. This position provides an exciting opportunity to shape and strengthen UVU's connection to the regional business community by leading two Business Resource Centers (BRCs) that support entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth. The Director will guide outreach efforts with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and economic development organizations, while overseeing the operations, personnel, and programming of UVU's Utah Valley and Heber Valley BRCs. Through strategic leadership, the Director will foster collaboration across university departments, expand partnerships, and promote resources that empower businesses and enhance community impact.

This role offers the chance to make a meaningful difference in the economic vitality of the region by managing business incubators, co-working spaces, and educational offerings designed to meet the needs of local businesses. The Director will also play a critical role in grant management, ensuring the success of existing funding while actively pursuing new opportunities to support program growth and sustainability. Ideal candidates will bring strong vision, proven leadership, and a collaborative spirit, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and create innovative solutions that align with UVU's mission of community engagement and student success.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Collaborate with stakeholders and community leaders in business and economic development through convening events, community meetings, and individual networking to promote the programs and resources offered by the BRC agencies and Utah Valley University. Connect university, business, and regional stakeholders to foster community engagement in and seek financial support for activities of the BRC. Form strategic relationships with local government leaders, business owners, potential supporters, and sources of capital. Represent the university and the BRC on local committees and boards, such as Downtown Provo Inc., Chamber of Commerce boards, and other organizations. Work with the Sr. Director of Community Outreach in building outreach strategies, implementing ideas, and reporting information gleaned from outreach activities to the University.
• Strategic Business Support-Meet with business leaders, business owners, and entrepreneurs in the region to understand the business needs and the opportunities for the BRC to work with other organizations. Utilize university and BRC space and resources to create relevant programs according to the strategic direction offered by stakeholders, within grant and contract requirements. Collaborating with the Woodbury School of Business and/or other academic departments, build cooperative educational programs to support the business community. Track long-term and emerging needs for businesses in the region and collaborate with various agencies to position the BRC to meet those needs.
• Direct operations of the UVU and Heber Valley Business Resource Centers-oversee BRC staff, tenant relations, lease agreements, and the new lease application process. Facility needs and building maintenance needs should be monitored and coordinated with the appropriate university departments or vendors as necessary. Ensure the appropriate and efficient operations of the building, programming, and staff of the BRC.
• Promote all BRC tenant agencies and businesses. Working with the SBDC and other tenant agencies helps align programming and activities to highlight the resources of those agencies.
• Grant management-Manage existing grants with EDA and UT State BRC funding. Manage renewal applications and reporting of all required metrics and measures. Seek future funding to support the growth and influence of the Business Resource Center in Utah, Summit, and Wasatch Counties. Work to ensure that tenant agency metrics and reporting are not duplicated by BRC reports and that all BRC metrics are measured accurately and reported appropriately.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor's degree in a related discipline, plus three years of staff-level experience, OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the Summary of Duties totaling seven years.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in government and private industry preferred.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of general business practices, management, ownership, and entrepreneurship.
• Knowledge of management techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of office productivity software, including Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge in program development and management.
• Knowledge of customer service practices.
• Knowledge and ability in project management, budgeting, and program evaluation,

Skills

• Exceptional verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Professional demeanor and communications.
• Experience managing a budget.

Abilities

• Ability to build strong networks and professional relationships.
• Ability to communicate program objectives to various groups and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and lead others.
• Ability to be self-directed and proactive when accomplishing assignments.
• Ability to manage sensitive information in a discreet and confidential manner.

EEO Statement:

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Utah Valley University's dedication to exceptional care offers quality service and benefits to employees while staying committed to meeting the needs of a diverse workforce.

UVU is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that supports employees and their family's overall physical and mental health, protects their income in case of unforeseen illness and life events, and assists in building financial security for retirement and the future.

Highlights from Utah Valley University's benefits package include:

• Medical network and plan options with low employee premiums
• Employer HSA contribution for those that elect the university's High-Deductible Health Plan
• Other tax advantage, reimbursement account options (i.e. Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care)
• Dental and vision plan options
• Incentivized wellness program
• Employer paid basic life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), and Long Term Disability (LTD) coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan with an employer contribution of 14.2% based on employee's compensation (100% vested on first day of full-time employment)
• Undergraduate tuition remission benefit waiving up to 18 credit hours (each semester) for employees and their eligible dependents (spouses & children dependents unmarried and up to age 26)
• Generous leave package which includes sick, vacation (staff only), and personal leave; 13 paid holidays; paid medical maternity and parental leave

For more information about the benefits offered, visit
01

Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position as outlined: Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor's degree in a related discipline, plus three years of staff-level experience, OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the Summary of Duties totaling seven years.

• Yes
• No

02

What is your highest level of education?

• High School or equivalent
• Associates
• Bachelors
• Masters
• Ph.D.
• Ph.D. (abd)
• Juris Doctorate

03

How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8+

Required Question