Economic Development Assistant Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

The Pittsburg State University Kelce College of Business (KCOB) invites applications for a tenure earning economics faculty position in the Undergraduate School of Business with additional responsibilities within the College's Business and Economics Research Center (BERC). Contract length is 10-months during each calendar year.
Duties and Responsibilities
50% Professorial Duties (Essential)

• Regularly teaches undergraduate and graduate courses for the KCOB. Annual course load and assignments to be determined by the college Dean in consultation with the BERC Director and the KCOB Faculty Chair.
• Ongoing scholarly activity and output appropriate to maintain a Scholarly Academic AACSB Faculty Qualification as outlined in the KCOB "Faculty Qualifications and Engagement Criteria" is required.
• Additional expectations include mentoring students, active involvement in professional organizations, and service to the university, college, and community. Other service duties may include advising student organizations, participating in recruitment and retention efforts, and providing support to other college and university initiatives.

50% Conduct Local and Regional Economic Forecasting (Essential)
Carry 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 may include:

• Develop, construct, and maintain econometric models for the Pittsburg Micropolitan Area and the Southeast Kansas Region.
• Construct quarterly, annual, and long-run forecasts for Pittsburg and Southeast Kansas.
• Regularly disseminate the forecasts through appropriate channels, including the Pittsburg Micropolitan Area Economic Report, the Pittsburg Micropolitan Area Annual Profile, and their associated websites.
• Disseminate 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, provide presentations to businesses, government leaders, civic organizations, and community groups concerning the forecasted conditions of the local and regional economy.
• Conduct, present, and publish academic research informed by the modeling and forecasting work.
• Produce regional economic research and analysis, such as economic impact studies, revenue forecasting, location analysis, work force needs analysis, etc., to support special projects undertaken by BERC in fulfillment of its mission.
• Work with BERC and KCOB personnel to seek and secure external grants in support of regional economic research and applied service activities.
• Conduct fee-based consultation for outside entities concerning economic impact analysis and forecasting.
• Organize and produce other outreach programs that support the research and service missions of Pittsburg State University.

Required Education and Experience - Time of Hire:

• Ph.D. in Economics (or closely related field) from an accredited institution of higher learning

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in economics discipline or a related field. This degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.
Preferred Education and Experience:

• One or more years teaching undergraduate economics courses with preference for experience teaching econometrics and/or regional economics
• One or more years producing peer-reviewed research publications

Job Type: Unclassified, Faculty, Tenure Earning
Screening Services (Background Checks): Employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background check and sex offender check.
Position Start Date: August 2026 or January 2027 or August 2027
Application Documents Required*:
Letter of application
Curriculum vitae
One-page statement on research interests
One-page statement on teaching philosophy
Teaching evaluations with comments
Names and contact information of three references
Graduate transcripts
*Consolidate documents into a maximum of 2 files to upload
First Consideration Date: May 20, 2026; position will remain open until filled
Search Committee Chair: Alexander Binder, Ph.D., Chair of Search Committee (abinder@pittstate.edu or 620-235-4546)
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire, as the university does not provide visa sponsorship 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.
The Kelce College of Business
The Gladys A. Kelce College of Business at Pittsburg State is a leading regional business school known for quality student-focused education, high standards, and value. With a mission of offering a well-rounded, world-class education that engages students and prepares them for a future in the business world, the Kelce College of Business, offers undergraduate degrees in Marketing, Accounting, Business Economics, Business Studies, Data Science and Information Systems, Finance, Human Resource Development, Management, and Marketing as well as graduate degrees - a Master of Business Administration (multiple emphases) a Master of Professional Accountancy, and a Master of Science in Human Resource Development.
For more information, see the Kelce College of Business web page at: https://www.pittstate.edu/business/index.html
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.