Pittsburg State University
Director of Forecasting, Special Projects & Micropolitan Studies
Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kansas, United States, 66762
Job Description
Pittsburg State University is accepting applications for a
Director of Forecasting, Special Projects, and Micropolitan Studies
in the Division of
Research and Economic Development
that is responsible for conducting and managing the micropolitan forecasting and econometric modeling outreach operations in support of the missions of the Research and Economic Development Division (RED) and the Kelce College of Business' Business and Economic Research Center (BERC). In addition, the Director undertakes special projects supporting local and regional economic development initiatives for RED.
Duties and Responsibilities
40% Conduct Local and Regional Economic Forecasting (Essential)
Carries out economic forecasting and applied regional research in support of community and regional economic development across Pittsburg State University's primary service area. Specific duties include: Develops, constructs, and maintains econometric models for the Pittsburg Micropolitan Area and the Southeast Kansas Region. Constructs quarterly, annual, and long-run forecasts for Pittsburg and Southeast Kansas. Regularly disseminates the forecasts through appropriate channels, including the Pittsburg Micropolitan Area Economic Report, the Pittsburg Micropolitan Area Annual Profile, and their associated websites. Compiles and maintains the database of economic indicators necessary to support the econometric modeling and forecasting work. Disseminates results and interpretation of economic forecasts and regional analyses to community and regional stakeholders through various media channels such as television, radio, newspaper, and web-based outlets. Upon request, provides presentations to businesses, government leaders, civic organizations, and community groups concerning the forecasted conditions of the local and regional economy. Conducts, presents, and publishes academic research informed by the modeling and forecasting work. 40% Conduct Applied Economic Analysis (Essential)
Undertakes applied economic analysis in support of local, regional, and state economic development. Specific duties include:
Produces economic research and analysis to support special projects undertaken by BERC and RED in fulfillment of their missions. Such as economic impact studies, revenue forecasting, location analysis, work force needs analysis, etc. Provides professional advice and counsel to RED personnel in support of economic development initiatives. Works with BERC and RED personnel to seek and secure external grants in support of regional economic research and applied service activities. Conducts fee-based consultation for outside entities concerning economic impact analysis and forecasting. Organizes and produces other outreach programs that support the research and service missions of Pittsburg State University. 20% Professorial and other Duties as Assigned (Essential)
Regularly teaches undergraduate and graduate courses for the Kelce College of Business. Annual course load and assignments to be determined by the Dean of the Kelce College of Business in consultation with the BERC Director and the Kelce Faculty Chair. Coordinates an interdisciplinary master's degree in Micropolitan Studies in cooperation with the college deans and university faculty. Maintains an AACSB Faculty Qualification of either Professional Academic (PA) or Scholastic Academic (SA). Manages and supervises graduate assistants, and student workers as assigned. Conducts other normal professorial duties, including service on committees and student mentoring, as assigned. Other duties as assigned. Education and Experience
Required Education and Experience - Time of Hire
Ph.D. in Economics or closely related discipline 1 years' experience with econometric modeling and forecasting in either an academic or professional environment Preferred Education and Experience
1 years' experience of regional economic forecasting 1 years' experience in an academic or professional research experience 1 years' experience teaching in a higher education setting 1 years' experience in supervising student workers or graduate assistants 1 years' experience building and maintaining large relational databases 1 years' experience using Python, R, SQL or similar coding languages and programs Screening Services (Background Checks):
Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and check.
Job Type:
Unclassified
Appointment Duration:
12 months
Work Schedule:
Full Time, Monday - Friday with substitute days as necessary, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Application Documents Required*:
Resume Cover Letter Names and Contact Details for three (3) Professional References
*Consolidate into two documents to upload.
Open Until Filled
with a first consideration date of
08/08/2025
Search Committee Chair:
Alex Binder, abinder@pittstate.edu
Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.
PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.
Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
About Us
About Pittsburg State University
Founded in 1903, Pittsburg State's 373-acre campus is a beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern facilities, including state-of-the-art athletics, arts, and research facilities.
Its residential and online undergraduate and graduate student population of nearly 6,000 is guided by an exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrative team.
Pitt State's hands-on learning environment and engagement by alumni working in a variety of professional sectors creates incredible academic, internship, and employment opportunities for students. Academic programs often bring home national honors.
The university enjoys a close relationship with Pittsburg residents as well as city and business leaders. Throughout town, you'll see gorilla statues in front lawns and red and gold Gorilla spirit at local businesses. Students, faculty, and staff are highly engaged in the local school district and with service projects, and in turn the community is highly supportive of and engaged in university activities.
Faculty, staff, and students have access to many amenities, including discounts and free access to concerts, plays, athletic events on campus as well as discounts on meals and services off campus.
Pitt State has developed unique partnerships in downtown Pittsburg, 1.4 miles north of the main campus. There, Block22 and the historic Hotel Besse offer innovative student housing options and the new Kelce College of Business building, scheduled to open in July 2026, will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, collaboration spaces, and space for professional development and public events.
The university has earned institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and two elite classifications from the Carnegie Foundation.
Pittsburg State University is accepting applications for a
Director of Forecasting, Special Projects, and Micropolitan Studies
in the Division of
Research and Economic Development
that is responsible for conducting and managing the micropolitan forecasting and econometric modeling outreach operations in support of the missions of the Research and Economic Development Division (RED) and the Kelce College of Business' Business and Economic Research Center (BERC). In addition, the Director undertakes special projects supporting local and regional economic development initiatives for RED.
Duties and Responsibilities
40% Conduct Local and Regional Economic Forecasting (Essential)
Carries out economic forecasting and applied regional research in support of community and regional economic development across Pittsburg State University's primary service area. Specific duties include: Develops, constructs, and maintains econometric models for the Pittsburg Micropolitan Area and the Southeast Kansas Region. Constructs quarterly, annual, and long-run forecasts for Pittsburg and Southeast Kansas. Regularly disseminates the forecasts through appropriate channels, including the Pittsburg Micropolitan Area Economic Report, the Pittsburg Micropolitan Area Annual Profile, and their associated websites. Compiles and maintains the database of economic indicators necessary to support the econometric modeling and forecasting work. Disseminates results and interpretation of economic forecasts and regional analyses to community and regional stakeholders through various media channels such as television, radio, newspaper, and web-based outlets. Upon request, provides presentations to businesses, government leaders, civic organizations, and community groups concerning the forecasted conditions of the local and regional economy. Conducts, presents, and publishes academic research informed by the modeling and forecasting work. 40% Conduct Applied Economic Analysis (Essential)
Undertakes applied economic analysis in support of local, regional, and state economic development. Specific duties include:
Produces economic research and analysis to support special projects undertaken by BERC and RED in fulfillment of their missions. Such as economic impact studies, revenue forecasting, location analysis, work force needs analysis, etc. Provides professional advice and counsel to RED personnel in support of economic development initiatives. Works with BERC and RED personnel to seek and secure external grants in support of regional economic research and applied service activities. Conducts fee-based consultation for outside entities concerning economic impact analysis and forecasting. Organizes and produces other outreach programs that support the research and service missions of Pittsburg State University. 20% Professorial and other Duties as Assigned (Essential)
Regularly teaches undergraduate and graduate courses for the Kelce College of Business. Annual course load and assignments to be determined by the Dean of the Kelce College of Business in consultation with the BERC Director and the Kelce Faculty Chair. Coordinates an interdisciplinary master's degree in Micropolitan Studies in cooperation with the college deans and university faculty. Maintains an AACSB Faculty Qualification of either Professional Academic (PA) or Scholastic Academic (SA). Manages and supervises graduate assistants, and student workers as assigned. Conducts other normal professorial duties, including service on committees and student mentoring, as assigned. Other duties as assigned. Education and Experience
Required Education and Experience - Time of Hire
Ph.D. in Economics or closely related discipline 1 years' experience with econometric modeling and forecasting in either an academic or professional environment Preferred Education and Experience
1 years' experience of regional economic forecasting 1 years' experience in an academic or professional research experience 1 years' experience teaching in a higher education setting 1 years' experience in supervising student workers or graduate assistants 1 years' experience building and maintaining large relational databases 1 years' experience using Python, R, SQL or similar coding languages and programs Screening Services (Background Checks):
Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and check.
Job Type:
Unclassified
Appointment Duration:
12 months
Work Schedule:
Full Time, Monday - Friday with substitute days as necessary, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Application Documents Required*:
Resume Cover Letter Names and Contact Details for three (3) Professional References
*Consolidate into two documents to upload.
Open Until Filled
with a first consideration date of
08/08/2025
Search Committee Chair:
Alex Binder, abinder@pittstate.edu
Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.
PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.
Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
About Us
About Pittsburg State University
Founded in 1903, Pittsburg State's 373-acre campus is a beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern facilities, including state-of-the-art athletics, arts, and research facilities.
Its residential and online undergraduate and graduate student population of nearly 6,000 is guided by an exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrative team.
Pitt State's hands-on learning environment and engagement by alumni working in a variety of professional sectors creates incredible academic, internship, and employment opportunities for students. Academic programs often bring home national honors.
The university enjoys a close relationship with Pittsburg residents as well as city and business leaders. Throughout town, you'll see gorilla statues in front lawns and red and gold Gorilla spirit at local businesses. Students, faculty, and staff are highly engaged in the local school district and with service projects, and in turn the community is highly supportive of and engaged in university activities.
Faculty, staff, and students have access to many amenities, including discounts and free access to concerts, plays, athletic events on campus as well as discounts on meals and services off campus.
Pitt State has developed unique partnerships in downtown Pittsburg, 1.4 miles north of the main campus. There, Block22 and the historic Hotel Besse offer innovative student housing options and the new Kelce College of Business building, scheduled to open in July 2026, will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, collaboration spaces, and space for professional development and public events.
The university has earned institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and two elite classifications from the Carnegie Foundation.