Executive Dir, Operations and Planning

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 95,826 - 162,947; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking an Executive Director of Operations and Planning to serve as the senior operational leader for the Division of Marketing & Strategic Communication. The role provides strategic oversight of administrative operations, financial planning, workforce strategy, and process optimization.

It ensures alignment with enterprise initiatives and builds a unified, scalable operating model for the division.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and managing a unit strategic plan with KPI tracking.
• Experience developing and monitoring a complex budget.
• Experience planning for and executing meetings and events for a unit.

Responsibilities

• Oversee administrative operations, financial planning, workforce strategy and process optimization.
• Align with enterprise initiatives and build a unified, scalable operating model.
• Partner with the VP for university relations to maintain operational excellence.

Skills

Microsoft Office

SAP

Workday

Asana

Education

BA

Tools

SAP

Workday

Asana

Job description

Executive Dir, Operations and Planning

Job Title | Executive Dir, Operations and Planning

Requisition Number | RE55300

Department Name | 3R100:PR and Strategic Communications

Work Location | Lexington, KY

Grade Level | 51

Salary Range | $95,826-162,947/year

Type of Position | Staff

Position Time Status | Full-Time

Required Education | BA

Required Related Experience | 7 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification | None

Physical Requirements | Sitting for long periods of time

Shift | Monday-Friday 8-5p with evenings and weekends as needed.

Deadline to Apply | 08/13/2026

Job Summary

The University of Kentucky’s Division of Marketing & Strategic Communication tells the UK story—the story of how this institution is singularly focused on advancing Kentucky every day. As part of a newly integrated structure—a centralization of marketing and communication professionals from across the enterprise—this nearly 340-person unit works with numerous communication platforms and channels, every college and unit, and the UK health care and athletics departments to communicate this powerful mission to all of the university’s stakeholders.

As such, the proposed Executive Director of Operations & Planning serves as the senior operational leader for the Division of Marketing & Strategic Communication, providing strategic oversight of administrative operations, financial planning, workforce strategy, and process optimization. The role ensures alignment with enterprise initiatives (e.g., Integrate Blue, Beyond Blue, and shared services) and builds a unified, efficient, and scalable operating model for the division. The role directly reports to—and partners with —the vice president for university relations to maintain operational excellence, steward resources, and enable organizational transformation. This role does not serve as a spokesperson or lead media relations or content functions, although it may well be involved in helping formulate and direct strategy at the direction of the vice president for university relations and other senior members of the unit. Specifically, as the unit develops a new strategic plan, this position will be the operational leader in its development and will be one of the key senior team members in ensuring its successful implementation.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Microsoft Office suite, knowledge of SAP and Workday, Asana

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Preferred background in accounting/finance

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

1. * Describe your experience helping to develop and manage a unit strategic plan and associated key performance indicators. (Open Ended Question)
2. * Describe your experience developing and monitoring a complex budget. (Open Ended Question)
3. * Describe your experience planning for and executing the facilitation of meetings and events for a unit or larger organization. (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

1. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter

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