Managing Director, Wendy Gillespie Center for Advancing Global Business

Join Our Team as the Managing Director of the Wendy Gillespie Center for Advancing Global Business!

The Wendy Gillespie Center for Advancing Global Business (WGCAGB) is one of the sixteen designated national centers of excellence location at select business schools throughout the U.S.  Funded in part through a competitive grant by the U.S. Department of Education, WGCAGB links the manpower and information needs of U.S. business with the international education, language training, and research capacities of the university.  Our Center operates with a Managing Director, Program Coordinator, Special Consultants, and student assistants.  The Center serves as a catalyst to link the university and its programs to business, students, and academics.

The Managing Director of the San Diego State University Wendy Gillespie Center for Advancing Global Business (WGCAGB) is responsible for conceptualizing and enhancing the Center’s effectiveness and influence within the university community and throughout the region. The Managing Director works closely with the WGCAGB Faculty Director to lead strategic, administrative, marketing, relationship management, budget, and fundraising efforts for the Center.

Key Responsibilities:

Management:

• Oversee all operations and outcomes of the Center.
• Supervise the Project Coordinator, Center Coordinator, and Graduate Assistants to ensure the successful execution of programmatic activities and initiatives.

Budget:

• Oversee annual budget, including federal grants, cost share requirements, the Wendy Gillespie Endowment, and other contributions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and budgetary requirements related to the U.S. Department of Education grant.
• Supervise the Project Coordinator and Center Coordinator in maintaining budget accounts, developing timelines and benchmarks for Center-sponsored activities, and allocating resources across the university to achieve program goals.

Development:

• Collaborate with the Dean and development professionals to enhance and increase funding and resources for the Center and the College’s mission.
• Serve as executive secretary to the Wendy Gillespie Center’s Advisory Board, ensuring its strength and effectiveness.
• Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of new funding opportunities to support the Center’s growth and sustainability.
• Serve as liaison to external business and community constituents and assist in developing relationships with new and existing donor prospects.

Relationship Management:

• Manage relationships with federal grantors, corporate partners, faculty, students, administrators, staff, and other key stakeholders at SDSU, the Center, and the Fowler College of Business.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of required reports to funding agencies and the university.
• Represent the Center on various regional boards, such as the Global Competitiveness Council, District Export Council, and the Small Business Development and International Trade Center.

Strategic Planning:

• Develop the Center’s scope and vision while leading the strategic planning process for SDSU CIBER and WGCAGB programs.
• Collaborate with the Fowler College of Business on their strategic plan, particularly in representing and advancing the international business components.
• Represent the College and Dean’s Office throughout the campus community and with external constituents, serving on committees and working groups established across campus,

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Fowler College of Business (FCB) consists of one school and four academic departments (Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy, Finance, Management Information Systems, Management, and Marketing), a Dean, an Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, an Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Initiatives, an Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, a College Operations Manager/Director of Resource Management, a Director of Marketing & Communications, a Director for Graduate Programs, a Director for Undergraduate Programs, a Director for the Career Management Center, a Director for Assessment, and a Managing Director for the Wendy Gillespie Center for Advancing Global Business.

For more information regarding the Fowler College of Business, click here.

Education and Experience

• Advanced degree in a business-related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in an academic or business environment.

Key Qualifications

• Experience working with university entities on grant and gift development, including personnel management and project management.
• Expertise in grant concept development, structuring, and writing, both individually and within teams.
• Strong leadership in managing staff and overseeing project execution, including budget development.
• Experience in engaging with the business community to foster partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

• Ability to effectively communicate across various methods and formats.  Demonstrated expertise in persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and achieve both short-and long-term objectives. 
• Proven ability to lead and engage top management inside and outside the university, particularly within an international business context.
• Strong skills in managing operational and financial aspects, with experience in budget development and oversight.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with managers, employees, students, donors, alumni, and other key stakeholders. 

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $96,000-$108,000 annually.

Supplemental Information

Review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will be ongoing. The position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Rachael Stalmann at rstalmann@sdsu.edu.