Director of Strategic Initiatives

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

2d

About The Position

As the Director of Strategic Initiatives to the Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS), you serve as a trusted advisor, strategist, and integrator who ensures the College operates efficiently and effectively in pursuit of its mission. You will bridge strategic priorities with operational execution, helping CAHNRS deliver transformative teaching, research, and Extension programs that serve the people, industries, and communities of Washington State and beyond. In this role, you act as the Dean’s principal advisor, strategic partner, and operational leader, reporting directly to the Dean and providing high-level support in advancing CAHNRS’s mission statewide and beyond. As a key member of the leadership team, you collaborate closely with associate and assistant deans, department chairs, directors, faculty, and university partners to implement the Dean’s strategic vision and support initiatives that promote excellence in academics, research, Extension, outreach, and organizational effectiveness. You represent the Dean to internal and external stakeholders, facilitate coordination across administrative and academic units, and ensure that priorities and initiatives are executed effectively. In doing so, you exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage complex issues with professionalism and integrity. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of the land‑grant mission, strong analytical and organizational skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with diverse audiences. You will operate in a fast-paced, multifaceted academic environment, balancing multiple priorities with attention to detail, and may occasionally travel within Washington State or work evenings and weekends as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (preference for business administration, public administration, higher education administration, or agricultural sciences).
• At least 6 years of progressively responsible administrative or leadership experience in higher education, research administration, or public-sector management.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, programs, or organizational initiatives.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, organizational management, and operational execution.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive issues.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree, Doctorate degree, or terminal degree in a field relevant to CAHNRS disciplines or Business administration.
• Experience working within a land-grant university or similar organization with research and Extension missions.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams and managing organizational change.
• Experience with fiscal management, policy development, and human resources operations.
• Familiarity with Washington State University policies, systems, and administrative structures.
• Experience engaging with agricultural industries, government agencies, or community partners and event management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor, strategist, and integrator to the Dean.
• Bridge strategic priorities with operational execution.
• Act as the Dean’s principal advisor, strategic partner, and operational leader.
• Collaborate with associate and assistant deans, department chairs, directors, faculty, and university partners.
• Implement the Dean’s strategic vision.
• Support initiatives that promote excellence in academics, research, Extension, outreach, and organizational effectiveness.
• Represent the Dean to internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate coordination across administrative and academic units.
• Ensure that priorities and initiatives are executed effectively.
• Exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage complex issues with professionalism and integrity.

Benefits

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees