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Director Of Program Development Jobs in Lexington, KY

UHS

Director of Business Development

Lexington, KY · On-site

Responsibilities Director of Business Development Opportunity : Full Time, Dayshift $10,000 Sign On ... The Ridge offers Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient Programs, Individual Counseling, as ...

UHS

Director of Business Development

Lexington, KY · On-site

Responsibilities Director of Business Development Opportunity: Full Time, Dayshift $10,000 Sign On ... The Ridge offers Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient Programs, Individual Counseling, as ...

University of Kentucky

Director of Housing

Lexington, KY · On-site

$83K - $141K/yr

Lead the strategic direction and daily oversight of the University's housing partnership program ... development, and organizational leadership. Collaborative environment: Work alongside dedicated ...

KCO Resource Management

Director of Quality

Lexington, KY · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Develop a high-performing Quality team through coaching, mentorship, and talent development while ... Establish flexible quality processes and compliance programs that evolve alongside expanding ...

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All JobsOf Program Development JobsDirector Of Program Development JobsDirector Of Program Development Jobs in Lexington, KY

Director Of Program Development information

See Lexington, KY salary details

$29.3K

$77.7K

$136.2K

How much do director of program development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of program development in Lexington, KY is $77,720.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,700.00 and $91,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of program development do?

A director of program development oversees the planning, design, and implementation of programs within an organization. They coordinate teams, develop strategies, manage budgets, and ensure programs meet organizational goals and standards. Strong leadership, project management skills, and knowledge of industry best practices are essential for this role.

What are the typical challenges a director of program development faces when launching new initiatives within an organization?

Directors of Program Development often encounter challenges such as aligning new initiatives with the organization's strategic goals, securing stakeholder buy-in, and managing cross-functional teams with varying priorities. Navigating budget constraints, adapting to shifting market demands, and ensuring programs are both scalable and sustainable are also common hurdles. Successful directors leverage strong communication, project management, and analytical skills to address these challenges and drive impactful results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of program development?

To excel as a Director Of Program Development, you need expertise in program management, strategic planning, and budget oversight, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with project management software, data analysis tools, and compliance systems is typically required. Outstanding leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for successfully designing, implementing, and scaling programs that align with organizational goals.

What qualifications do you need to be a director of program development?

A director of program development typically needs a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, management, or a specific industry area, along with several years of experience in program management or development. Strong leadership, strategic planning skills, and proficiency with project management tools are also important, and some roles may require a master's degree or professional certifications like PMP.

What is the difference between Director Of Program Development vs Program Manager?

AspectDirector Of Program DevelopmentProgram Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects, develops strategic program plans, manages teams, and aligns programs with organizational goals.Manages individual projects or programs, coordinates resources, and ensures project deliverables meet objectives.
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in business, management, or related field; advanced degrees or certifications like PMP are common.Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; PMP or similar certifications are frequently preferred.
Work EnvironmentTypically in corporate, nonprofit, or government settings, involving strategic planning and leadership.Involves project coordination within similar environments, focusing on execution and delivery.

The main difference between a Director Of Program Development and a Program Manager lies in scope and strategic focus. The Director oversees multiple programs and aligns them with organizational goals, while the Program Manager handles specific projects within those programs. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the Director's role is more strategic and leadership-oriented.

What job categories do people searching Director Of Program Development jobs in Lexington, KY look for? The top searched job categories for Director Of Program Development jobs in Lexington, KY are:
What cities near Lexington, KY are hiring for Director Of Program Development jobs? Cities near Lexington, KY with the most Director Of Program Development job openings:
Director Of Program Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Program Development job openings in Lexington, KY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,720 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Director for Research and Economic Dev

Kentucky State University

Frankfort, KY • On-site

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

TITLE: Director for Research and Economic Development

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources / Land Grant Program

REPORTS TO: Dean, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

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

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.