Transportation Center Director

Company: University of Kentucky
Location: Lexington
Posted on: April 10, 2021

Job Description:

Working Title Director of the Kentucky Transportation Center Department Name Work Location Lexington, KY Grade Level 00 Salary Range Type of Position Staff Position Time Status Full-Time Required Education No set minimum requirements. Click here for more information about equivalencies: Required License/Registration/Certification None Physical Requirements N/A Shift Job Summary The University of Kentucky is seeking an innovative leader to serve as our Director of the Kentucky Transportation Center ( KTC ). KTC , a multidisciplinary organization focused on a broad array of transportation issues, was formed in 1979 to conduct research, education, and technology exchange to support the transportation needs of Kentucky and the nation. KTC serves as the research arm of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet ( KYTC ) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration ( FHWA ) and is an administrative unit of the College of Engineering where it is physically located. KTC has distinguishing strengths in research related to construction, engineering, and preservation of transportation systems; intelligent transportation systems; pavement, materials, and structures; and traffic and safety. At the present time, the KTC annual operating budget is over $9.0 million, comprising a diverse portfolio of support deriving from the KYTC , the FWHA , and grants and contracts from other government agencies and private sponsors. The KTC staff includes 49 permanent staff, 29 temporary employees, and 20 student employees and is housed in 21,000 square feet of offices and laboratories, some of which are collocated with the Department of Civil Engineering and operated under a cooperative management agreement. The Director is a member of the College of Engineering Executive Committee and reports to the Dean of the College of Engineering. The Director also reports to an Advisory Committee, chaired by the Secretary of Transportation, and whose members include the KYTC representatives, College of Engineering administrators, and local lay and elected officials. The KTC Advisory Board helps to ensure that Center programs are aligned with the needs of its constituencies. A faculty appointment may be considered if the selected candidate's prior work history, skills and qualifications are such to warrant this consideration. The role of the Kentucky Transportation Center Director includes:
--- Provide the strategic vision and leadership to ensure research, education, and outreach excellence in the area of transportation that is also relevant and impactful for the University, the state, and the nation;
--- Provide effective and efficient stewardship of state and federal funding to conduct research, education, and technology exchange activities for the benefit of the state and national interest;
--- Attract additional resources to build a diverse, relevant, and impactful research portfolio;
--- Implement and manage plans, budgets, facilities, and equipment in a manner consistent with state and university policies to assure accomplishment of KTC strategy;
--- Recruit, retain, and develop a diverse professional staff, and empower innovation and excellence in transportation research;
--- Elevate the visibility of the KTC and develop productive relationships with government agencies, sponsors, and research partners. This search is being led by UK's Executive Search Service. For more information about the position, or to nominate an outstanding candidate, please contact Mary Beth Bracken at 859-257-3348 or via email at marybeth.bracken@uky.edu. Skills / Knowledge / Abilities To build from its existing strengths, the University seeks a strong and ethical leader with an outstanding record of accomplishment in the transportation field that will command the respect of colleagues and collaborators. The successful candidate will be an intellectual leader in the field with high emotional intelligence, ambitious vision, collegial style, and the energy to inspire the Center and its collaborators. Other attributes of the successful candidate include: --- Evidence of an understanding of the importance of a diverse staff and the empowerment that comes from an inclusive work environment;
--- A demonstrated passion for the research, education, and outreach mission of the KTC ;
--- An understanding of and visibility in the national transportation research professional community;
--- An ability to recruit talented researchers and staff and the ability to form an effective administrative team;
--- An excellent collaborator who can partner with academic units, state agencies, and other research organizations and their personnel;
--- A strong communicator who can represent the KTC and engage its various partners and stakeholders;
--- An ability to instill trust and confidence among others and a record demonstrating the highest degree of integrity, honesty, and fairness. Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes Preferred Education/Experience A master's degree and 10 years of experience in a transportation-related field is required; registration as a professional engineer is desirable. Suitably qualified candidates holding a doctoral degree will be considered for a faculty appointment in an appropriate academic unit. Deadline to Apply 03/28/2021 University Community of Inclusion The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place 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. Posting Specific Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you first hear about this opportunity, other than advertisement on UK's employment site?
  • Contacted by UK's Executive Search Service
  • AASHTO
  • Council of University Transportation Centers
  • American Society for Civil Engineers
  • Society of Women Engineers
  • Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
  • National Society of Black Engineers
  • Inside Higher Ed.com
  • Higher Ed Jobs.com
  • Diverse Issues in Higher Education
  • Insight Into Diversity
  • Latinos in Higher Ed
  • Indeed.com
  • A colleague, friend, and/or family member referral
  • Other

Keywords: University of Kentucky, Huntsville , Transportation Center Director, Professions , Lexington, Alabama