Executive Director of Access and Extension

Executive Director of Access and Extension

Georgia Institute of Technology

A NATIONAL LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITHIN THE COLLEGE OF LIFETIME LEARNING

Search conducted by Ferra Executive Search

The Role In Context

Georgia Institute of Technology seeks an accomplished academic leader to serve as Executive Director of Access and Extension within the College of Lifetime Learning. This faculty appointment will guide large-scale research, program delivery, and outreach initiatives designed to expand access to STEM learning and workforce development opportunities across Georgia and beyond.

Founded in 2024, the College of Lifetime Learning advances the science and practice of learning systems designed for a world of constant change. The Executive Director of Access and Extension plays a central role in translating this mission into broad public impact—building partnerships, expanding educational reach, and strengthening capacity for lifelong learning across diverse communities.

This position leads an interdisciplinary unit focused on research-informed programming, rural STEM expansion, and workforce preparedness aligned with Georgia and University System of Georgia priorities. The role requires strategic coordination with Institute leadership, state and federal agencies, industry partners, and community stakeholders to ensure that Georgia Tech’s educational resources are deployed effectively and sustainably.

The Executive Director serves as a catalyst for outreach and engagement across Georgia Tech units, supporting the Institute’s strategic plan while advancing the College’s Strategy ’35 vision to expand dual enrollment, distance learning, and new learning modalities that reach growing populations. At scale, this work contributes to the College’s long-term goal of reaching five million learners.

This role requires the ability to align research, program delivery, philanthropic development, and revenue-generating initiatives to ensure both financial sustainability and measurable learning outcomes. The Executive Director will lead with a strong orientation toward growth, accountability, and public impact.

Why This Role

This position offers the opportunity to shape how a leading public research university expands access to high-quality STEM learning and workforce development. The Executive Director will guide statewide and regional engagement strategies that strengthen communities while reinforcing Georgia Tech’s public mission.

Why Now

As economic, technological, and workforce demands evolve, access to flexible, high-quality STEM education is increasingly central to regional competitiveness and community resilience. Georgia Tech seeks a leader who can expand its reach across rural and underserved communities while building durable partnerships and measurable impact models.

Why Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech’s research intensity, technological expertise, and statewide footprint create a distinctive platform for advancing access and extension initiatives. The Institute’s commitment to public service and innovation positions it to lead efforts that connect learning, economic development, and community capacity building.

Core Responsibilities

The Executive Director of Access and Extension provides senior leadership for large-scale outreach, workforce development, and community engagement initiatives within the College of Lifetime Learning. The role requires strategic partnership development, research-informed program design, and disciplined financial stewardship aligned with public impact.

STRATEGIC ACCESS AND OUTREACH LEADERSHIP

• Lead an interdisciplinary unit focused on large-scale research, program delivery, and expansive outreach to build capacity for lifelong learning across Georgia and beyond.
• Serve as a catalyst for Georgia Tech units in expanding engagement with pre-college and community-based learners in alignment with the Institute’s strategic plan.
• Advance dual enrollment, distance learning, and emerging learning modalities designed to increase access and reach across diverse populations.
• Align outreach efforts with the College’s Strategy ’35 goals, including expansion toward a long-term objective of five million learners.

STATEWIDE STEM EXPANSION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

• Lead programmatic and research initiatives that support Georgia and University System of Georgia priorities for expanding STEM learning and career preparedness in rural counties.
• Partner with local industry and community stakeholders to align lifelong learning initiatives with regional economic development goals.
• Strengthen workforce development pathways that connect education, industry needs, and long-term employability.
• Ensure programs reflect measurable outcomes and contribute to sustainable community capacity building.

PARTNERSHIP ECOSYSTEM AND POLICY ENGAGEMENT

• Develop and lead a robust network of partners across local, state, and federal agencies to advance research-informed programming and policy.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for Georgia Tech units regarding outreach and engagement with pre-college and community partners.
• Represent the College in statewide and national conversations on access, preparedness, and workforce innovation.
• Strengthen cross-college collaboration to ensure coordinated engagement strategies.

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP AND GROWTH

• Ensure fiscal sustainability of supported research and outreach initiatives through grants, philanthropy, and revenue-generating programs.
• Align financial planning with programmatic growth strategies that strengthen Georgia Tech’s brand and public impact.
• Establish clear reporting mechanisms to demonstrate financial and learning outcome return on investment to stakeholders.
• Maintain accountability for both fiscal performance and educational quality.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND CAPACITY BUILDING

• Lead and mentor interdisciplinary teams engaged in research, outreach, and program delivery.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and measurable impact.
• Build internal infrastructure that supports scalable engagement across communities and regions.
• Ensure alignment between research insights, program implementation, and institutional priorities.

Academic Background and Professional Experience

Georgia Institute of Technology seeks a scholar-leader whose experience reflects distinction in research, demonstrated success securing external funding, and sustained leadership in outreach, workforce development, or community-engaged initiatives. The successful candidate will bring the credibility and strategic maturity necessary to operate at the intersection of research, public engagement, and institutional growth.

This role requires the ability to translate research-informed insight into scalable programming that advances economic development and educational access. The Executive Director must be comfortable leading across institutional boundaries, stewarding financial performance, and building durable partnerships at local, state, and federal levels.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND AND CREDENTIALS

• Earned doctoral or terminal degree in a relevant discipline required. Faculty appointment at a rank commensurate with scholarly record and experience. More information on the determination of faculty rank, promotion and tenure evaluation is available online in the GT Faculty Handbook in section 3.3.4 here .
• Distinguished record of scholarly research consistent with a research-intensive public university.
• Demonstrated contribution to areas related to learning systems, artificial intelligence, simulation modeling, organizational learning, or interdisciplinary research domains aligned with the College’s mission.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Seven to ten or more years of progressively responsible leadership in higher education, research, outreach, or workforce development environments.
• Demonstrated success securing and managing externally funded grants and philanthropic resources.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams across academic and operational functions.
• Experience developing and scaling outreach initiatives that serve diverse or geographically distributed populations.
• Demonstrated ability to align educational programming with regional economic development priorities.
• Experience managing budgets and ensuring financial sustainability of complex initiatives.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with industry partners, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated engagement with STEM education, workforce development, economic development, or community-based learning initiatives.

About Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology is a leading public research university situated in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1885, Georgia Tech is recognized nationally and globally for its commitment to technological innovation, academic rigor, and public impact. The Institute serves more than 50,000 undergraduate, graduate, and executive students across programs in engineering, computing, science, business, design, and the liberal arts.

Georgia Tech’s research enterprise exceeds $1.4 billion annually and spans disciplines ranging from artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing to sustainability, semiconductors, biomedical technology, and national security. The Institute ranks among the nation’s top universities for research and development expenditures and maintains strong partnerships with industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.

As a public institution within the University System of Georgia, Georgia Tech is guided by principles of integrity, excellence, accountability, and respect. Its mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. This commitment extends beyond traditional degree pathways to include innovative models of education that respond to workforce evolution, technological change, and societal need. The Institute identifies nine core values that guide its work.

The College of Lifetime Learning operates within this broader institutional framework, contributing to Georgia Tech’s strategic focus on accessibility, innovation, and public service. The Institute’s scale, technological expertise, and industry engagement provide a distinctive environment for advancing learning systems that are adaptable, research-informed, and aligned with real-world outcomes.

Organizational Context and Reporting Structure

THE COLLEGE OF LIFETIME LEARNING

Founded in 2024, the College of Lifetime Learning represents a strategic evolution in how Georgia Institute of Technology advances education across the full arc of life. As a research- driven academic college, it integrates academic rigor, workforce-aligned learning, and flexible pathways designed to meet the needs of learners at every stage—from early exploration through advanced study and professional reinvention.

The College was established in recognition of the accelerating pace of technological, economic, and workforce change. Traditional degree models alone are no longer sufficient for careers and communities that evolve continuously. The College advances the science and practice of learning systems that adapt over time, emphasizing stackable credentials, learner agency, reduced friction, and sustained engagement.

Through research, teaching, and engagement, the College contributes to Georgia Tech’s broader mission to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. Its work spans degree programs, non-credit credentials, applied research initiatives, and outreach efforts that extend the Institute’s impact across communities.

REPORTING STRUCTURE AND SCOPE

The Executive Director of Access and Extension serves as a senior leader within the College and reports to the Associate Dean for Research, Development, & Innovation (or designated senior academic leader). The role operates at the center of the College’s outreach and extension strategy, aligning research-informed programming with statewide engagement initiatives.

The Executive Director leads an interdisciplinary unit focused on large-scale outreach, workforce development, and community capacity building. The position works in close coordination with the Director of Global Operations to maximize the impact of local and regional atrium locations across counties in Georgia and beyond.

The role requires close collaboration with Institute leadership, colleges and schools across Georgia Tech, local and regional industry partners, philanthropic stakeholders, and state and federal agencies. As the College advances its Strategy ’35 goals, the Executive Director will play a central role in expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring sustainable growth of engagement initiatives.

This position demands institutional fluency, partnership acumen, and the ability to translate research and strategic priorities into measurable public impact.

Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia Institute of Technology is located in Atlanta, one of the nation’s largest and most influential metropolitan areas. Atlanta serves as a major center for higher education, government, healthcare, business, and transportation, and plays a significant role in the economic and civic life of the southeastern United States.

The Atlanta metropolitan region is home to more than six million residents and a diverse range of institutions and organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, research universities, nonprofit organizations, and federal and state agencies. The city’s economy spans technology, healthcare, logistics, finance, media, and advanced manufacturing, creating a dynamic and interconnected professional environment.

Atlanta offers a broad range of cultural, educational, and civic resources. The city is home to nationally recognized museums, performing arts organizations, and historic institutions, as well as extensive park systems and public spaces. Neighborhoods throughout the region provide a variety of residential options, reflecting the city’s size and diversity.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport provides direct access to destinations throughout the United States and around the world, supporting national and international engagement. Georgia Tech’s centrally located campus allows for close connection to the region’s professional, governmental, and cultural institutions.

For leaders seeking a setting that combines professional opportunity, public engagement, and institutional complexity, Atlanta provides a substantive and well-connected environment.

About Ferra Executive Search

Ferra Executive Search is a boutique executive search firm with experience recruiting senior leaders for research universities, complex public institutions, and mission-driven organizations. The firm works closely with governing boards, presidents, chancellors, and senior administrators on searches that require judgment, discretion, and institutional fluency.

Ferra is known for a hands-on, highly engaged approach. Searches are led directly by senior consultants who remain closely involved throughout the process, from early consultation and candidate development through final selection. The firm places particular emphasis on understanding institutional context, leadership expectations, and the sensitivities associated with high-profile and regulated roles.

This search is led by Kevin Ferra, President and Founder of Ferra Executive Search. Kevin brings more than two decades of experience working with senior leaders in higher education and other complex environments. He is known for his thoughtful, candidate-centered approach and for conducting searches with professionalism, care, and discretion.

Ferra is committed to a search process that is thorough, confidential, and respectful of both candidates and institutions. All inquiries and conversations are handled with appropriate sensitivity, recognizing the professional responsibilities and standing of individuals currently serving in senior leadership roles.

Procedure for Candidacy

Georgia Institute of Technology has retained Ferra Executive Search to assist with this important search. Applications, nominations, and inquiries are welcomed and will be handled in confidence.

Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest addressing relevant experience, leadership approach, and alignment with the responsibilities of the role. Materials should reflect experience in strategic portfolio leadership, academic collaboration, revenue stewardship, and innovation in learning systems, as applicable.

Nominations of qualified individuals are encouraged and may be submitted in confidence. Additional information regarding the search timeline and process will be shared with candidates as appropriate. References will not be contacted without a candidate’s knowledge.

For inquiries, nominations, or to apply, please email:

Kevin Ferra, President and Founder

Ferra Executive Search

[email protected]

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (“USG”) and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual’s race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

More information on these policies can be found here: (Board of Regents Policy Manual, University System of Georgia, usg.edu ).