Southeastern University · 2 days ago
Director of Strategic Initiatives & Executive Operations
Lakeland, FL
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expSoutheastern University is seeking a Director of Strategic Initiatives & Executive Operations to serve as the primary strategic partner to the Senior Vice President. This role will facilitate the SVP’s strategic priorities, drive organizational effectiveness, and manage high-level initiatives across various departments.
Education
Responsibilities
Facilitate collaboration between Enrollment Management, Student Financial Services, and Marketing to ensure alignment on recruitment strategies and student experience initiatives
Track and drive the progress of long-range strategic plans and innovative program deliveries on behalf of the SVP
Identify the operational requirements needed to fulfill strategic goals, ensuring that the "big picture" has the structural support to succeed
Lead special projects and "ad hoc" initiatives that do not fall neatly into a specific reporting department, ensuring deliverables are met on time
Represent the SVP in committee meetings and working groups when necessary, providing decision-making support and ensuring follow-through on action items
Synthesize data from Enrollment, Student Success, and Financial Services to create executive-level dashboards and reports for the SVP and President’s Office
Draft and edit high-stakes documents, including the Annual Departmental Report and proposals for the University Leadership Team, ensuring complex technical information is conveyed clearly to non-technical stakeholders
Manage the SVP’s calendar with a focus on strategic prioritization, ensuring time is allocated to high-value activities and institutional goals
Oversee the divisional budget process, monitor expenditures across reporting units, and analyze resource allocation to support the University’s mission
Manage communication flow for the Office of the SVP, including drafting responses to sensitive inquiries and engaging with conversations on campus
Plan complex travel itineraries that maximize the SVP’s external engagement and thought leadership opportunities
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's in Business, Education, Management, Organizational Development, Leadership or other related degree
5+ years of experience in project management, executive support, or operations, preferably within a higher education setting
Strategic Mindset: Ability to understand the 'big picture' of University strategy while managing the details of execution
Data Fluency: Ability to utilize data analytics tools to interpret enrollment and retention trends
Advanced Communication: Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to craft institutional messaging and interact with faculty, administration, and the President's Office
Tech Savvy: Proficiency in project management software, SIS (Student Information Systems), and financial platforms
High Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Exceptional ability to read people, build coalitions, and manage the university's complex stakeholder landscape
Executive Presence: Comfortable having moments of truth and advising senior leadership while maintaining total alignment with the SVP's vision
Preferred
Master's in Business, Education, Management, Organizational Development, Leadership or other related degree
Company
Southeastern University
Southeastern University is a Christian university located in Lakeland offering Undergraduate, Graduate & Doctoral Degrees.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Southeastern University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
2024 (1)
2023 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Neal Dyer
Chief Technology Officer
Phillip Schmitt, CPA, MBA
VP of Finance & Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
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