Employment Opportunities
Director: Purdue Center for Regional Development
Purdue University is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader for its Center for Regional
Development. Founded in 1869, Purdue is Indiana’s land-grant University and is one of the
nation’s leading research universities. Purdue has a statewide presence, with several regional
campuses, Extension offices in all 92 counties, and a West Lafayette campus enrollment of
nearly 40,000. The University has a diverse faculty and one of the largest international student
enrollments in the nation. The West Lafayette campus is located 65 miles north of Indianapolis
and 120 miles south of Chicago.
Emerging economic development theory and practice relies heavily on collaboration skills,
human assets, and networks that leverage a broad array of regional resources. Research
universities play a central role in these emerging regional networks. Purdue’s Center for
Regional Development was formed in 2006 to advance economic and community development
by leveraging Purdue’s assets in developing robust, collaborative civic economies; data analysis
and interpretation; business technical assistance; and professional education. PCRD’s programs
are highly leveraged financially and rely largely on funds from grants and contracts and from
clients and customers.
The Director reports to the Associate Vice President for Engagement and is responsible for
providing vision and leadership to PCRD. The Director serves on the University’s Engagement
Council and works with faculty, college and school Deans, and community and organization
leaders to provide responsive, high quality assistance to communities and regions throughout
Indiana and beyond. The Director is the key administrator responsible for linking PCRD with
Cooperative Extension and other Purdue programs statewide.
Qualified candidates will have an academic and/or professional record suitable for tenure as a
professor and have demonstrated excellence as a leader in an academic or other related
professional enterprise. Qualified candidates will be able to articulate and advance the goals and
programs of the Purdue Center for Regional Development, understand and acknowledge the
value of resource partnerships both within and external to the university, be sensitive to all
constituencies served by the University, and demonstrate a commitment to a global perspective
in carrying out PCRD’s mission.
Applications or nominations should be sent to:
Dr. V. L. Lechtenberg, Chair, PCRD Search Committee
Purdue University, Gerald D. and Edna E. Mann Hall, Suite 266,
203 Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1971
email:vll@purdue.edu
Screening will begin August 20, 2012 and continue until the position is filled. A background check will be required for employment in this position.
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully
committed to achieving a diverse workforce.