What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Assistant position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Title
Executive Assistant
Requisition Number
RE54496
Working Title
HR Leadership Associate
Department Name
3J510:Human Resources Administration
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
44
Salary Range
$43,805-70,075/year
Type Of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
BA
Click here for more information about equivalencies::
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
4 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Light physical activities and efforts required to work in a standard office setting including filing, working at a desk for long periods of time, and lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 10 lbs. Also requires vision to read printed materials and materials on a computer screen as well as hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
Shift
Days, with core hours from 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky is seeking an HR Leadership Associate to join our Human Resources Administration team. This unique role sits at the intersection of HR strategy, executive support, and leadership development, offering a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience across multiple HR functions while working closely with senior leadership.
Designed as a HR talent development pathway, this role provides exposure to key HR areas including talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits, and organizational development, while also supporting executive operations and strategic initiatives that shape the future of HR at UK.
What You’ll Do
In This Role, You Will
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Successful candidates must have ability to manage multiple tasks and/or projects while accurately completing routine functions in a fast paced, high intensity, professional work environment. Must have demonstrated ability to provide superior customer service, time management, judgment and exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Position requires proficiency in MS Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint and ability to learn financial and HR functions with SAP. Must have strong problem solving, follow-up, attention to detail, and planning and organizational skills. A high level of integrity, respect for confidentiality and service excellence are all crucial attributes.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, HR, or related field preferred. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and continuous learning orientation required.
Preferred qualifications include a minimum of 2 years of experience in human resources, which will enhance the candidate’s potential for success in the role.
Deadline To Apply
06/10/2026
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 or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.
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.
Executive Assistant
Requisition Number
RE54496
Working Title
HR Leadership Associate
Department Name
3J510:Human Resources Administration
Work Location:
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
44
Salary Range
$43,805-70,075/year
Type Of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
BA
Click here for more information about equivalencies::
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
4 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Light physical activities and efforts required to work in a standard office setting including filing, working at a desk for long periods of time, and lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 10 lbs. Also requires vision to read printed materials and materials on a computer screen as well as hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
Shift
Days, with core hours from 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
Job Summary
The University of Kentucky is seeking an HR Leadership Associate to join our Human Resources Administration team. This unique role sits at the intersection of HR strategy, executive support, and leadership development, offering a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience across multiple HR functions while working closely with senior leadership.
Designed as a HR talent development pathway, this role provides exposure to key HR areas including talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits, and organizational development, while also supporting executive operations and strategic initiatives that shape the future of HR at UK.
What You’ll Do
- Participate in rotations across HR functions, gaining broad experience in the profession
- Support and contribute to strategic HR initiatives and high-impact projects
- Partner with HR leadership to inform decision-making and improve services
- Assist in the design and administration of HR leadership development programs
- Provide executive-level support, including scheduling, communications, and project coordination
- Conduct research, benchmarking, and process improvement efforts
- Serve as a key point of contact and liaison within HR and across campus
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail
- Strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset
- Interest in building a career in human resources leadership
- Bachelor’s degree
- 4 years of related experience
- Career acceleration: A structured pathway designed to prepare you for future HR leadership roles
- Executive exposure: Work directly with senior HR leaders and participate in high-level decision-making
- Broad HR experience: Gain hands-on exposure across multiple HR functional areas
- Meaningful impact: Help shape HR programs, services, and strategy across the university
- Professional growth: Develop skills in leadership, strategy, and organizational effectiveness
- Comprehensive benefits: Competitive salary, retirement, healthcare, and development opportunities
In This Role, You Will
- Play a key part in developing talent pipelines and leadership programs within HR
- Support strategic initiatives that enhance HR services, operations, and impact
- Gain experience at a time when HR is evolving to meet complex workforce and organizational needs
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Successful candidates must have ability to manage multiple tasks and/or projects while accurately completing routine functions in a fast paced, high intensity, professional work environment. Must have demonstrated ability to provide superior customer service, time management, judgment and exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Position requires proficiency in MS Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint and ability to learn financial and HR functions with SAP. Must have strong problem solving, follow-up, attention to detail, and planning and organizational skills. A high level of integrity, respect for confidentiality and service excellence are all crucial attributes.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, HR, or related field preferred. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and continuous learning orientation required.
Preferred qualifications include a minimum of 2 years of experience in human resources, which will enhance the candidate’s potential for success in the role.
Deadline To Apply
06/10/2026
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 or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.
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.
Salary : $43,805 - $70,075