Academic Initiatives Strategist
About The Position
The Academic Initiatives Strategist develops and implements academic initiatives that create opportunities for students and support the university’s Key Results. The role collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to execute strategic initiatives, analyze and design solutions to improve student outcomes, and contribute to the learn-and-work ecosystem. It also supports access and completion for underserved populations and helps advance innovative academic practices. The position researches trends in higher education and the learn-and-work ecosystem, including student pathways, skills-based practices, and digital credentialing. It analyzes program and student performance, evaluates initiative effectiveness, communicates findings, and contributes to strategic planning and change management. The role also supports grant identification, proposal development, and administration, including budget oversight and reporting, and provides mentorship to colleagues. This is a full-time, regular position classified for 40 standard weekly hours. It requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including attendance at designated company summits, typically one to two per year, and may include conferences and visits to company locations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of the job; the posting defines equivalency generally as one year of relevant experience for one year of education, at the hiring manager’s discretion.
- Four years of relevant, progressive experience in higher education, education technology, or a related field.
- Solid understanding of trends and challenges in higher education, particularly student success and career pathways.
- Knowledge of project management methodologies and best practices in academic settings.
- Understanding of data analysis techniques and their use in evaluating academic programs.
- Familiarity with innovative educational practices, including skills-based learning and digital credentialing.
- Knowledge of grant-writing processes and higher-education funding opportunities.
- Strong analytical skills, including interpreting complex data and deriving actionable insights.
- Proficient project management skills, including planning, execution, and monitoring of academic initiatives.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for conveying ideas and results to varied stakeholders.
- Ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency with data analysis tools and project management software.
- Ability to develop and propose initiatives aligned with institutional goals, evaluate effectiveness, and recommend evidence-based improvements.
- Ability to contribute to strategic planning, translate strategic direction into actionable plans and measurable outcomes, and implement innovative solutions.
- Ability to manage stakeholder relationships, facilitate cross-departmental cooperation, support change management, and promote adoption of new initiatives.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to mentor junior team members, contribute to a positive team culture, and balance multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail.
- Ability to think creatively and propose solutions to complex academic challenges.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Two years of skills implementation experience.
Responsibilities
- Develop and propose academic initiatives and programs.
- Manage specific high-impact initiatives and implement innovative solutions to advance academic initiatives.
- Support change management for cross-functional implementation.
- Analyze data and gather insights into program and student performance; use findings to inform decisions and refine strategy.
- Evaluate program effectiveness and suggest refinements.
- Contribute to efforts supporting access and completion for underserved populations.
- Engage internal stakeholders and external partners to support initiative goals.
- Coordinate cross-departmental efforts to enhance student success.
- Research trends in the learn-and-work ecosystem and develop expertise in student pathways, skills-based practices, and digital credentialing.
- Contribute to the university’s knowledge base on innovative academic practices.
- Prepare reports and presentations on academic strategies and outcomes, and communicate project status and results to stakeholders.
- Identify and research potential grant opportunities; contribute to grant proposal writing and development.
- Assist in managing awarded grants, including budget oversight and reporting.
- Provide mentorship to inspire and develop colleagues.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Eligible for bonuses.
- Medical, dental, vision, telehealth, and mental healthcare coverage.
- Health savings account and flexible spending account.
- Basic and voluntary life insurance.
- Disability coverage.
- Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages.
- Legal and identity theft coverage.
- Retirement savings plan.
- Wellbeing program.
- Discounted WGU tuition.
- Flexible paid time off without accrual requirements.
- Flexible paid sick time without accrual requirements.
- 11 paid holidays.
- Other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
