Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives, Academic Affairs
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Job Location:
Denver, CO - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 84000 - 105000
Posted on:
13 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Department
AA Chief Strategy OfficerPosition Summary
The Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives supports the Chief Strategy Officer for Academic Affairs by coordinating and advancing high-priority strategic projects that support academic innovation workforce alignment online and flexible learning and operational effectiveness. This position works closely with the Chief Strategy Officer to translate initiatives into actionable plans coordinate cross-unit efforts and maintain timely high-quality execution. We are looking for someone who brings strong initiative and strategic thinking to a role that requires moving complex work forward across multiple units.
The Associate Director provides project leadership research coordination communications support and problem-solving to drive complex initiatives forward. This role is ideal for a highly organized proactive detail-oriented individual who excels in fast-paced environments and enjoys turning ideas into delivered outcomes.
Project and Initiative Management (40%)
- Develop project plans timelines deliverables and tracking mechanisms for Academic Affairs strategic initiatives.
- Lead day to day coordination among colleges departments CTLD IT Online Programs and other campus partners.
- Identify risks remove barriers and escalate issues as needed to maintain project momentum.
- Prepare regular progress updates and reports for Academic Affairs leadership.
Workforce and Credential Development (25%)
- Gather and organize the information needed to advance new Workforce Pell eligible credentials noncredit offerings and stackable pathways including job tasks skill requirements employer expectations and curricular alignment.
- Compile regulatory requirements credential eligibility criteria and peer program structures to support academic departments developing new offerings.
- Coordinate Academic Affairs responsibilities for potential pilots with external partners that may support credential development including managing information flow and reviewing materials for academic alignment.
- Prepare program summaries rationale statements and approval documents for internal review processes and presentations.
Academic Documentation Pathways and Project Tracking (20%)
- Coordinate internal documentation for new credentials and ensure alignment across colleges Academic Affairs units CTLD advising and other campus partners.
- Support development of stackable pathways by mapping progression routes and coordinating with advising and enrollment partners.
- Maintain templates checklists and quality expectations for credential development.
- Provide guidance on academic policies and approval steps related to new credentials.
- Support an intake and prioritization process for Academic Affairs initiatives by organizing proposals assessing alignment with institutional goals and recommending sequencing.
- Maintain tracking systems that monitor project status timelines and progress across Academic Affairs.
Strategic Research and Communication (15%)
- Draft summaries talking points visual aids and briefing materials for leadership and campus partners.
- Prepare synthesis materials that support leadership planning decision making and communication.
- Produce concise briefs that highlight patterns risks and opportunities for the academic portfolio.
- Maintain an integrated view of Academic Affairs initiatives by tracking project stages dependencies and overall pacing.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in project management academic administration strategy operations or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage competing deadlines and work independently.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters degree in education public administration business or a related field.
- 7 years of relevant experience including project leadership and cross-unit coordination.
- Experience with academic program development workforce-aligned credentials online learning or process improvement.
- Familiarity with governance accreditation and academic program approval processes.
- Experience with project management tools (Asana Trello Smartsheet MS Planner etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and deliverables.
Salary for Announcement
Under Colorado law MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience skills knowledge abilities education licensure and certifications analysis of internal equity and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The salary that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is between $84000 - $105000.
This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.
Schedule Information
- Full-time 40 hours per week
- Exempt
- Monday Friday 8am - 5pm
- Evenings and Weekend Work: As needed
- Schedule: Hybrid schedule; 3 days per week in office on the Auraria Campus
- Visit our website for more information on our Universitys Alternative Work Arrangementspolicy.
- Travel: Rarely
Instructions to Apply
Please apply by Tuesday January 27 2026 at 11:59pm for full consideration.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Posting Representative
Elizabeth WellingtonPosting Representative Email
Benefits
The Universitys benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical vision and dental free RTD pass tuition reimbursement as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans retirement plans and other programs such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) MSU Denversbenefits websiteto learn more.
For a brief overview please see: University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at.
Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty staff students and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique access-oriented campus community that values diversity equity and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students faculty and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.
Required Experience:
Director
Key Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Inventory Control
- Soft Skills Training
- General Management
- Higher Education
- Office Operations
- Administration Support
- Document Control Management
- Documentation
- Office Administration
- Teaching/Lecturing
- Inventory Management
- Document Management
- Inventory
- Office Management
About Company
MSU Denver is home to the best educational value in Colorado. With over 100 majors and minors, more than 10 graduate programs and 42 certificates, you will find high-quality, accessible, enriching education that prepares you for a successful career. MSU Denver offers the best educat ... View more
