Assistant Director, Operations - Engage KY

Northern-Kentucky-University; Highland Heights (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Kentucky University is seeking an Assistant Director of Operations for EngageKY to lead budgeting, financial planning, contract management, and grant lifecycle oversight.

This fixed-term role partners with NKU's Office of Research, Grants & Contracts to ensure compliance, transparent reporting, and sound resource allocation, supporting program directors and the Executive Director.

Job description

Position Title:Assistant Director, Operations - Engage KYPosition Type:Fixed Term (Fixed Term)About the Role:The Assistant Director of Operations is a critical organizational leader who ensures EngageKY's financial health, grant compliance, and operational integrity. This role oversees the full arc of grants and contracts work in close partnership with the NKU Office of Research, Grants & Contracts (RGC) — from pre-award processes through post-award compliance and reporting — while serving as a trusted financial partner to program directors, the executive director, and EngageKY's broader team. This is a highly visible, strategic role. The Assistant Director of Operations is a collaborative presence across the organization — meeting regularly with program directors, RGC, building financial literacy among staff, and helping EngageKY make sound, strategic decisions with its resources. The Assistant Director supervises two full-time and three part-time staff members.EngageKY is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and solutions-oriented Assistant Director of Operations to help ensure the organization has the financial systems, resources, and operational infrastructure needed to advance its mission. This position serves as a key partner to the Executive Director and program leaders, translating financial information into clear insights and strategic decisions. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable working with budgets and spreadsheets, discussing grant finances with program staff, managing contracts, and solving operational challenges.The Assistant Director will lead EngageKY's organizational budgeting and financial planning, including annual budget development, spending projections, invoice management, financial reporting, and analysis. The position will oversee contracts and procurement, ensuring compliance with NKU requirements, effective management of vendors and contractors, and accurate, audit-ready records. The Assistant Director will also supervise various operations staff to build a collaborative team culture and sustainable systems that support EngageKY's continued growth.Working closely with NKU's Office of Research, Grants & Contracts, the Assistant Director will provide leadership across the full grant lifecycle. Responsibilities include identifying and assessing funding opportunities, developing grant budgets, reviewing proposals for financial accuracy, coordinating submissions, leading grant kickoffs, monitoring compliance and spending, preparing financial reports, managing amendments and budget modifications, and ensuring effective use of grant management systems. The position will work closely with program directors to identify financial trends, address challenges early, and keep grants and programs on track.This is an opportunity to play a central role in the next chapter of EngageKY. The Assistant Director will help connect finance, grants, operations, people, and strategy—ensuring that strong stewardship and smart systems translate into greater capacity and impact for students, communities, and partners across Kentucky.Posted Salary:Work Environment & Physical Demands: