Director for Research and Economic Dev

Director for Research and Economic Development

Under the general direction of the Dean, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, the Director for Research and Economic Development provides strategic leadership in advancing research partnerships, economic development initiatives, and external engagement activities for the College and Land Grant Programs. The position is responsible for developing and sustaining collaborations with public and private sector partners, including industry, government, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions to support applied research, workforce development, and experiential learning opportunities.

The Director leads efforts to strengthen Kentucky State University's research enterprise and economic development impact with particular emphasis on agriculture, food systems, natural resources, aquaculture, equine industries, and related sectors. This position exercises independent judgment in developing partnerships, managing complex initiatives, and aligning external engagement strategies with institutional priorities. This role requires a regular, reliable, and consistent on-campus presence to effectively perform leadership, coordination, and stakeholder engagement responsibilities and is not suitable for remote work except as approved in accordance with University policy.

Essential Job Functions:

• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of research administration, economic development, and industry partnership development.
• Knowledge of agricultural systems, food and beverage industries, equine industries, natural resources, or related sectors.
• Knowledge of program development, project management, and evaluation methods.
• Strong ability to develop and sustain partnerships with public and private sector organizations.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies including industry leaders, government officials, faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make decisions in complex and dynamic environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and project management tools.
• Ability to prepare reports, analyze program data, and support performance evaluation.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position has supervisory responsibility for professional staff, project personnel, and assigned programmatic initiatives.

Other Duties:

• The position will conduct other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• 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.

Licensing and Certifications:

• Valid drivers' license.

Working Conditions:

• Work requires frequent travel, including in-state, out-of-state, and occasional national travel via automobile or air transportation.
• Work may involve exposure to varying environmental conditions including outdoor settings, agricultural environments, and event-based activities.
• Work may require standing, walking, and occasional lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Frequent interaction with external stakeholders, industry partners, government agencies, and community organizations is required.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on program and event schedules.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer