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Founding Director Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$147 - $170/hr

Reporting to the Founding Director, the purpose of this position is to provide day-to-day leadership for all Center for Journalism & Democracy (CJD) staff. The Executive Director will be responsible ...

$120 - $180/hr

... founding clinical advisor, Dr. Michele Karel, on clinical strategy. Dr. Karel is a national thought leader and board-certified geropsychologist who served as the National Mental Health Director for ...

$150 - $190/hr

... founding clinical advisor, Dr. Michele Karel, on clinical strategy. Dr. Karel is a national thought leader and board-certified geropsychologist who served as the National Mental Health Director for ...

$180 - $280/hr

This is an unusually early opportunity to join as a founding team member and help define the ... Direct experience integrating robots or automation systems into live industrial environments like ...

$120 - $180/hr

Founding Mechanical Design Engineer Equity: 0.3% - 1% depending on experience About Us We're a ... In this role, you'll have a direct and significant impact on our technology and the team we build ...

New

$200 - $320/hr

Medical Director / Physician (MD) Pain Management-San Marcos, TX Nursing Home & Long-Term Care Pain ... Participate in building out clinical protocols, quality metrics, and best practices as a founding ...

New

$120 - $190/hr

The Role We're hiring a Founding Customer Success Manager to own the customer relationship after ... Direct access to founders, product, and engineering with immediate impact * Backed by top VCs and ...

$130 - $175/hr

This is a founding-level role with the opportunity to define how the market discovers, understands ... Direct communicator. You tell it straight, with leadership and across the team, about what ...

New

$150 - $230/hr

Founding Account ExecutiveAbout Proaction Proaction is building the modern alternative to expensive ... A highly motivated, self-directed seller who creates momentum without waiting for a task list. * A ...

$160 - $210/hr

We're looking for a Founding AI Engineer to improve Mason's accuracy on our evals. You will go deep ... Your research taste will direct this work. * Talk to users and dogfood the product weekly * Wear ...

New

$180 - $240/hr

Founding Lead GNC Engineer Equity: 0.3% - 1% depending on experience About Us We're a stealth team ... You will have direct ownership over one of the company's core technical challenges. Key ...

New

$120 - $180/hr

This is a founding go-to-market role, and it is an engineering role. You'll write code that gets ... Direct, first-person, specific numbers, no drama. * Comfort in front of a room, and comfort ...

$180 - $250/hr

Founding Lead Avionics & Software Engineer Equity: 0.3% - 1% depending on experience About Us We're ... You will have direct ownership over one of the company's core technical challenges. Key ...

New

$170 - $230/hr

We have more customer stories than we can tell! We're looking for a Founding Strategic Partnerships, Cloud & Alliances to help build and scale Retell AI's ecosystem partnerships and go-to-market ...

$175 - $225/hr

... founding customer, help stand up the commercialization approach that turns proven software into ... direct named business‑development leads against specific programs of record across the U.S.

New

$120 - $180/hr

This is a founding-style role for a Sales Hunter with Entrepreneurial Ambition . In Year 1, you will spearhead our US expansion, acting as a hands-on builder. You will focus heavily on sourcing high ...

$130 - $180/hr

As Executive Director of Camp Baer, you will have the opportunity to ... Build and develop the founding leadership team * Shape the culture and expectations of a brand-new ...

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Founding Director information

What are some of the unique challenges a founding director faces when building and leading a new organization?

As a Founding Director, one of the main challenges is balancing strategic vision with hands-on operational duties, since you are often responsible for both setting long-term goals and managing daily operations. Building a strong team from the ground up and establishing a positive organizational culture require significant effort and adaptability. Additionally, securing funding and cultivating stakeholder relationships are crucial in the early stages, often demanding persistent networking and resourcefulness. Founding Directors also need to be comfortable adapting quickly to change, as early-stage organizations frequently pivot in response to market feedback or unforeseen obstacles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a founding director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Founding Director, you need strong leadership skills, strategic vision, and a solid background in business development or a relevant industry, often supported by advanced degrees or entrepreneurial experience. Familiarity with budgeting software, project management tools, and legal compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, resilience, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams are standout soft skills in this role. These capabilities are crucial for setting organizational direction, driving growth, and establishing a strong foundation for long-term success.

What is the difference between Founding Director vs Program Manager?

AspectFounding DirectorProgram Manager
Required CredentialsTypically advanced degrees, leadership experience, industry knowledgeRelevant bachelor’s or master’s degree, project management certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in startup or new organization, strategic planningOversees specific projects within organizations, operational focus
Employer & Industry UsageFounding organizations, startups, nonprofitsVarious industries, including nonprofits, corporate sectors, government

The Founding Director is a high-level leadership role responsible for establishing and guiding a new organization or initiative, often requiring strategic vision and industry expertise. In contrast, a Program Manager focuses on managing specific projects within an organization, ensuring they meet goals and deadlines. While both roles require strong organizational skills, the Founding Director has broader responsibilities related to organizational development and leadership.

What does it mean to be a founding director?

A founding director is a person who helps establish and lead a new organization or company from its inception. They are involved in setting the vision, making key decisions, and often hold a significant leadership role during the early stages of the organization’s development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Founding jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Founding jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Founding Director jobs in Kentucky?

For Founding Director jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Founding Director jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Founding Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Founding Director job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Executive Director, Center for Journalism & Democracy

On-site

Hastings Center, Inc.
Scientific Research and Development Services • 11 - 50 employees

$147 - $170/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

## Executive Director, Center for Journalism & DemocracyApplylocations: Undergraduate Librarytime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR108415The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.Here is what we offer: * ***Health & Wellness:*** Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support* ***Work-Life Balance:*** PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements* ***Financial Wellness:*** Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match* ***Professional Development:*** Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths* ***Additional Perks:*** Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture**Join Howard University and thrive with us!** https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness**JOB PURPOSE:**Reporting to the Founding Director, the purpose of this position is to provide day-to-day leadership for all Center for Journalism & Democracy (CJD) staff. The Executive Director will be responsible for implementation and oversight of Center programs at Howard and at its campus partners at various HBCUs. The Executive Director will be responsible for operationalizing the vision of the Founding Director, supervising Center staff and its day-to-day operation, and provide guidance to all members of the team. This position will help the Center fulfill its mission: To bolster the field of journalism in service of our multiracial democracy by supporting the teaching and practice of historically informed investigative reporting at Howard University and across the constellation of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The Center provides academic and financial support to students, faculty and news organizations located at Howard University and the nation’s largest journalism programs located at HBCUs.**SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:**Responsible for providing supervision for multiple functions within a department. Formally plans, assigns, directs, and coordinates the work of these functions. Typically, responsible for performing some non-supervisory duties in addition to supervisory responsibilities. Performs staff evaluations and makes recommendations regarding pay and/or performance.**NATURE AND SCOPE:**Internal contacts include executives, administrators, faculty, students, and staff of the university at large. External contacts include alumni, consultants, representatives from other colleges and universities, visitors, and the general public.**PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:**· Provide strategic, holistic, high-level oversight and direction for the Center· Works closely with the Chief of Staff and Business Manager to manage grant spending and tracking for the CJD’s multi-million dollar grant portfolio· Works closely with the Chief of Staff, Business Manager and Development Manager to supervise the development and monitoring of grant proposal budgets and grant reports, ensuring alignment with the University advancement team and relevant grant accounting offices.· Creates, in collaboration with division heads, budgets for programming· Lead Center staff and directors in developing and implementing programs and ensure alignment across the Center’s strategic pillars· Identify and execute strategic partnerships within and outside of the university· Develop and execute fundraising campaigns in partnership with the Development Manager· Serve as spokesperson to represent the Center externally in public, professional, and community activities· Foster an inclusive and productive team culture· Create a space for professional development of team members· Ensure that the work of the Center is aligned with the Founding Director’s vision and proceeds in a timely and fiscally responsible manner· Set clear, measurable goals to direct the Center’s ongoing work and develop systems to evaluate progress towards those goals· Lead the development and launch of new projects as appropriate for the Center.· Perform other duties as assigned.**CORE COMPETENCIES:**· At least 10 years of experience leading and managing a team of 10+ individuals.· Demonstrated ability to organize and bring together a team in pursuit of common, measurable goals· Familiarity with journalism and investigative reporting; journalism experience preferred.· Proven success in managing multiple, complex, high-profile projects.· Demonstrated success performing and leading in a high growth/startup environment.· Fundraising experience· Experience developing systems and processes in support of implementing a high-level vision.· Comfort with developing and managing budgets, including management of intake and use of philanthropic funds.· Proven experience in successfully navigating and building partnerships across large, complex organizations.· Willingness to provide and receive direct, constructive feedback· Passion for working with students and HBCUs· Ability to prepare and maintain timely and accurate reports and correspondence.· Extensive experience in the use of computers and experience in word processing, spread sheets, database, and power point applications.· Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse population. Must be detail oriented and organized.· Ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high-level of confidentiality.· Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations and work collaboratively across functions, levels, and departments toward shared objectives.· Experience navigating policy requirements at an academic institution**MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS**· Advance degree (Master’s, JD, LLM, Ph.D or equivalent) and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience**Compliance Salary Range Disclosure**$147,000-$170,000### About UsHoward University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world.Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280.**This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.** #J-18808-Ljbffr