Job Description

Why Work at BYU 

As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.”

Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work.

Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Assistant Director

The Wheatley Institute seeks a mission-driven Assistant Director to help manage its day-to-day operations and long-term growth in support of BYU’s mission to become a national thought leader on marriage & family, religion & human flourishing, and constitutional government. This critical position allows the institute’s faculty directors to focus on mission-critical research, the development of consequential professional networks, and mentoring of students. The Assistant Director does this by ensuring, through data-informed management, that the overall operations of the institute are demonstrably mission-aligned, efficient, continuously improving, in compliance with University policy, and in harmony with Wheatley Institute values. The assistant director chairs the Institute’s administrative council, and reports regularly to the Institute’s leadership with updates and strategic recommendations on: student engagement, operations, finance, and communications. The ideal candidate will have a firm commitment to the mission and values of BYU and the Wheatley Institute. S/he will demonstrate exceptional capacity to: collect, analyze, and use operational data in the pursuit of organizational mission; adapt to and prioritize requests from Institute stakeholders; engage University stakeholders with hospitality and grace; inspire and lift colleagues and students; exercise sterling professional judgment and discretion.

What you'll do in this position:

Support to Wheatley Institute Directorate

• In collaboration with Wheatley Institute leadership, support the execution of the Institute’s mission and strategy by ensuring that operations measurably align with strategic objectives.
• Participate in, deliberate with, and bring operational recommendations to the regular Wheatley Institute directorate meetings.
• Support the Wheatley Institute Director with the management and preparation for annual resource planning.
• Support the Wheatley Institute Director by preparing materials and presentations for quarterly Working Group and Advisory Group meetings.
• Support Wheatley Institute Initiative Directors in all phases of choosing and appointing Wheatley Faculty Fellows.
• Work alongside the Director and the Business manager to recommend appropriate compensation.

Strategic Management of Operations

• Foster a mission-driven, professional, collaborative, and efficient work environment.
• Measure, assess, and proactively respond to key performance indicators.
• Guide the systematic growth of the Institute’s student engagement with quality data and analysis.
• Schedule and chair regular meetings of the Wheatley Institute Administrative Council (Business Manager, Communications & Marketing Manager, Events & Scholarship Coordinator).
• Work alongside the Wheatley Institute Business Manager to analyze and interpret financial data and reports for Institute leadership.
• Work alongside the Wheatley Institute Events and Scholarship Coordinator to analyze and interpret participation and student data for Institute leadership.
• Work alongside the Wheatley Institute Communications and Marketing Manager to analyze and interpret communications data for Institute Leadership
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual operational reviews.
• Manage annual employee reviews for operational staff.
• Provide guidance on university policies, procedures and systems, ensuring consistent understanding, compliance, and application.
• Help train students, staff and directors on university policy and Wheatley Institute norms.
• Approve routine communications, consistent with Institute strategy and norms (e.g., website updates, social media posts).
• Alongside the Business Manager, collaborate with Business Partner and university accountant on finances and reporting.
• Serve as liaison with appropriate university operational entities.
• Represent the Wheatley Institute on appropriate University committees.
• Manage office space assignments.

What qualifies you for this role:

Minimum education/experience required

Bachelor’s degree and minimum of four years’ experience with office management

Preferred

Master’s degree with significant work history in educational, think-tank, or non-profit setting and a demonstrated history of trustworthy responsibility

Skills, abilities, knowledge

Required:

• Commitment to the mission and aims of BYU and the Wheatley Institute

• Unimpeachable integrity and a strong sense of stewardship

• A mentoring and growth-oriented mindset

• Initiative in identifying and seizing opportunities for fulfilling the mission

• Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and using operational data

• Demonstrated ability to track and guide multiple lines of concurrent work

• Demonstrated ability to prevent and solve problems

• Superb discernment and judgment

• Commitment to excellence and customer service

• Professional presence appropriate for engaging with university officials, church leadership, and national thought leaders

• Excellent communication skills

Preferred:

• Familiarity with and proficiency in BYU systems (e.g., Workday)

What we offer in return:

In addition to our competitive pay structure, this position comes with fantastic benefits, including:

• 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
• Excellent work-life balance: 13 paid holidays + 22 days paid vacation + 12 sick days, accrued annually
• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members
• Access to athletic facilities
• Excellent medical/dental benefits
• Short/long-term disability benefits
• Paid parental and maternity leave
• Wellness Program
• Free on-campus parking
• Free UTA passes for employees, spouses, and qualified dependents
• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU

Pay Grade: 55

Typical Starting Pay: $92,000-$119,000

**If the job has a post-end date, the last day to apply is the day before by 11:59 pm MST. If the job doesn’t have a post-end date, the job could close at any time on any day**

Required Documents:

All Staff positions require a resume.

Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!