Director Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center

Salary/Position Classification

• $136,700+ annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will be considered for remote work within North Dakota.

Purpose of Position

The Center Director serves as the senior operational leader, executing strategic initiatives, overseeing day-to-day operations, managing program delivery/client engagement, and ensuring performance objectives within the national MEP system. Reports to the CEO and leads professional staff. Position will exist in the Mid to Western portion of the State of North Dakota.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Operations & Performance Management: Provide executive leadership and oversight of Center operations, translating strategic priorities into operational plans and performance targets. Ensure delivery of MEP services to manufacturers is effective, efficient, and aligned with NIST MEP program requirements, resulting in measurable client impacts.
  • Develop and execute annual and multi-year operating plans aligned with NIST MEP strategy
  • Monitor and manage performance against key metrics (e.g., sales growth, cost savings, job impact)
  • Oversee service delivery to ensure quality, consistency, and impact
  • Analyze operational data to drive continuous improvement
  • Represent the Center within the national MEP network, contributing to national initiatives, collaboration efforts, and adoption of best practices 
• Industry Engagement & Business Development: Lead statewide industry engagement and business development efforts to expand and sustain relationships with small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs), ensuring strong client acquisition, retention, and impact generation.
  • Conduct executive-level client engagement and needs assessments specific to SMMs
  • Develop and implement strategies to grow the Center’s SMM client base
  • Identify high-impact project opportunities aligned with manufacturer needs
  • Build relationships with manufacturing industry associations and regional partners 
• Program & Service Delivery Oversight: Oversee the design, development, and delivery of MEP programs and services, ensuring alignment with national MEP priorities and responsiveness to the evolving needs of manufacturers.
  • Direct program offerings in areas such as continuous improvement, technology adoption, workforce development, and supply chain optimization
  • Manage and coordinate a network of service providers and partners
  • Ensure services are delivered consistently and produce measurable outcomes
  • Align service portfolio with NIST MEP strategic initiatives 
• Leadership & Staff Development: Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development for Center staff, fostering a high-performance, accountable, and collaborative culture aligned with organizational and NIST MEP expectations.
  • Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing staff
  • Establish clear performance expectations tied to Center and NIST metrics
  • Conduct performance evaluations and coaching
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability
• Financial & Operational Management: Manage the Center’s financial and operational performance, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources and compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements
  • Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial plans
  • Ensure compliance with NIST MEP cooperative agreement requirements, including cost-share obligations and allowable costs
  • Monitor financial performance and sustainability
  • Support development of funding strategies and partnerships

Required Competencies

• Operational leadership
• Client Engagement
• Program Management
• Team Building

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing or related field
• 12 years of relevant experience in manufacturing or consulting for manufacturing performance improvement
• Leadership in manufacturing consulting
• Team management experience
• Budgeting and resource allocation experience
• Experience leading federal grant proposal development and submission
• Experience leading federally-funded programs, including an in-depth understanding of compliance requirements
• Deep experience in North Dakota’s manufacturing ecosystem and an existing list of potential SMM clients
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired