Job Title: Associate Director of Innovation – Defense (KSEF)

Company: Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC)

 Reports To: Executive Director, Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation (KSEF)

About KSTC: Since its founding in 1987, the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC) has been a pioneering force in driving science, technology, and innovative economic development throughout Kentucky. 

Vision and Mission: We envision a future where KSTC and Kentucky are recognized as national leaders enabling high-performing innovation ecosystems, where Kentucky ranks in the top half of states for innovation-driven economic development, and KSTC is recognized among peers as setting the benchmark for others to follow. With this vision in mind, our mission is clear: We champion innovation in knowledge, talent, and investment to accelerate the state's economic growth and competitiveness, securing a better future for all Kentuckians.

About KSEF: The Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation (KSEF) is an initiative of KSTC and it invests in people and their ideas, promoting innovation, new product development, and commercialization, to advance scientific and economic growth in Kentucky. Our team is responsible for supporting the local deep-technology entrepreneur ecosystem. Our work focuses on lowering the barriers to accessing competitive federal funding for research and tech commercialization. In contrast to equity-holding programs, we focus on accessing non-dilutive capital for the development of high-risk/high-reward innovations. The KSEF Executive Director is based in our Lexington, KY headquarters.  The team has a hybrid work policy.

Position Summary: The Associate Director of Innovation – Defense leads initiatives to strengthen Kentucky’s defense innovation ecosystem by managing projects, building partnerships between the Department of Defense, industry, and academia, and advancing commercialization of dual-use technologies through strategic coordination and non-dilutive funding opportunities. We are seeking a creative, passionate individual with an interest in doing good and helping others do good through tech innovations. Our team needs a person that is capable of serving independently as lead project coordinator, who is highly organized with strong people skills including diplomacy and tactfulness in handling sensitive client interactions. They should have an educational background and/or related industrial, government, or non-profit experience in the areas of science, engineering, economic development, project management, and/or consulting. 

As a team, we recognize that the above description may not be all-inclusive and capture all potential ideal candidates. If you are a highly organized, skilled, and passionate professional looking to make an impact in our community, we invite you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the overall project lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery of program milestones and successful execution of initiatives. 
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records to support decision-making, and help to prepare, track, and process reporting responsibilities.
• Engage with DoD entities, defense laboratories, Program Executive Offices (PEOs), and acquisition offices.
• Build partnerships with Kentucky-based companies and non-traditional vendors aligned with Defense innovation priority areas.
• Develop strategies that deepen regional defense innovation ecosystems and commercial sector collaboration.
• Strengthen the connection between academia, startups, and the DoD to promote dual-use technology solutions.
• In collaboration with the team, prepare reports and communications to keep partners informed.

Required Qualifications:

• Expertise in defense related technologies and at least four of these areas: science, engineering, grant writing, communications, administration, marketing, business development, project management, and/or consulting.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing performance management systems tied to the success of the programs.
• Knowledge of and experience in the use of databases and project management software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in project management, entrepreneurship, in defense innovation related fields.
• Knowledge of the Defense innovation SBIR grant process and experience with grant writing and application is highly desirable.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously. 
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with entrepreneurs, mentors, and stakeholders. 
• Able to combine strategy development with creativity and detail orientation to develop and implement transformational solutions. 
• Enjoy solving complex challenges and working across organizations in a self-motivated, self-directed environment.

Additional Information:

• The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required. Other duties may be assigned as determined by management.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.

KSTC is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Applications are now being accepted and will be processed as they are received, with screening for interviews beginning immediately.