Exec Dir, Central Ops & Admin Svcs

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 83,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky seeks an Executive Director of Central Operations and Administrative Services in Lexington, KY, to lead day-to-day administrative functions for Student Success. This role manages budgets, facilities coordination, HR compliance, and supervises administrative staff, reporting to the AVP for Student Success.

The position requires advanced education in higher education administration and significant leadership experience, with collaboration across Finance & Administration, HR,

Qualifications

• MA degree required; MBA/MEd preferred and related higher-ed admin credentials.
• Seven years of leadership experience in higher education administration or related fields.
• Strong budget and operational management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day administrative functions and operating systems for Student Success.
• Oversee budget administration and financial controls for the unit.
• Coordinate facilities, HR compliance, and administrative staff supervision.
• Serve as primary operations contact with campus partners (Finance & Administration, HR, ITS, Facilities).

Skills

Budget management

HR compliance

Facilities coordination

Education

MA

Job description

Working Title Executive Director of Central Operations and Administrative Services

Department Name

Department Name 1B000: Student Success Administration

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 50

Salary Range

Salary Range $83,283-141,565/year

Type of Position

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

MA

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

sitting for long periods of time; lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 10 lbs

Shift

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Job Summary

The Executive Director of Central Operations and Administrative Services manages the day-to-day administrative functions and operational systems for the Office for Student Success. Reporting to the AVP for Student Success, this role focuses on process management, budget administration, facilities coordination, HR compliance, and supervision of administrative support staff. The Director ensures efficient workflows, policy compliance, and consistent service delivery across all Student Success units. This position serves as the primary point of contact for operational matters with campus partners including Finance & Administration, Human Resources, ITS , and Facilities Management.

Student Success will, from the time of early college outreach to graduation and beyond, support students in living a life of meaning and purpose. From a student-centered framework, our practice will be grounded in peer-reviewed literature, national best practices, and data-informed decision making. Collaborating with the campus and community, Student Success will work through a holistic lens to support a community of learners in achieving success.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

MA/MEd/ MBA , Higher Ed Admin, Student Affairs, Management, Business Admin, 7 years experience

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/25/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Resume


• Cover Letter

Optional Documents