Employment Opportunities

Welcome to The Center for Rural Development’s online
employment application center!

You may review the posted positions by scrolling this page.

The online application is intended for use in evaluating your qualifications for employment. In order to be considered an applicant for the position(s) you have selected, you must complete the Certification and Release, the Notice and Disclosure, and the Release Authorization sections by selecting “Yes”.

To apply online click the link provided at the bottom of each posted position.
You may enter your information in the text box provided and/or attach your resume.
Though it is not required to proceed with the application, please provide Educational History, Work Experience, Professional License/Certifications and contact information for at least 3 professional references and 3 personal references.
All required information is denoted with an asterisk (*). You will not be able to continue to the next page unless all required information is complete.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to read all information before agreeing to the terms. To “agree” to the terms, simply put the cursor over the check box and click the left mouse button.

For an overview of the Online Application process, see the Online Application Tool

When you successfully submit your application, you will receive an email confirming receipt.

If you are referred for a position and selected for an interview, the hiring department will usually contact you within 2-4 weeks after the position is closed. Hiring Officials are not required to contact or interview all candidates who have been referred.

If you are not selected for an interview your resume will remain on file for one year. You will be contacted in the event our employment needs should change.

If you experience technical difficulties, please notify The Center’s Human Resources department by contacting:

Patricia Barron
Monday–Friday 8 am–5 pm:
606-677-6000 or email

THANK YOU in advance for your interest in career opportunities with The Center for Rural Development!

The Center for Rural Development
2292 S. Hwy. 27
Somerset, KY 42501

The Center for Rural Development is a national model for economic development in rural areas and operates a $15 million dollar facility that serves Southern and Eastern Kentucky with an array of economic development programs in agriculture, tourism, export assistance, small business development, industrial recruitment and telecommunications.

Current Employment Opportunities

Executive Vice President

The Center for Rural Development, located in Somerset, Kentucky, invites applications for the position of Executive Vice President. The Center is a national model for economic development in rural areas with a wide array of programs, serving a 42 county service area of Southern and Eastern Kentucky and beyond.

The position of Executive Vice President is an integral part of The Center’s overall mission. The position ensures that the mission and objectives of the organization are achieved through appropriate direction and management. A primary purpose of the position is to develop innovative ideas and solutions of potentially great significance to the organization. The Executive Vice President is responsible for directing and coordinating various activities of the organization to obtain optimum efficiency and economy of operations. With a purpose toward sustainability, the position assists with the oversight of assessments, planning and implementation of fee services, including technology solutions and services that will generate revenue for the organization. The position carries particular weight in formulating the organization’s strategic plan; retains accountability for multiple departments and reports to The President & CEO.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree, and preferably a Master’s Degree in a related field with seven or more years of work related experience or a combination of education and work experience.

Specific Skills Required:

Must possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of all aspects of technology
Excellence in organizational management
Unwavering commitment to quality programs, processes and procedures for the betterment of the organization
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to be adept at effectively presenting information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, develop direct reports, provide leadership and create a motivational environment
Action-oriented with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions

The Center is an equal opportunity institution. The closing deadline for applications is February 17, 2012 or until a suitable candidate is found. Starting date is immediate.

Click here to apply online

Community Liaison / Youth Program Coordinator

The Center for Rural Development (The Center), located in Somerset, Kentucky, invites applications for the position of Community Liaison/Youth Program Coordinator. The Center is a national model for economic development in rural areas, serving a forty-two county service area of Southern and Eastern Kentucky and beyond, with a wide array of programs.

The primary purpose of the Community Liaison/Youth Program Coordinator is to foster mutually beneficial relationships with key audiences in The Center’s 42-county service area (and beyond), including local government officials, civic, community and business leaders and other community organizations. Additionally, the position has the primary responsibility for the development, implementation and supervision of all Center youth programs that serve the purpose of strengthening entrepreneurship, community service and leadership qualities through The Center’s service areas. Youth Programs may include Rogers Scholars, Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (ELI), Rogers Explorers and other education youth leadership programs.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to raising awareness of and promoting The Center and its programs and solicit and share feedback with appropriate Center Staff. Additionally, the position participates in fundraising activities and is expected to participate with departmental programs and activities as assigned by the President and CEO.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree, with three to five years’ experience in a work related field, or a combination of education and work experience.

Specific Skills Required:

General:

Service-minded and articulate with ability to comprehend written and oral communication.
Must be a self-starter, outgoing and perceptive with strong organizational and interpersonal skills
Extensive travel is required as is occasional evening and weekend work.

Community Liaison:

Ability to demonstrate capacity to stay abreast of key Center programs and services
Excellent communication skills, including formal presentation skills before both small and large groups, with the ability to effectively raise awareness of the organization
Ability to work harmoniously and collaboratively in a variety of settings and diverse communities
Demonstrated understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures
Able to overcome obstacles and foster harmonious relationships
Produce Board Reports, activity and compliance reports, report detailed community meetings and activities to include but not limited to, meeting with Full Board members, regional meetings and events, and conferences,

Youth Program Coordinator:

Exercise good judgment, with capacity to efficiently coordinate multiple projects with highly demanding time frames
Project management and coordination, assuring objectives are successfully met with all youth programs
Demonstrate understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and educational backgrounds
Ability to implement and maintain a tracking system to record youth program outcomes.

The Center is an equal opportunity institution. The closing deadline for applications is February 24, 2012 or until a suitable candidate is found. Starting date is immediate.

Click here to apply online

Stage Hands

The Center for Rural Development, located in Somerset, Kentucky, invites applications for temporary, part-time stage hands in the theatre department. The Center is a national model for economic development in rural areas, serving a forty-two county service area of Southern and Eastern Kentucky with a wide array of programs.

Dedicated, dependable and hard working individuals are needed to assist in all areas of pre-show, performance and post-show duties. Stage hands are scheduled on an as-needed show-by-show basis; the position(s) are non-exempt with variable hours. The work varies and is often physical. The Center offers a competitive wage and an opportunity to experience live performances from a unique backstage view. The position(s) retain job specific accountability and report to the Associate Director of Arts and Culture.

Minimum qualifications: Must be at least 18 years old to apply. A High School Diploma or equivalent. Experience is preferred, especially in theatrical or concert productions. Carpentry, electrical, technical, mechanical, sound and lighting skills are all a plus, but not required. Individuals must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The successful applicant must have the ability to be a self-starter, dependable, and work well independently.

The Center is an equal opportunity institution.

Click here to apply online.

Housekeeping and Events Staff

The Center for Rural Development, located in Somerset, Kentucky, invites applications for full and/or part-time Housekeeping & Events Staff. The Center is a national model for economic development in rural areas, serving a forty-two county service area of Southern and Eastern Kentucky and beyond, with a wide array of programs.

Dedicated, dependable and hardworking individuals are needed to assist with janitorial and housekeeping services. The Housekeeping & Events Staff are scheduled on an as-needed basis; the position(s) are non-exempt with variable hours. The work varies and is often physical. Responsibilities include maintaining the building and surrounding areas in a clean and orderly fashion. Additionally the position(s) will assist with the systematic set up, breakdown and storage of equipment for a variety of events held at the facility, including, but not limited to training seminars, conventions, weddings, etc. The position(s) retain job specific accountability and report to the Director of Sales and Events.

Minimum qualifications: Must be at least 18 years old to apply. A High School Diploma or equivalent and related experience is preferred. The position(s) require excellent communication and interpersonal skills.