Executive Director, Craft Academy for Science and Mathematics

The Craft Academy at Morehead State University is accepting applications for a full-time position as an Executive Director, Craft Academy for Science and Mathematics. Compensation is competitive and the position is eligible for either the KTRS state pension system or an Optional Retirement 401k Plan. The anticipated start date is negotiable, but preferably no later than July 1, 2026.

The Craft Academy provides over 200 students with postsecondary residential experience to complete their junior and senior years of high school while simultaneously being enrolled in college courses and primarily interested in STEM H fields. The Craft Academy is consistently ranked among the top academies in the U.S. and was founded in 2015. The college-level curriculum allows students to finish high school while also completing up to two years of university coursework.

This highly visible, high impact leadership opportunity is mission-critical for the University and has strong linkages to STEM H academic disciplines, innovation, internships and workforce development talent pipelines, undergraduate research, study abroad, service learning, entrepreneurship, and graduate and professional school aspirations for graduates of the academy.

Additional information about the Academy may be found at: https://www.moreheadstate.edu/academics/colleges/craft-academy/

Morehead State University is located in Morehead, KY, a designated Kentucky Trail Town, nestled in the Daniel Boone National Forest, in close proximity to Cave Run Lake. This location provides opportunities for a wide range of outdoor recreation activities. Morehead State University is recognized as one of the top public universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Morehead State University is relatively close to a number of larger cities including Lexington, KY, Louisville, KY, and Cincinnati, OH. Morehead State University delivers a strong and affordable education for friendly, ambitious students who thrive in a student-focused learning environment defined by small class sizes and faculty committed to teaching and student success.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The position of Executive Director provides leadership for the 18 /- staff members and over 200 students of the Academy in the areas of academic excellence, curricular alignment, student recruitment and retention, student residential life and activities, financial management of the Academy, graduation exercises, staffing, and overall student success experience. The position also requires an individual who may serve as point person and supervise university school-based services in the region and foster new and innovative opportunities in workforce talent beyond the current scope of the Academy. This position reports directly to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

REQUIREMENTS: Master’s Degree in a STEM H area, education, or other appropriate field. A documented record of administrative leadership in an educational setting with oversight of strategic planning, leading and supervising large teams of staff, operations, financial resource allocation, curricular alignment, administrative oversight of students and outcomes. Prior administrative experience as director or assistant director in a similar academy; or Experience as an assistant principal, principal, or higher, in a school district; or Equivalent administrative and supervisory experience in a position within a postsecondary education setting. Significant familiarity with high ability, high achieving high school students. Effective people skills, ability to handle student situations, effectively interact with both students, staff, parents, administrative offices, and others. Experience supervising a high-functioning staff. The ability to engender the respect and trust of multiple groups, and within the administrative environment of the campus. Ability to exercise sound judgement and perform in a leadership capacity with impact.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: STEM/technical/or polytechnical experience. Experience with workforce talent pipelines. A terminal degree relevant to the academy.

SPONSORSHIP: This position is not budgeted for Visa Sponsorship.

Morehead State University is a comprehensive, regionally focused university providing high quality instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The University has an enrollment of over 9,000 students. To apply, applicants should send a cover letter addressing their qualifications, a CV, and the names and contact information of 5 professional references electronically to Dr. Caroline Atkins, Director of Human Resources, c.atkins@moreheadstate.edu. Applicants received before February 18, 2026, will receive priority consideration, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is determined. References will be contacted only on finalists and after candidate permission. Contact the Office of Human Resources at (606) 783-2097 should you have questions the application process. MSU is an Equal Opportunity employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.