Job Details

Associate Vice President for Industry, Innovation & Economic Development

Job No: 553813
Work Type: Management (MPP)
Location: Central California: San Luis Obispo
Categories: Bargaining Unit: MPP, Job Search Category/Discipline: Administrative, Appointment Type: At-Will, Time Basis: Full Time, Workplace Type: On-site (work in-person at business location)

Job Summary

The Associate Vice President for Industry, Innovation & Economic Development (AVP) serves as a senior leader responsible for advancing Cal Poly's mission to connect education, research, and innovation with California's economic, workforce, and community needs. Reporting directly to the President, the AVP provides strategic leadership and integration across Cal Poly's external engagement portfolio, encompassing economic development, workforce partnerships, corporate relations, government relations, and community relations.

Department Summary

The AVP leads the newly established Office of Industry, Innovation & Economic Development (OIIED), serving as a central coordinating entity that aligns the university's capabilities with regional and statewide priorities in sectors such as clean energy, aerospace, agriculture, maritime, and advanced manufacturing. This position plays a key role in building strategic partnerships that strengthen Cal Poly's economic impact and workforce relevance across California.

Key Qualifications

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute an integrated university-wide strategy that unites economic development, workforce development, corporate engagement, and government/community relations under a cohesive vision.
• Workforce Integration: Advance Cal Poly's role as the Integrator of the Complete Workforce Development Spectrum, bridging trades, community colleges, and the university to build stackable talent pathways.
• Government and Community Relations: Oversee coordination of Cal Poly's state and federal advocacy strategies, ensuring alignment with economic and workforce priorities.
• Organizational Leadership and Operations: Lead and mentor a multi-disciplinary team overseeing economic development, workforce partnerships, corporate engagement, and government/community relations. Partner with University Development and Alumni Engagement, Academic Affairs, and Research to align external funding, grants, and philanthropic initiatives.
• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, economics, engineering, liberal arts or a related field and ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in economic or workforce development, corporate relations and communications, or public-sector partnerships. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Salary and Benefits: The anticipated hiring range for this role is $220,000 - $260,000. Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity ensures that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. Cal Poly is a diverse community and is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083. This position may be "Designated" under California State University's Conflict of Interest Code, requiring annual statements of economic interest and training. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; the university is not a sponsoring agency for visas.

Application Instructions

To apply, submit an online application at