Director of Strategic Initiatives

Executes strategic alignment, long-term planning, operational planning, and management oversight of major college, campus, or University-wide student affairs functions. Establishes the direction, goals, implementation strategy, evaluation means, student initiatives, and policies of the department. Maintains responsibility for budgetary matters. Directs effective communications, promotions, and public relations for the department.

Student Affairs

The Director of Strategic Initiatives provides leadership for division-wide strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and cross-functional project management within the Division of Student Affairs. Reporting to the Vice Provost of Student Affairs, this position partners closely with divisional leadership to advance strategic priorities, improve organizational performance, and strengthen operational alignment across more than twenty departments.

The Director serves as the Division's central resource for coordinating strategic initiatives, facilitating planning processes, and supporting implementation of institutional priorities. Through collaboration with senior leadership, assessment professionals, communications staff, and campus partners, the position ensures strategic projects are effectively planned, executed, assessed, and communicated.

Strategic Planning & Organizational Effectiveness

• Coordinate development, implementation, and ongoing assessment of the Division's Strategic Plan.
• Facilitate strategic planning meetings, retreats, and leadership work sessions.
• Develop implementation plans, timelines, performance measures, and accountability frameworks.
• Identify opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness, operational efficiency, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates division-wide strategic planning initiatives and organizational effectiveness efforts.
• Manages implementation of strategic projects and monitors progress toward divisional priorities.
• Develops planning documents, executive reports, annual reports, presentations, and strategic communications.
• Facilitates strategic planning meetings, retreats, and cross-functional workgroups.
• Integrates assessment findings and institutional data into planning and decision-making processes.
• Identifies opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Collaborates with campus partners to advance strategic priorities across the Division.
• Supports executive leadership through research, analysis, planning, and project coordination.
• Represents the Division on assigned committees and strategic initiatives.

Performs additional duties as assigned.

Physical Effort

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category

Full-time regular

Job Classification

Staff.Director - Student Affairs

Job Family

Academic & Student Services

Job Sub-Family

Student Services

Campus

Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years Of Experience Required

7

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience?

Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Additional Details About Required Licensure/Certification

Master's degree in Higher Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Project Management, or a related field preferred. Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, project management, organizational effectiveness, assessment, or higher education administration. Combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of minimum requirements.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. occasional nights and weekends required.

Work Arrangement

Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.

Hiring Range

TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation Offered

Yes

Visa Sponsorship Provided

No

Background Check

For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances

The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.

Required Documents

Resume, Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Not Applicable