Job TitleIHDI DirectorRequisition NumberRE49325Working TitleDepartment Name40526:Interdisciplinary Human DeveloWork LocationLexington, KYGrade Level00Salary RangeType of PositionStaffPosition Time Status Full-TimeRequired Education
No set minimum requirements.
Click here for more information about equivalencies:https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalenciesRequired Related Experience
No set minimum requirements.
Required License/Registration/Certification
None.
Physical Requirements
While there are physical, psychosocial and cognitive requirements of the position, the job duties can be accommodated for essential functions being completed in a variety of ways.
Shift
Monday-Friday – 30 hrs./wk.
Job Summary
The Executive Director of the Human Development Institute (HDI) will provide visionary leadership, strategic oversight, and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance the institute’s mission. The Executive Director will drive HDI’s mission forward, ensuring impactful research and innovation in the field of disabilities.
This role encompasses three core areas of responsibility:
- Strategic Leadership of the Research Center – Develop and implement HDI’s mission, goals, and objectives aligned with the University of Kentucky’s (UK) Strategic Plan. Foster a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment and ensure compliance with UK policies and regulations.
- Management of Human Capital & Financial Resources – Oversee a multi-million dollar annual budget and develop a sustainable business plan. Provide administrative leadership for senior personnel and establish career pathways to support professional development.
- Interdisciplinary Research Leadership – Cultivate a dynamic research ecosystem that promotes innovation in disability research. Drive internal and external collaborations, positioning HDI as a leader in cutting-edge research.
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct HDI’s operations, including budgeting, personnel management, research initiatives, educational programs, and service offerings.
- Oversee both the UCEDD Center and the LEND program.
- Supervise senior staff and ensure effective program prioritization.
- Develop and execute a long-term strategic plan with measurable success metrics.
- Serve as the primary advisor to the Vice President for Research and other University leaders, providing guidance on resource allocation, faculty engagement, and operational efficiencies.
- Secure and administer funding through core budget management and strategic financial planning.
This search is being led by UK’s internal Executive Search Team. For more information about the position, please contact Mary Beth Bracken at 859-257-3348 or via email at marybeth.bracken@uky.edu.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Qualified candidates will have a terminal Degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience in human development and/or developmental disabilities field. Candidates should have an established research activity and publication portfolio, budget management experience, excellent communication skills, and leadership experience. In addition, candidates will have a proven track record of securing research funding and conducting human development focused research. This role requires a proven leader with expertise in multidisciplinary research, financial stewardship, and strategic planning. This position will have a faculty appointment if the selected candidate’s prior work history, skills and qualifications align with the discipline specific unit missions.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? YesPreferred Education/ExperienceDeadline to Apply05/11/2025Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
