Program Director of Outreach and Partnerships

Application Due Date: Preference given to applications received by Nov. 7, 2025
Location: Frankfort, KY, with limited telecommuting
Travel: Statewide and limited out-of-state travel
Compensation: $84,000 - $90,000
Retirement: TIAA

The Program Director of Outreach and Partnerships will lead the strategic communication, development, outreach and growth of Futuriti, the Council on Postsecondary Education’s career and college advising website. Led by CPE’s Chief Communications Officer (CCO), the director will collaborate with full communications team and other units within CPE to ensure Futuriti content meets the agency’s strategic agenda in a student-facing manner. The program director will also assist the CCO in managing special division projects.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with a strategic mindset, exceptional communication skills and a passion for education and workforce development public policy.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Communication:

• Build upon a statewide outreach strategy to promote Futuriti resources and professional development.
• Develop and maintain high-quality, accessible website content for a statewide student-focused digital platform that informs users about postsecondary education pathways, careers, and related resources.
• Create engaging, student-friendly messaging and visual content for social media channels to drive traffic to the website and support outreach goals.
• Work with all CPE units to create and implement standards-aligned instructional materials, lesson plans, toolkits, and training guides to help educators and advisors integrate the website into advising, counseling, and classroom settings.
• Increase platform engagement across all stakeholder groups statewide.
• Meet goals and objectives set for Futuriti by CPE Executive Leadership.
• Craft strategic communication plans that highlight Futuriti’s value in college and career planning and workforce development.
• Ensure all messaging aligns with CPE’s mission and resonates with various audiences across the state.

Program Management:

• Work with CCO, and web development vendor to develop and enhance platform resources, including content, tools and user experience.
• Manage budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and program efficiency.

Partnership Development and Collaboration:

• Build and sustain relationships with various stakeholders including school districts, adult education centers, unemployment offices, military affairs offices, businesses, chambers of commerce, and community organizations.
• Collaborate with partners to identify and address gaps in education and workforce resources.

Outreach and Engagement:

• Create and implement targeted outreach initiatives to increase awareness and usage of Futurti in various settings across the state.
• Promote Futuriti at conferences, meetings, events and media engagements.
• Develop and deliver presentations that inspire and inform stakeholders about the importance of postsecondary attainment.
• Develop marketing campaigns and communication strategies that effectively reach key audiences.

Fundraising and Grant Management:

• Work with CCO to expand Futuriti funding opportunities.
• Prepare compelling grant proposals and manage awarded funds effectively.
• Cultivate relationships with potential funders and stakeholders to secure ongoing support.

Team Leadership:

• Collaborate strategically with CPE’s communications team to effectively promote the projects, events and resources of Futuriti.
• Work in partnership with the CCO to prioritize, coordinate and advance key projects and strategic initiatives.
• Develop and deliver clear and concise agendas, reports and presentations to supportCPE operations and objectives.
• Lead and manage ad hoc projects and special initiatives, ensuring successful planning, execution and oversight to meet organizational goals.

Evaluation and Reporting:

• Prepare regular reports for leadership and stakeholders to demonstrate program impact.

• Use data and stakeholder feedback to refine outreach efforts and enhance resources.

Qualifications – Education and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field; master’s degree in public administration or related field preferred.

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in education content development, or digital communications—especially in K-12, higher education, or workforce development contexts.

• Skills:

• • Proven leadership and strategic planning abilities.
  • Strong understanding of the comprehensive education system, education and workforce pipelines, and workforce development in Kentucky.
  • Excellent written communication, presentation and public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong program management, budgeting and grant-writing skills.
  • Experience in partnership development, stakeholder engagement and advocacy efforts across diverse groups.
  • Proficiency with web platform management, analytics and digital communication.
  • Proficiency with digital content tools (e.g., CMS platforms, Canva/Adobe Creative Suite, Google Workspace).
  • Passion for improving education access and workforce development across the state.

Application Information

Interested applicants should send a letter of application specifically addressing the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, a resume, and the names, titles, and contact information for at least three professional references to CPE.HR@ky.gov.