ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Workforce Development Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Equus

Director Of Finance (106031)

Louisville, KY

The Director of Finance will provide critical financial and leadership services in the areas of ... Equus Workforce Solutions is a leading provider of workforce development services in North America.

Nku

Manager, Career Advising

Highland Heights, KY

... and workforce development initiatives. * Collaborate with colleges, faculty, and academic ... Partner with faculty and staff throughout the colleges, the Director of Outreach, Partnerships ...

Ashley Rountree

Director of Advancement

Louisville, KY · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

... workforce development, and community engagement initiatives that improve quality of life across ... The Director will primarily focus on cultivating and securing gifts at the $10,000+ level and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWorkforce Development JobsDirector Workforce Development JobsDirector Workforce Development Jobs in Kentucky

Director Workforce Development information

What does a Director of Workforce Development do?

A Director of Workforce Development leads efforts to design, implement, and oversee programs that enhance the skills and employability of a community's workforce. This role involves collaborating with businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to identify workforce needs and create training programs that fill skill gaps. Directors often manage teams, secure funding, and evaluate the effectiveness of workforce initiatives. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that workers are prepared for current and future job opportunities, supporting both individual career growth and broader economic development.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Workforce Development in aligning training programs with organizational goals?

A Director of Workforce Development often encounters the challenge of ensuring that training and development initiatives are closely aligned with both the immediate and long-term objectives of the organization. This requires staying updated on industry trends, regularly assessing workforce skill gaps, and collaborating with department leaders to anticipate future talent needs. Balancing budget constraints, rapidly changing technologies, and diverse learning preferences across the workforce can also present difficulties. Successful directors leverage data-driven strategies and maintain strong communication channels with stakeholders to overcome these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Workforce Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Workforce Development, you need expertise in program management, workforce planning, and labor market analysis, often backed by a bachelor's or master's degree in human resources, business, or a related field. Familiarity with HR information systems (HRIS), data analytics tools, and workforce development certifications such as CWDP is typically required. Strategic thinking, leadership, stakeholder engagement, and excellent communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for developing effective workforce strategies, aligning talent initiatives with organizational goals, and fostering partnerships that drive organizational and community success.

What is the difference between Director Workforce Development vs Workforce Development Coordinator?

AspectDirector Workforce DevelopmentWorkforce Development Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor’s degree often required; advanced degrees preferred; experience in workforce programsAssociate or bachelor’s degree; relevant experience in workforce or community programs
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing teams and programs; strategic planningOperational role supporting program implementation; administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, non-profits, educational institutionsCommunity organizations, government offices, training providers

The Director Workforce Development typically holds a higher-level leadership position, focusing on strategic planning and overseeing workforce programs. The Workforce Development Coordinator handles day-to-day program operations and supports implementation. Both roles are essential in workforce development initiatives but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Kentucky are:
What job categories do people searching Director Workforce Development jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Director Workforce Development jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Director Workforce Development jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Director Workforce Development job openings:
Director Workforce Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Workforce Development job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Director for Research and Economic Dev

Director for Research and Economic Dev

Kentucky State University

Frankfort, KY • On-site

Other

Posted 16 days ago

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.