Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access fuel innovation and creativity and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863 UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching research scholarship and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse equitable and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valuedand thrives and offers a full range of undergraduate graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental social economic and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Strategic Initiativesfor the Provosts Office serves as a strategic advisor and operational partner to the Provosts Leadership Team including the Executive Deputy Provost Senior Vice Provosts and Vice Provosts. The role leads executive-level initiatives manages cross-functional projects and ensures alignment across the Provosts extensive portfolio. Operating with significant independence theAssociate Director anticipates challenges engages stakeholders and translates strategic goals into actionable results.

Essential Functions

• Strategic Initiative Leadership
  • Leads planning execution and evaluation of high-impact initiatives across the Provosts Office portfolio including projects led by the Provost Executive Deputy Provost Senior Vice Provosts and Vice Provosts.
  • Oversees project tracking outcome measurement and reporting to ensure alignment with institutional and strategic goals.
• Executive Advising & Decision Support
  • Develops and presents analyses policy briefs and recommendations to inform Provost Office leadership decisions.
  • Anticipates challenges identifies emerging issues and advises on proactive strategies to position leadership for success.
• Cross-Functional Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Facilitates collaboration across academic and administrative units on initiatives led by the Provosts Leadership Team.
  • Coordinates with Vice Provosts (e.g. Innovation Research Student Success) to ensure effective stakeholder engagement alignment and follow-through.
  • Represents the Provosts Office in meetings committees and working groups ensuring consistent communication and advancing institutional priorities.
• Communications & Briefings
  • Prepares executive-level presentations briefings and reports for internal and external audiences.
  • Synthesizes complex information into concise actionable materials for senior leadership.
• Operational Oversight & Change Management
  • Oversees operational functions tied to strategic initiatives including policy and governance alignment planning and evaluation of cross-unit outcomes.
  • Supports organizational change management efforts by managing communications stakeholder engagement and issue resolution.
• Confidential & Sensitive Matters
  • Manages complex and confidential issues of institutional significance with sound judgment and discretion.
  • Serves as a trusted liaison on sensitive strategic priorities maintaining confidentiality while ensuring progress.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the Provosts Office and University.
• Supports the Universitys commitment to diversity equity inclusion and belonging.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge Skills Abilities Education Experience Certifications Licensure)

• Bachelors degree (preferably in business higher education administration public policy or related field).
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professionally relevant project management or strategic leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading complex multi-stakeholder initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in organizational analysis policy evaluation and project tracking including benchmarking and risk assessment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to distill complex issues into clear recommendations.
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment discretion and professionalism on matters of institutional significance.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build trust foster collaboration and represent the Provosts Office with credibility.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge Skills Abilities Education Experience Certifications Licensure)

• Masters degree in business administration higher education administration or related field.
• Experience coordinating complex initiatives in higher education or a large public-sector environment preferably involving academic governance and institutional planning.
• Familiarity with academic governance institutional planning processes and organizational change management.
• Experience advising senior executives and leading cross-unit initiatives.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.
• Frequently involves attending meetings across campus.

Additional Details

• Works under the direction of the Chief of Staff with considerable independence in decision-making; provides strategic project support to the Executive Deputy Provost Senior Vice Provosts Vice Provosts and other senior leaders as assigned.
• May provide project-based guidance to administrative staff graduate assistants student employees or temporary staff.

Work Schedule

• Monday Friday 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required to meet executive needs or respond to time-sensitive issues.

Salary Information

Salary Level 28

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.