Executive Director KNEDA

Job Title
Executive Director KNEDA

Requisition Number
RE53204

Working Title

Department Name
40550:Ctr For Applied Energy Res

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
00

Salary Range

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

BA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

10 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Sitting long periods of time. Standing or walking with objects up to 10 lbs.

Shift

Standard business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, primarily in-office and must be available for occasional business travel.

Job Summary

The Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority(KNEDA) serves as the nonregulatory, trusted state government agency on nuclear energy issues and development in the Commonwealth. The authority is statutorily tasked to support and facilitate the development of the nuclear energy ecosystem across the Commonwealth in a collaborative manner to enhance the Commonwealth’s economy, offer energy production and economic development opportunities that are safe, protect the environment across the Commonwealth, support community voices, increase energy education, and prepare a future workforce.

The Authority is seeking to fill the position of Executive Director. KNEDA is administratively attached to the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research. The director of the authority shall possess the skills and experience necessary to lead and grow the authority effectively, promote the safe and responsible development of nuclear energy, and achieve the authority’s statutory purposes as described in KRS 164.2802. The Executive Director will be responsible to the authority board and carry out the functions assigned by the board. The executive director will serve as subject matter expert and supervise authority staff. Duties will include proposing an annual work plan, developing public listening sessions, education materials and workshops, coordination with economic development stakeholders, promotion of Kentucky nuclear interests to industry, and necessary reporting. The executive director will represent the authority at the local, state, and national level. Proven leadership, technical abilities, and effective communication skills are required.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Utility planning, industrial economic development, public engagement, strong communication strategic planning skills.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Nuclear engineering or related scientific background. Utility operations or regulation, industrial economic development, or relevant areas of public policy. Experience in nuclear energy or nuclear materials is preferred.

Deadline to Apply
03/13/2026

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.