Director of Strategic Initiatives - Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation

State of Oklahoma • Oklahoma City, OK

6d • $70,000

About The Position

The Director of Strategic Initiatives leads the design, development, and execution of high-impact, agency-wide strategic initiatives that advance Oklahoma’s tourism economy and long-term growth objectives. This role is responsible for translating executive vision into actionable plans, driving cross-sector collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes on priority projects designated by the Executive Director. This position focuses on launching, implementing, and advancing transformational initiatives that require strategic alignment, interagency coordination, and stakeholder engagement at the state, regional, and national levels. As an employee with the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation you will enjoy: A comprehensive Benefit Package with a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents. The Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation will match up to 7% towards an employee’s Defined Contribution retirement plan. Our employees receive 11 paid holidays, 15 days of paid annual leave, which increases with every 5 years of service, and 15 days of paid sick leave. Additionally, employees will receive longevity payments based on their years of service with the State of Oklahoma.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, economic development, tourism management, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in strategic planning, public administration, economic development, tourism, or a related field.
• Experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement strategic initiatives with measurable outcomes.
• Strong understanding of public administration, intergovernmental coordination, and the legislative process.
• Ability to align diverse stakeholders around a shared strategic vision.
• Skilled in communication, negotiation, and relationship management.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and manage sensitive or high-profile initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Initiative Development & Execution Lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of high-visibility, time-bound strategic initiatives.
• Translate executive priorities into structured implementation plans with defined milestones, deliverables, and performance measures.
• Drive initiatives from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with agency mission, statewide economic goals, and legislative intent.
• Identify risks, barriers, and resource gaps; develop actionable solutions to maintain momentum and achieve results.
• Cross-Agency & External Coordination Serve as a liaison for designated initiatives with state agencies, including the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, as well as municipal, federal, and tribal partners.
• Coordinate cross-agency working groups to align strategy, funding, communications, and implementation efforts.
• Oversee and coordinate all administrative and operational functions of the Multi-County Organization (MCO) Program, including regular communication with members, preparation and distribution of program documentation, tracking invoices and payments to ensure statutory compliance, maintaining official records, implementing operational efficiencies and best practices, and collaborating with the Travel & Promotion Division to develop training opportunities for program members.
• Build and sustain partnerships with local tourism organizations, industry leaders, municipalities, and economic development entities.
• Priority Project Leadership Lead implementation and cross-sector coordination for major tourism and statewide initiatives such as U.S. Route 66 Centennial, America 250 (OK250), and Olympic-related opportunities connected to the 2028 Summer Olympics, as well as other initiatives designated by the Executive Director.
• Align marketing, infrastructure, policy, and partnership efforts to maximize economic and brand impact for Oklahoma.
• Policy, Planning & Executive Support Advise the Executive Director on strategic direction, emerging opportunities, and long-term positioning.
• Develop implementation strategies, briefing materials, and executive-level reports.
• Communication & Representation Represent the agency in high-level meetings, conferences, and public forums.
• Develop clear, data-driven presentations and reports for executive leadership, commission members, legislators, and stakeholders.
• Ensure consistent communication and alignment among partners and internal teams engaged in strategic initiatives.

Benefits

• A comprehensive Benefit Package with a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.
• The Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation will match up to 7% towards an employee’s Defined Contribution retirement plan.
• Our employees receive 11 paid holidays, 15 days of paid annual leave, which increases with every 5 years of service, and 15 days of paid sick leave.
• Additionally, employees will receive longevity payments based on their years of service with the State of Oklahoma.

What This Job Offers

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