Exec Dir, Strategic Initiatives & Ops

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:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/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
08/16/2026

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.