Description

The University of Kentucky (UK) Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (M-G CAFE) invites applications for Executive Director of the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center (UK-REC) at Princeton, Kentucky. This unique opportunity combines the responsibilities of a managing director with that of a visionary leader for an agricultural center of excellence in western Kentucky that focuses Research and Extension programming on cattle, forage, grains, tobacco, and horticulture production.

Position Overview

The Executive Director will serve as a visionary leader to champion this rebuilt 1,600-acre research and education center unit of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station into a nationally distinctive center of excellence for research, instruction, and outreach. Drawing on M-G CAFE’s robust expertise across multiple academic and regulatory units, and in conjunction with departmental and college leadership, the successful candidate will lead UK-REC based faculty and staff to develop a strategic direction to become a Center of Excellence in Kentucky Agriculture, deepening university, statewide, and national partnerships, and enabling the UK-REC faculty and staff to carry forward its national reputation and legacy of impactful research to advance Kentucky.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Vision: In partnership with UK-REC and M-G CAFE faculty and staff, and agricultural commodity leadership, realize the promise of excellence achieved by the rebuilding and recovery from the 2021 EF-4 tornado by developing, implementing, and sustaining a strategic plan for a national recognized Center of Excellence. This would include identifying grant and other funding sources and leading UK-REC interdisciplinary teams to respond to such opportunities.

Administration: Conduct day-to-day oversight of UK-REC budget, staff and facilities in support of Research and Extension programs and UK-REC farming activities.

Engagement & Outreach: Partner with departmental and M-G CAFE leadership to proactively support the dissemination of UK-REC research findings and Extension programming through field days and other community events via internal and external communication modes.

Reporting: Develop and report on the activities of the center as needed to meet regulatory requirements and promotional goals.

Fundraising: In collaboration with the college’s Research and Philanthropy Offices, work to diversify the financial sources of center support.

Representation: At the direction of college leadership, represent the station to external partners, governmental bodies, and boards.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent terminal degree) in an appropriate discipline (e.g., animal sciences, plant sciences, biology, plant pathology, social sciences, soil sciences, or related fields).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a collegial and collaborative leadership style.
• Proven ability to develop and sustain interdisciplinary collaborations across diverse academic and professional contexts.
• Demonstrated professional achievements (publication, presentation, budget management, grantsmanship, personnel management, team building, professional recognition, etc.) commensurate with the position of an Executive Director.

Appointment Details

• Full-time salaried staff position, Grade 51.
• Mandatory work location is the UK-REC.
• Must be able to travel as needed within the state and nationally to further the UK-REC mission
• Reports to the M-G CAFE Associate Dean for Research.