Executive Director of the Innovation Campus

Western Kentucky University (WKU)—a public, student centered, applied research university poised to achieve R2 status—seeks a visionary leader, risk taker, and relationship builder to serve as Executive Director of the Innovation Campus. Based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, a fast-growing city just an hour north of Nashville, WKU plays a central role in workforce development efforts, applied research activity, and regional economic development.

The WKU Innovation Campus is a 280,000-square-foot intellectual hub for collaboration among students, faculty, industry, and entrepreneurs that supports the translation of ideas into practical outcomes that drive economic growth. Through initiatives such as the Collaborative SmartSpace, Small Business Accelerator, specialized research centers, and industry partnerships, the campus supports cross-disciplinary, cross-sector activity and fosters innovation and economic development in the region.

The Executive Director will provide short- and long-term strategic leadership for the Innovation Campus, shaping a vision that can engage the community, potential partners, and funders. In addition, they will drive measurable outcomes that strengthen the university, industry, and the regional economy. This individual will work closely with university leadership, faculty, and external partners to attract industry collaboration, expand research commercialization, and foster entrepreneurial activity. As the chief administrative officer and face of the campus, the Executive Director will cultivate partnerships, guide programmatic development, and ensure effective operations and financial stewardship. This position offers a singular opportunity to join a university community that is marked by its bold approach and ambition, partner with regional leaders who are aligned around a shared vision for economic growth, and position the Innovation Campus as a leading driver of innovation, entrepreneurial activity, workforce development, and economic diversification in a growing region.

Western Kentucky University has retained the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to support this recruitment. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Applications (including resume and cover letter), inquiries, and nominations should be submitted in confidence below.

Jackie Mildner is leading this search with Keith Mason and Pamela Carty.