(Hybrid) Assistant Director - College of Business and Economics

The John Chambers College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Assistant Director.

About the Opportunity

The Assistant Director of the Knee Regulatory Research Center plays a key operational and strategic role in supporting the Center's mission to produce policy-driven research on regulation, economic mobility, and entrepreneurship. This position functions in a high-responsibility, leadership capacity-similar to a Chief Operating Officer-managing day-to-day operations, staff supervision, budgeting, event logistics, and fundraising strategy.

In addition to leading operations for the Knee Center (80%), the Assistant Director will also oversee programming and administrative functions for the Center for Free Enterprise (CFE) 20%.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What you'll do:

Center Leadership and Operations (Knee and CFE)

• Oversee all day-to-day operations for the Knee Regulatory Research Center and CFE, ensuring effective coordination of research projects, teaching initiatives, and public programming.
• Supervise center staff, student workers, and graduate assistants, managing work assignments, schedules, and performance.
• Collaborate with center directors to align resources, timelines, and strategic objectives.
• Maintain smooth internal communications across faculty, students, university offices, and external stakeholders.

Financial Management

• Knee Center and CFE: Develop and manage annual budgets in partnership with the college Business Office. Track expenditures, reconcile PCard transactions, process payments, and monitor grant funds.
• Prepare detailed monthly and quarterly financial reports for internal planning and grant compliance.
• Support budget planning for externally funded research and events in accordance with university policies.

Fundraising and Advancement (Knee Center Only)

• Lead all advancement and fundraising efforts for the Knee Center in collaboration with the WVU Foundation and the Center Director.
• Prepare funding proposals, donor reports, and stewardship materials.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities that align with the Knee Center's mission and programming.

Event Planning and Coordination (Knee and CFE)

• Plan and execute academic conferences, public lectures, faculty workshops, and student events for both the Knee Center and CFE.
• Oversee event logistics including space reservations, contracts, catering, honorarium payments, travel arrangements, and post-event follow-up.
• Work with college communications staff to publicize events and maintain visibility across channels.

Public Policy and Testimony Support (Knee Center Only)

• Provide administrative and strategic support for faculty and researchers preparing public testimony, white papers, or legislative briefings.
• Assist with editing, formatting, scheduling, and coordinating testimony submissions to local, state, and federal policymakers.
• Track opportunities for public engagement and legislative impact in alignment with the Center's research mission.

Administrative and Personnel Support

• Lead hiring logistics for student workers, graduate assistants, and other temporary staff; coordinate onboarding and training.
• Provide administrative support to CCD and the Kendrick Center, including scheduling, internal communications, and document preparation.
• Maintain up-to-date center calendars, faculty involvement tracking, and internal project documentation.

Communications and Reporting

• Draft internal and external reports, website content, annual updates, and presentation materials.
• Ensure the Knee Center and CFE maintain clear public profiles through updated digital materials and professional communications.
• Support outreach to academic, nonprofit, and industry partners.

• Bachelors in a related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years of related experience.
• Any equivalent combination or related education and/or experience will be considered.
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.