Director of Strategic Initiatives
About The Position
The Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas is seeking a highly organized and proactive Director of Strategic Initiatives to lead the execution of strategic supply chain innovation initiatives within the Supply Chain Management Research Center (SCMRC). These initiatives focus on addressing challenges faced by commercial industries, government sectors, and global supply chains. The Director of Strategic Initiatives will play a critical role in coordinating cross-functional efforts, overseeing key research-driven projects, and engaging stakeholders across academia, industry, and policy sectors. This position will also support the planning and execution of pilot programs, industry partnerships, and applied research efforts aimed at modernizing logistics and supply chain systems in both commercial and government contexts, including sectors such as defense, national security, and public infrastructure. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, engineering, or a related field
- Experience in leading projects in logistics, supply chain, technology, or innovation-focused roles
- Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder projects involving research, industry collaboration, and funding oversight
- Strong communication skills and experience working with executives, researchers, and government entities
- Strong network within technology investment firms, logistics enterprises, and AI-driven startups
- Proven ability to develop and execute research-backed supply chain innovation strategies with cross-sector impact
- Background in venture capital investing, emerging technology commercialization, and financial governance
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree (MBA, supply chain, engineering, or related field)
- Experience working on research-driven projects with corporate or government funding
- Extensive knowledge of emerging supply chain technologies, AI, cybersecurity, and automation
Responsibilities
- Lead the execution of strategic supply chain innovation initiatives.
- Coordinate cross-functional efforts.
- Oversee key research-driven projects.
- Engage stakeholders across academia, industry, and policy sectors.
- Support the planning and execution of pilot programs, industry partnerships, and applied research efforts.
- Modernize logistics and supply chain systems in both commercial and government contexts.
Benefits
- university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
- tuition waivers for employees and their families
- 12 official holidays
- immediate leave accrual
- a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
