The University of Kentucky Office of the Vice President for Research is seeking experienced candidates currently employed by the University of Kentucky to apply for the position of Director of the Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment (TFISE). This senior level position reports to the Vice President for Research and is responsible for administration of the TFISE, including managing a $200K operating budget and a $5.1M endowment portfolio, personnel, research programs, productivity, and program prioritization. The Director will develop strategic plans for TFISE and new research, service, and facility programs; develop resources for new priorities and conduct research activities to develop new programs.
Qualified candidates will have a PhD and at least 10 years of related environmental research experience. Candidates should have an established research program, budget management experience, excellent communication skills, and leadership experience. Additional strengths will include skill with strategic planning; systems improvements; effective personnel management; excellent organizational and planning skills; attention to detail and follow-through; strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
The successful candidate will maintain their faculty appointment in their current college and the directorship would be a minimum of 30% effort.
About the Tracy Farmer Center for Sustainability and the Environment
The Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment (TFISE) was first established as the Center for the Environment in the year 2000. It was founded on a generous gift by Tracy Farmer, a long time Lexington area entrepreneur and horseman, and matched by Kentucky’s Research Challenge Trust Fund. Mr. Farmer noted the interrelated nature of a healthy environment, a vital economy, thriving communities and individual wellbeing. His vision was to create a center at the University of Kentucky, focused on equipping our current generation of Kentuckians to thrive by building the research, teaching, and outreach capacity to manage our shared environment for future generations.
Application materials should include the following:
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Cover letter summarizing your relevant experience
- The names and contact information of three individuals when prompted in the application (references will not be contacted without candidate approval)
- Include a letter of support from your department chair (under Specific Request 1).
If you have questions, please contact Judy Duncan at 859-257-8286 or via email at
jsbear0@uky.edu. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited.
