Program Director, Strategic Initiatives jobs in United States
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University of Massachusetts Global · 3 hours ago

Program Director, Strategic Initiatives

The University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts. They are seeking a proactive and solutions-oriented leader to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives that support the university’s strategic plan, requiring innovative thinking and effective communication across various divisions.

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Responsibilities

Manage complex, institution-wide strategic initiatives requiring cross-unit coordination and accelerated timelines
Develop comprehensive project plans, charters, timelines, workflows, and accountability structures
Manage and coordinate leaders across academic and operational divisions, ensuring alignment of priorities, information flow, and timely decision-making
Synthesize feedback and operational details from multiple units and translate them into clear, actionable recommendations, as appropriate
Anticipate barriers, propose innovative solutions, and maintain momentum toward 'go-live.'
Serve as a connector across university divisions, academic schools, governance bodies, and executive leadership to ensure alignment and clarity
Facilitate cross-functional meetings and working groups, guiding leaders toward consensus and unified institutional direction
Gather, analyze, and integrate input from unit leaders to produce concise summaries and recommended courses of action
Engage stakeholders early to secure institutional buy-in and ensure transparent communication of all decisions and timelines
Translate complex executive decisions into actionable, well-structured workflows for cross-functional teams
Prepare recommendations for the Vice Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness and Chief Strategy Officer and other senior leaders as appropriate based on synthesized input from multiple divisions and diverse perspectives, highlighting options, impacts, and readiness considerations
Provide concise executive-level briefings, reports, and presentations
Maintain proactive, clear communication with all levels of the university to ensure shared understanding of timelines, deliverables, and decisions
Apply, research, and rapidly learn unfamiliar regulatory or accreditation requirements as needed, ensuring accurate interpretation and integration into project plans
Ensure project plans incorporate federal regulations, accreditation standards, and governance requirements
Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Financial Aid, Enrollment, Registrar, and Student Success to align compliance and operational requirements
Translate regulatory and accreditation requirements into clear action steps for team leads and unit leaders
Perform other duties, as assigned

Qualification

Strategic PlanningProject ManagementCross-Functional CoordinationRegulatory KnowledgePMP CertificationAnalytical SkillsCommunication SkillsLeadership SkillsProblem-Solving

Required

5-7 years' experience in project management or strategic operations, with increasing responsibility, preferably in higher education
Bachelor's degree required
Demonstrated knowledge of non-traditional and online models serving working adult learners
Demonstrated knowledge of institutional planning, project lifecycles, including workflow design, timeline development, and cross-functional implementation
Strong analytical skills, with exceptional judgment and the ability to support rapid decision-making
Excellent communication and facilitation skills able to engage stakeholders at all levels
Strong proactive leadership skills that promote innovative problem-solving and outside-the-box thinking
Proven ability to coordinate and influence leaders at all levels across all university divisions
Proven ability to think proactively, strategically, and creatively to overcome barriers
Proven ability to navigate ambiguous, fast-paced environments and guide teams through change

Preferred

Master's degree preferred in higher education, organizational leadership, or related field
PMP Certification or similar certification preferred

Benefits

Health: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with spending account options.
Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules, 1/2 day Fridays (biweekly), remote options, generous time off, and a paid winter break.
Financial Security: Life, disability, and supplemental insurance, legal and identity protection, and student debt support.
Retirement: 403(b) plan with a Roth option. 3% non-elective contribution and up to a 6% match for a 9% total employer contribution!
Education: Tuition discounts for employees and family and Tuition Exchange program with other universities.
Wellness: Counseling services, Calm app access, and year-round wellness programs.

Company

University of Massachusetts Global

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University of Massachusetts Global is a non-profit university that offers higher education.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage

Leadership Team

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Debbie Moysychyn, EdD, MBA, FACHE
Premier Partners Advisory Council Member
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Hamid Etesamnia
Vice Chancellor for IT & Chief Information Officer
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Company data provided by crunchbase