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.

• 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 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.

• This position has supervisory responsibility for professional staff, project personnel, and…