Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp
POSITION: EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
The Executive Director serves as the primary position for the Bluegrass AgTech Development Corp (BADC). The Executive Director is responsible for leading the BADC’s operations aimed at cultivating a flourishing innovation ecosystem for entrepreneurs and startups within Kentucky's agtech sector. This position will boost Kentucky's economy by promoting innovative businesses and job opportunities in agriculture. It aims to encourage both local and global citizens to build careers, grow businesses, and improve lives in Kentucky.
DUTIES
& RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under direction of the Board of Directors,
lead day-to-day operations of the BADC, a nonprofit agricultural organization
based in Lexington, Kentucky
Drive the strategic vision of the BADC to
develop and provide a flourishing innovation ecosystem for entrepreneurs and
startups in the agtech sector in Kentucky
Retain and develop new organizational
partnerships and programming that raise funds and generate revenue to support
and expand operations of the BADC
Lead organizational management including
budgeting, legal and financial activities, other contracted services, and
hiring/assignment of duties if necessary
Manage BADC’s Challenge Grant program, including application, scoring, and awarding of grants, and oversee reporting and monitoring of grantee activities
Report to and communicate regularly with
BADC's Board of Directors and funding partners on items such as financial activities,
fundraising, partnership development, Challenge Grant programming, marketing,
etc. This includes regular written reporting, oral presentations, and other informal
communications as appropriate
Maintain active communication and
interaction with local, state, and national partners and resources for the
betterment of the organization. This may include participation in conferences,
meetings, professional programs, public appearances, newsletters, etc.
Mentor and assist emerging agtech companies
and projects as they move through development and startup phases. Assistance
may include connections to researchers, universities, or growers, introductions
to business management tools, and exploration of funding opportunities
Develop long-range planning to maintain
continuity and consistency in programming; identify long-range opportunities
and areas for improvement and recommend action accordingly
Maintain an awareness of new and emerging technologies
in the agtech sphere
Monitor and engage as appropriate with legislative action that may impact the agtech environment, and proactively engage with activities that could improve agtech development and Kentucky’s agribusiness climate. This may include position papers, meetings, bulletins, etc.
Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS,
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Commitment to the mission of the BADC with
a proven track record in the areas of agriculture, business and start-up
support, partnership development, fundraising, and grant management.
Ability to communicate and work alongside
existing partnerships including the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government,
the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the University of Kentucky
Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and Alltech.
Strong leadership skills and management
experience
Experience in organizational management,
planning, personnel, public relations, and finance
Ability to work with and meet deadlines
while handling multiple projects and tasks
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Excellent oral and written communication
skills
REQUIREMENTS:
To be considered, the applicant must have a
minimum of five (5) years of experience as an executive or employee in the
fields of agriculture, business development, organizational management, education
and research, or technology innovation. The applicant must have had direct,
demonstrable experience with business development activities and/or agtech
projects.
The applicant must clearly specify his or
her fulfillment of the minimum employment experience and qualifications stated
above in a cover letter accompanying his or her professional resume. Failure to
comply may warrant elimination of an applicant from further consideration.
A full-time equivalent level of service is
expected for this position. Both applications for direct employment and
applications for contract consultant services will be accepted.
The applicant must be willing and able to
travel (up to 20% of the time).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The BADC Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and education. To be considered for the position, please send your resume and cover letter to info@bluegrassagtech.org by October
13, 2024. Questions regarding the positions can be submitted to this email
address as well.