Kansas State University (K-State) invites nominations and applications for the role of Vice President for Engagement and Extension. The Vice President reports directly to the President of Kansas State University and leads strategy to drive partnerships, economic development, Extension, government relations, and community impact. The Vice President serves as a member of the President's Cabinet and provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for the following functional units:
• Office of External Engagement
• Kansas State University Extension
• Office of Government Relations
• Office of Economic Development
The Vice President maintains close internal working relationships with the following offices and leaders on matters central to the position's mission:
• Provost and Executive Vice President — regarding academic alignment with workforce and community needs, student success and experiential learning.
• Dean of the College of Agriculture, Director of the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station — regarding K-State Extension's statewide programming, engagement priorities, and legislative needs. The Dean of Agriculture maintains a secondary reporting line to the current position.
• Vice President for Research — regarding corporate engagement, industry partnerships, technology commercialization, and business attraction activities that advance K-State's research and economic development agenda.
• Vice President for Communications and Marketing — regarding external communications strategy, stakeholder messaging, and university brand alignment.
• KSU Foundation, K-State Alumni Association, and K-State Athletics — regarding coordinated engagement with donors, alumni, and community stakeholders in support of the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan.
• Academic College Deans — to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, expand community-engaged scholarship, strengthen external partnerships, and advance the university's outreach and public impact.
You can read more details about this Chief of Staff position by viewing the leadership profile.
The mission of Kansas State University is to foster excellent teaching, research and service that develop a highly skilled and educated citizenry necessary to advancing the well-being of Kansas, the nation and the international community. The university embraces all, encourages engagement and is committed to the discovery of knowledge, the education of undergraduate and graduate students, and improvement in the quality of life and standard of living of those we serve.
Under the university's strategic plan, K-State is committed to lead the nation as a next-generation land-grant university – setting the standard for inspiring learning, creativity, discovery and engagement that positively impacts society and transforms lives in Kansas and around the world.
Read more about Kansas State University and our Strategic Plan on our website.
Learn more about Manhattan, Kansas and discover why you were Made for Manhattan.
This position is On-site.
Minimum Qualifications:
The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced leadership, policy, stakeholder engagement and strategic partnership expertise required to lead university-wide engagement, government relations and economic development initiatives. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program.
Preferred Qualifications:
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
Buffkin / Baker is assisting K-State with this search. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, application materials should be received no later than August 24, 2026. Candidates should provide a letter of application describing their interest and qualifications for the position, current vita, a one-page leadership statement, and five references. References will not be contacted without permission. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Nominations and application materials should be sent electronically via email to Martin Baker and Chelsie Whitelock of Buffkin / Baker at ksuvpee@buffkinbaker.com.
Applications close on:8/24/26
$290,000-$360,000
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
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