Business Development Center Director

Location: Lexington, KYThe Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC) State Director is a dynamic statewide leadership role focused on advancing entrepreneurship, strengthening small businesses, and driving economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The State Director provides executive leadership for the Kentucky SBDC network and translates its mission, vision, and strategy into impactful programs, services, and annual priorities. This position oversees network operations, program performance, and financial affairs; ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, federal grant requirements, national accreditation standards, and cooperative agreement terms; and serves as the U.S. Small Business Administration's principal point of contact for the network. The State Director sets a clear vision for excellence, leads and develops a talented statewide team, stewards personnel and financial resources, expands and strengthens strategic partnerships and funding opportunities, and continually enhances the delivery of high-quality services to Kentucky's entrepreneurs and small businesses.

About the Role: Provides executive leadership, oversight, and operational direction for the statewide Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in accordance with federal SBDC requirements and the cooperative agreement. The State Director dedicates not less than 75 percent of their time to the supervision and control of SBDC operations and is vested with the authority necessary to direct personnel, budgets, and expenditures. Leads the strategic and operational administration of the SBDC, working collaboratively with the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Cooperative Extension, other University units, public and private-sector partners, and the statewide SBDC service network to strengthen small-business development, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity throughout Kentucky.

Why Join Us: At the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, you'll find a community that values collaboration, growth, and recognition. Benefits of joining our team include:

• Exceptional benefits package.
• A formal mentoring program to support your professional development
• Access to a staff development fund for continued learning and skill building
• Dedicated staff recognition programs that celebrate your contributions
• A shared commitment to making the University of Kentucky the University of, for, and with Kentucky
• Join us in shaping the future of teaching and learning—where innovation meets impact.
• We're a Great College to Work ForThe University of Kentucky is a great college to work for, according to a 2021 survey conducted by Modern Think. For the fourth consecutive year, the university has been recognized by the research and consulting leader in the work environment.

Benefits: The University of Kentucky is proud to offer a generous employee benefits package. We provide insurance, retirement savings, tools for your financial security and many benefits for your well-being. Working at UKUK offers professionals a wide array of fulfilling opportunities for staff and faculty. We offer a supportive work environment and the shared goal of supporting the greater good of our students, patients and colleagues. Join us, and you'll be part of something truly special. Our University is recognized worldwide for excellence in teaching, research and service and as a catalyst for intellectual, social, cultural and economic development.