Senior Associate for Workforce and Economic Development

Position: Full-time, time-limited (funded through June 30, 2030)
Location: Frankfort, KY. (Hybrid; Kentucky-based workstation required)
Travel:  Occasional state-wide travel; limited out-of-state travel
Compensation: $60,000 - $70,000
Retirement: TIAA
Priority Deadline: Preference given to applications received by May 11, 2026   

About the Council

The Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) is Kentucky’s coordinating body for postsecondary education. CPE leads statewide efforts to strengthen the Commonwealth’s workforce, economy, and quality of life by improving Access to and success within a high-quality postsecondary education system.

 The Workforce and Economic Development unit works to align higher education outcomes with workforce and economic needs, supporting students, communities, employers, and Kentucky’s broader economy.

Position Overview

The Senior Associate will play a key role in advancing initiatives within the Workforce and Economic Development unit. This position focuses on managing public-private partnerships in healthcare and manufacturing and logistics, while supporting research, analysis, and reporting on higher education policy and workforce trends at the state, regional and national levels.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund (HWIF) and the Aerospace Education Reinvestment Opportunity Act (AERO)
• Execute the statutes and regulations related to HWIF and AERO, including contract development, internal and external reporting, and advisory committee management
• Build and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, including state agencies, employers, and postsecondary institutions
• Develop, analyze, and maintain workforce and postsecondary data related to healthcare and manufacturing and logistics
• Coordinate meetings, prepare materials, and arrange travel as needed
• Collaborate across CPE units to support student access, success and workforce outcomes
• Provide research and analysis on workforce and economic development trends related to KY’s top five workforce sectors to assist in setting and delivering on the unit’s objectives

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Required:

• Knowledge of state postsecondary and policy development process
• Minimum of three years of experience at a postsecondary institution or an education-related organization OR a master’s degree or above in public policy, education policy or related fields
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and evaluate short- and long-term projects related to postsecondary and workforce and economic development ecosystems
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

Preferred:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to develop innovative and sustainable processes or systems
• Demonstrated initiative and willingness to learn
• Commitment to mission-driven work

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit:

• A letter of application addressing the responsibilities and qualifications of the position
• A current resume
• Names, titles, and contact information for at least three professional references

Materials should be sent to CPE.HR@ky.gov.