Director of Administrative Operations, University Marketing and Communications

Wake Forest University • Winston-Salem, NC

2d

About The Position

The Director of Administrative Operations for University Marketing and Communications (UMC) works independently and in close partnership with the Vice President for Communications and Chief Communications Officer (VP/CCO). The role serves as a trusted advisor and operational leader, helping facilitate daily work, manage processes, and support the overall functioning of the office. The role requires a broad range of skills, combining executive-level administrative support with strategic leadership of department operations. The Director of Administrative Operations helps UMC succeed by keeping operations running smoothly and enabling the VP/CCO and leadership team to focus on high-impact priorities. The Director oversees day-to-day office operations, implements University policies, coordinates with the University’s Office of Human Resources to process personnel actions and onboard new team members. This role requires strong judgment, practical problem-solving skills, and the ability to anticipate needs, and build strong working relationships across the University. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience supporting senior-level executives in complex organizations, with a strong preference for higher education or nonprofit environments.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality of university records and perform duties that require tact, sensitivity, independent judgment, diplomacy, organizational skills, flexibility, and discretion.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and dependability.
• Advance knowledge of Workday HCM (Human Capital Management).
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to independently and collaboratively drive initiatives forward.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; must be able to build trust, manage up and across, and engage with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities, navigate ambiguity, and adapt quickly to shifting circumstances.
• High degree of proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive), Zoom, and other productivity/collaboration tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and build strong, collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information and perform a range of duties that require sensitivity, independent judgment, flexibility, and discretion.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of higher education practices and the ability to acquire knowledge in a short period of time.
• A general understanding of branding, marketing, and communications and how they intersect
• Workday experience, specifically human capital management.
• General knowledge of human resources functions

Responsibilities

• Provides guidance to the VP/CCO and UMC leadership on operations, administrative processes, executive procedures, and University policies. Translates executive priorities to operational plans. Builds strong working relationships with Chiefs of Staff, executive support teams, and operations leaders across the University.
• Manages and prioritizes the VP/CCO’s calendar to ensure alignment with priorities, adequate preparation, and follow-through on action items. Prepares the VP/CCO for meetings, appointments, and speaking engagements. Coordinates travel and complex logistics for the VP/CCO and other team members.
• Plans and supports UMC leadership meetings, retreats, workshops, and advisory groups, including the Executive Marketing Council, ensuring smooth execution. Works with UMC leadership to support team-building activities, recognition efforts, and shared practices that strengthen engagement and retention. Supports UMC-wide communications and special initiatives as needed.
• Serves as UMC’s primary liaison to Wake Forest Human Resources and manages employment actions in Workday, including hiring, changes, and separations for all employee types. Supports recruitment, onboarding, and professional development efforts in partnership with UMC managers and Human Resources. Oversees workflows that support UMC’s staffing and operational needs. Serves as a Workday super-user for recruiting, onboarding, compensation, reporting, and employee exits.
• Works with University offices responsible for finance and budgeting, facilities and information systems to resolve issues in compliance with University policies. Reconcile Purchase Card transactions in WorkDay. Reviews and improves UMC business processes and helps implement policies and procedures that increase efficiency and consistency. Coordinates scheduling and meetings for the VP/CCO and other senior UMC leaders, including calendar management focused on priorities and follow-up. Provides logistical and planning support for UMC-hosted meetings and events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed