Director-Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership - University of NebraskaLincoln : Job Details
Director-Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership
University of NebraskaLincolnJob Location : Lincoln,NE, USA
Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file.You will be required to attach, as three separate documents in MSWord or PDF format:
- Your resume or CV
- List of five professional references with contact information
Position Information
Working Title
Working Title Director-Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Department
Requisition Number
Requisition Number S_250404
Posting Open Date
Posting Open Date 05/22/2025
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 08/11/2025
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Description of Work
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.
- 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
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 .
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.
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.
- 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.
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required No
Physical Required
Physical Required No
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No
Criminal History Background Check Required
Criminal History Background Check Required Yes
How to Apply
Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file.You will be required to attach, as three separate documents in MSWord or PDF format:
- Your resume or CV
- List of five professional references with contact information
Job Category (old)
Job Category (old) Managerial/Professional
Job Type
Job Type Full-Time
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)
Work Location (City, State)
Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date:
Appointment End Date
Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Please describe your experience working in a senior management role within a manufacturing company. Include your total years of experience, specific roles held, and significant accomplishments.
(Open Ended Question)
- * Describe your experience interpreting organizational needs programs, and activities for employees, community agencies, state governmental leaders, or similar groups. Please provide a brief example.
(Open Ended Question)
- * Please briefly describe a significant strategic decision you made as a senior manager in a manufacturing environment. What was the situation and outcome?
(Open Ended Question)
- * Please describe two or more challenges experienced by small- to medium-sized manufacturers and how an organization such as the Nebraska MEP might be able to support manufacturers in addressing these challenges.
(Open Ended Question)