Director of Strategic Initiatives / Chief of Staff

MSU Internal Job Postings Details • East Lansing, MI

19d • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting directly to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Director of Strategic Initiatives advances the college’s mission through two core functions: Revenue Generation – Identifying, developing, and implementing innovative revenue models such as branding and naming opportunities, advertising partnerships, intellectual property commercialization, licensing agreements, and other creative strategies within a university context. Strategic Project Management – Leading and coordinating a wide range of projects throughout the year, including compliance with federal mandates, university-driven initiatives, and college-level priorities. The ideal candidate is business-savvy, creative, and highly collaborative, with a proven ability to navigate complex environments and influence outcomes. This role requires a self-starter who is organized, an exceptional communicator, and a problem-solver who focuses on solutions rather than obstacles. This is a non-supervisory role. This position will be expected to be on site a minimum of 80% of workdays in a month.

Requirements

• Business acumen and strategic thinking.
• Creative problem-solving and ability to overcome barriers.
• High emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills.
• Self-starter with flexibility and resilience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and exercise influential leadership.
• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration, Accounting, Management or related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in financial management and analysis.
• Demonstrated track record of success in business development, revenue generation, and/or strategic initiatives—regardless of specific degree.
• Significant experience managing complex projects and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders in a large, decentralized organization.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with project management tools and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (MBA, Higher Education Leadership, or related field) is a plus but not required.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit environments.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following: business model development, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, licensing, branding, sponsorship agreements, or similar.
• Project management certification (PMP, CAPM) or similar credentials.

Responsibilities

• Identifying, developing, and implementing innovative revenue models such as branding and naming opportunities, advertising partnerships, intellectual property commercialization, licensing agreements, and other creative strategies within a university context.
• Leading and coordinating a wide range of projects throughout the year, including compliance with federal mandates, university-driven initiatives, and college-level priorities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director