University of Kentucky
Principal Extension Specialist for Programming and Strategic Initiatives
🇺🇸
Lexington, KY
🕑
Full-Time
💰
$72K - $119K
💻
Other
🗓️
May 15th, 2026
IRB
Edtech.com's Summary
University of Kentucky is hiring a Principal Extension Specialist for Programming and Strategic Initiatives. The role involves advancing Cooperative Extension priorities through strategic program development, organizational leadership, grantsmanship, partnership building, research coordination, and personnel supervision while leading high-impact initiatives and fostering collaboration across sectors.
Highlights
- Lead strategic program development and organizational leadership within Cooperative Extension.
- Manage grants, foster partnerships, coordinate research, and supervise personnel.
- Support applied research, program evaluation, and Extension capacity building.
- Perform program and project design, implementation, evaluation, and leadership with substantial independent judgment.
- Requires a PhD and at least 5 years of related experience.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Salary range: $72,405 - $119,496 per year.
- Position involves lifting up to 50 lbs and may include some evening and weekend work.
- Supervisory responsibilities included.
- Department: Program and Staff Development, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Principal Extension Specialist for Programming and Strategic Initiatives Full Description
Principal Extension Specialist for Programming and Strategic Initiatives
Posting Details
Job Title | Principal Extension Specialist for Programming and Strategic Initiatives
Requisition Number | RE54406
Working Title |
Department Name | 81170:Program and Staff Development
Work Location | Lexington, KY
Grade Level | 49
Salary Range | $72,405-119,496/year
Type of Position | Staff
Position Time Status | Full-Time
Required Education | PhD
Click here for more information about equivalencies: | https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience | 5 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification | Driver’s License required
Physical Requirements | Lifting, pushing or pulling objects up to 50 lbs.
Shift | Primarily days, some possible evening and weekend activities.
Job Summary | This Principal Extension Specialist for Programming and Strategic Initiatives serves as a senior Extension leader advancing Cooperative Extension priorities through strategic program development, organizational leadership, grantsmanship, partnership building, research coordination, and personnel supervision. The position leads high-impact initiatives, fosters cross-sector collaboration, supports applied research and program evaluation, and strengthens Extension capacity through innovative programming, resource development, and operational leadership.
About the RolePerforms on par with faculty in program and project design, implementation, evaluation, and leadership. Exercises substantial independent judgment, develops innovative approaches to complex issues, and contributes to statewide and national leadership in Cooperative Extension. This position is soft-funded.
Why Join UsAt 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.
To find out more about Martin-Gatton CAFE and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky, Click Here.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities |
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? | Yes
Preferred Education/Experience | PhD.
Deadline to Apply | 05/21/2026
Our 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.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
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.
Requisition Number | RE54406
Working Title |
Department Name | 81170:Program and Staff Development
Work Location | Lexington, KY
Grade Level | 49
Salary Range | $72,405-119,496/year
Type of Position | Staff
Position Time Status | Full-Time
Required Education | PhD
Click here for more information about equivalencies: | https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience | 5 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification | Driver’s License required
Physical Requirements | Lifting, pushing or pulling objects up to 50 lbs.
Shift | Primarily days, some possible evening and weekend activities.
Job Summary | This Principal Extension Specialist for Programming and Strategic Initiatives serves as a senior Extension leader advancing Cooperative Extension priorities through strategic program development, organizational leadership, grantsmanship, partnership building, research coordination, and personnel supervision. The position leads high-impact initiatives, fosters cross-sector collaboration, supports applied research and program evaluation, and strengthens Extension capacity through innovative programming, resource development, and operational leadership.
About the RolePerforms on par with faculty in program and project design, implementation, evaluation, and leadership. Exercises substantial independent judgment, develops innovative approaches to complex issues, and contributes to statewide and national leadership in Cooperative Extension. This position is soft-funded.
Why Join UsAt 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.
To find out more about Martin-Gatton CAFE and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky, Click Here.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities |
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? | Yes
Preferred Education/Experience | PhD.
Deadline to Apply | 05/21/2026
Our 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.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
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.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * How many years of experience do you have with extramural funding development, grants management, sponsored projects, or compliance oversight?
- None
- More than 0, up through 1 year
- More than 1 year, up through 3 years
- More than 3 years, up through 5 years
- More than 5 years
- * How many years of experience do you have developing or supporting research-based educational programming, program evaluation, or applied research initiatives?
- None
- More than 0, up through 1 year
- More than 1 year, up through 3 years
- More than 3 years, up through 5 years
- More than 5 years
- * How many years of experience do you have coordinating research activities, including research compliance and/or IRB-related processes?
- None
- More than 0, up through 1 year
- More than 1 year, up through 3 years
- More than 3 years, up through 5 years
- More than 5 years
- * How many years of experience do you have building partnerships and collaborating across institutions, agencies, or stakeholder groups?
- None
- More than 0, up through 1 year
- More than 1 year, up through 3 years
- More than 3 years, up through 5 years
- More than 5 years
- * Do you have a valid driver's license and are you able to drive?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Academic Transcript
Optional Documents
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