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Posted August 01, 2026

Executive Dir, Operations and Planning

University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky, United States 40502 Full Time
Reference: 286206610


University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details
Posting Details

Job Title Executive Dir, Operations and Planning
Requisition Number RE55300
Working Title
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
Click here for more information about equivalencies:
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.
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
Deadline to Apply 08/13/2026
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 (*).

  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)


Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
Optional Documents
  1. Cover Letter




Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI286206610

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