Co-Director - Harvesting Potential Program at Kentucky State University – Frankfort, Kentucky
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About This Position
TITLE: Co-Director – Harvesting Potential Agricultural Introduction Program
DEPARTMENT: Office of Research and Innovation
REPORTS TO: Principal Director
CLASSIFICATION: Temporary
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
STANDARD WORK HOURS: Part-time (Approximately 20 hours per week)
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Temporary
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY:
The Program Co-Director provides leadership and day-to-day management of the USDA-funded Harvesting Potential Agriculture Introduction Program at Kentucky State University. This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing program operations to ensure successful delivery of agricultural education, workforce development and experiential learning activities. Working under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Program Co-Director coordinates program schedules, supervises staff and student mentors, manages participant engagement, and ensures compliance with university policies and federal grant requirements. The Program Director serves as the primary operational lead and liaison among university departments, community partners, and industry stakeholders to support participant success and achievement of program goals.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Provide day-to-day leadership and operational management of the Harvesting Potential Program.
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee program schedules, workshops, field experiences, training sessions, and program activities.
- Ensure program implementation aligns with grant objectives, timelines, and required deliverables. Supervise part-time staff and student mentors, including training, scheduling, and performance monitoring.
- Coordinate participant recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and retention efforts.
- Maintain accurate program records and documentation to support reporting and evaluation requirements. Assist the Principal Investigator with grant compliance, reporting, and program assessment activities.
- Serve as liaison between Kentucky State University, community partners, agricultural professionals, and industry stakeholders.
- Coordinate guest speakers, site visits, and experiential learning opportunities.
- Support a safe, structured, and educational learning environment for program participants.
- Oversee logistical coordination including communications, transportation planning, and event implementation.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced program environment. Effective written and verbal communication skills with diverse audiences.
- Ability to supervise, mentor, and support staff and student employees.
- Knowledge of educational programming, workforce development, or youth engagement practices. Understanding of federal grant compliance, reporting, and documentation requirements.
- Strong problem-solving and independent decision-making abilities.
- Ability to build collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data tracking or program management systems.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgement.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- This position does have supervisory responsibility.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Other related duties as assigned in support of program operations, participant engagement activities, and grant implementation.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, agriculture, workforce development, student affairs, or a related field with three (3) to five (5) years of experience directly related to program management, educational programming, workforce initiatives, or project coordination; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Preferred: Master’s degree and experience working with federally funded or grant-supported programs.
Licensing and Certifications: NA
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work performed primarily in an office and campus environment with periodic outdoor agricultural and experiential learning activities.
- Occasional evening and weekend hours required to support program events and participant activities. Local and regional travel required for site visits, outreach, and partner engagement.
- Ability to lift and transport program materials and supplies up to approximately 25 pounds may be required.
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.
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Job Location
Job Location
This job is located in the Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601, United States region.