Director – Research and Economic Development

Kentucky State University

Director of Research and Economic Development providing strategic leadership for initiatives in agriculture, health, and natural resources. Engaging external partners and managing complex programs.

Posted 7/7/2026full-timeFrankfort • Kentucky • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provides strategic leadership for research development, external partnerships, and economic development initiatives aligned with the College and Land Grant Program mission.
Develops and implements strategies to establish and expand partnerships with private industry, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions.
Builds and manages a portfolio of research and economic development initiatives, including planning, budgeting, implementation, logistics, risk management, and reporting.
Cultivates and sustains relationships with stakeholders in agriculture, food and beverage industries (including bourbon and spirits), equine industries, natural resources, and related sectors.
Facilitates collaboration between University researchers, faculty, students, and external partners to support applied research, innovation, and workforce development initiatives.
Coordinates cross-functional project teams and ensures alignment of deliverables, timelines, and resource allocation with strategic objectives.
Provides leadership in developing experiential learning opportunities, including internships, summer programs, and workforce development initiatives across the College and Land Grant Programs.
Supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of youth programs, workforce development initiatives, and extension-related training activities.
Prepares annual reports and performance summaries, including evaluation of program outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and initiative effectiveness.
Analyzes program data and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and expanded impact.
Serves as liaison to internal and external stakeholders, including industry partners, government agencies, community organizations, and professional associations.
Represents the College and Land Grant Programs at meetings, conferences, events, and stakeholder engagement activities.
Provides training and support materials for extension associates, youth programs, and workforce development initiatives.
Maintains a complex schedule of engagements, meetings, and project activities while ensuring effective prioritization and execution of responsibilities.
Exerts independent judgment in resolving complex issues related to partnerships, program development, and project execution.
Maintains a regular, reliable, and consistent on-campus presence to effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economic Development, Community Development, Agricultural Economics, Education Leadership, Sociology, or a closely related field is required.
Doctoral degree is preferred.
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, research administration, public-private partnerships, community development, or a related field is preferred.
Experience in higher education, extension programming, or applied research environments is strongly preferred.
Valid drivers’ license.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Retirement plans
Paid time off
Professional development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Research AdministrationEconomic DevelopmentPublic-Private PartnershipsCommunity DevelopmentData AnalysisBudgetingRisk ManagementLogistics PlanningPerformance ReportingStakeholder Engagement

Soft Skills

CollaborationRelationship ManagementCommunicationProblem SolvingIndependent Judgment

Certifications

Master’s DegreeDoctoral Degree (Preferred)