Director – Research and Economic Development

Role Overview

• 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.

Requirements

• 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

• 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.