Director of Strategic Initiatives

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How to Apply

A detailed cover letter is required for consideration when applying for this position and should be uploaded via the UM Careers website as the first page(s) of a single, electronic document of application materials that also includes your CV or resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the duties described below.

Job Summary

The Director of Strategic Initiatives (Director) will serve as an advisor to the dean on strategic initiatives and a senior leader in the college. The director will lead and oversee the development and implementation of college-level strategic projects and initiatives. Reporting directly to the dean, the director will work closely with senior leadership and colleagues across the college to execute on strategic priorities, initiatives, and special projects. The director will advance, manage, and track cross-functional projects to ensure accountability and progress toward goals. In consultation with the dean, the director will plan and execute stakeholder engagement strategies in the dean's office. The director must take a broad view of the college to ensure the successful execution of critical projects and the management of internal and external relations, which may include work with development or student academic affairs. This role requires an experienced leader with strong strategic acumen, project management expertise, and the ability to drive meaningful change.

Who We Are

LSA is the largest and one of the oldest of the university's 19 schools and colleges, with a long tradition of faculty distinction in teaching and research across the liberal arts. The college offers more than 100 degree programs in over 75 academic departments and programs. Every LSA program is among the best in the U.S. with more than 45 programs in the top 10 and 2 programs are the best in their fields. Our alumni network is over 200,000 living LSA graduates. Learn more about LSA at

Responsibilities*

• Work closely with the dean to develop, plan, and support strategic initiatives; collaborate with academic leaders, administrative units, and other university stakeholders to execute those plans
• Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of strategic projects and initiatives; ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget
• Oversee key and growing initiatives, including but not limited to, our commitments to scale support for first-gen students, to promote the value of a liberal arts education, and to incentivize interdisciplinary research and teaching across the College
• Develop and implement plans for the dean's engagement with students, college leaders, the campus community, and external stakeholders; coordinate as needed with communications and development partners
• Represent the college with both internal and external stakeholders, including college and university leadership, faculty, students, and external constituents
• Strategize with the dean and senior leaders to identify topics and speakers for special events and key meetings
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and communication among teams and units to advance progress on projects and initiatives
• Convene and facilitate dean's office task forces, working groups, and other committees as needed
• Foster relationships with key stakeholders; engage stakeholders in strategic planning and decision-making processes as appropriate
• Communicate progress, challenges, and outcomes of strategic initiatives to the dean and other senior leaders
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• Masters degree
• 10+ years in higher education; 5+ years of progressive leadership experience
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; demonstrated experience developing, managing, and implementing large-scale projects and initiatives
• Ability to work with various stakeholders with competing priorities in a climate of openness and transparency, integrity, trust, mutual respect, and collaborative problem-solving
• Proven ability to maintain the strictest level of confidentiality and use excellent judgment on a variety of sensitive issues
• Exceptional attention to details and follow-through on assigned projects
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience facilitating meetings and managing input from a broad range of stakeholders
• Experience navigating competing interests and working in a decentralized environment
• High level of personal ethics and integrity
• Collaborative, team-oriented style with a proven track record of managing teams and supervising the work of others
• Evidence of effective leadership and commitment to advancing the liberal arts
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities

Work Schedule

The Director of Strategic Initiatives is expected to be on-site a minimum of 4 days each week during the academic year (either in an Onsite work mode or a Hybrid work mode with four days on-site and one day off-site).

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is $180,000 to $200,000. A higher salary may be possible for well qualified applicants.

As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.