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Posted August 06, 2026

Exec Dir, Strategic Initiatives & Ops

University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky, United States 40502 Full Time
Reference: 286300429


University of Kentucky

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

Posting Details
Posting Details

Job Title Exec Dir, Strategic Initiatives & Ops
Requisition Number RE55368
Working Title Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives & Operations
Department Name 8K000:College of Law
Work Location Lexington, KY
Grade Level 52
Salary Range $110,157-187,262/year
Type of Position Staff
Position Time Status Full-Time
Required Education
JD
Click here for more information about equivalencies:
Required Related Experience
6 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
sitting for long periods of time; some standing and walking; lifting objects up to 25 lbs.
Shift
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
Some evenings and weekends
Job Summary
Help Shape the Future of a Leading Law School

The University of Kentucky is seeking an Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives & Operations to serve as a key partner to the Dean of the Rosenberg College of Law.

This senior leadership role provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership in support of the college’s mission and long-term goals. Working closely with faculty, staff, university leadership, alumni, donors, and community partners, the Executive Director helps translate strategic priorities into meaningful action while strengthening the college’s reputation, effectiveness, and impact.

What You’ll Do
  • Partner with the Dean to develop, implement, and evaluate strategic priorities and initiatives
  • Provide leadership and oversight for college operations, administration, and organizational planning
  • Lead cross-functional projects that support academic excellence, student success, research, and institutional growth
  • Develop and coordinate communication strategies that advance the college’s mission and visibility
  • Serve as a representative of the Dean and college in university, professional, and community settings
  • Support engagement with alumni, donors, legal professionals, government leaders, and community stakeholders
  • Collaborate on budget planning, resource allocation, and long-range operational strategies
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement

What You’ll Bring
  • Experience leading strategic initiatives and complex organizational operations
  • Strong leadership, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities
  • Sound judgment, discretion, and problem-solving capabilities
  • Experience managing organizational change and advancing institutional priorities
  • Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution
  • Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills

Minimum Requirements
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.)
  • 6 years of related experience

What’s In It for You
  • Meaningful impact: Help guide the strategic direction and growth of the Rosenberg College of Law
  • Executive leadership opportunity: Work closely with the Dean on high-priority initiatives and institutional decisions
  • Broad influence: Engage with faculty, students, alumni, donors, legal professionals, and university leaders
  • Dynamic work: Blend strategy, operations, communications, and external engagement responsibilities
  • Collaborative environment: Partner with stakeholders across the university and legal community
  • UK’s Exceptional Benefits

Why Now?
The legal profession and higher education landscape continue to evolve, creating new opportunities and challenges for law schools. As the Rosenberg College of Law advances its strategic vision, strong leadership and operational coordination are essential to turning ambitious goals into measurable outcomes.

In this role, you’ll help guide key initiatives, strengthen external partnerships, enhance organizational effectiveness, and support the college’s continued growth and reputation. Your leadership will contribute directly to the success of the college, its students, and the communities it serves.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Demonstrated success leading strategic initiatives and organizational change
Experience managing complex operations, budgets, and cross-functional teams
Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills
Significant senior leadership experience in higher education, legal education, professional schools, or complex mission-driven organizations
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply 08/12/2026
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

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




      Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

      PI286300429

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