Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives

Pasadena Area Community College District•Pasadena, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the President/Superintendent, this position serves as a senior strategic advisor and executive liaison responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and managing a wide variety of advanced, specialized, and sensitive administrative planning, organization, and direction of duties in support of the President/Superintendent and the District’s strategic priorities. The position is responsible for project oversight, process improvement, and management of complex and high-level special projects for the District, with particular emphasis on cross-divisional initiatives aligned with institutional goals, long-term planning, and Board priorities. The position requires thorough knowledge of the President’s Office, regulatory legislation, District policies and procedures, accreditation standards, and operational details in order to provide sound executive guidance, policy analysis, and strategic coordination. As a member of the President’s executive leadership team, the Executive Director provides strategic analysis and coordination related to public policy matters, intergovernmental initiatives, institutional partnerships, and special projects that advance the District’s mission and public standing. The position provides strategic coordination and advisory support to members of the Executive Leadership Team and College Vice Presidents on cross-divisional initiatives, institutional priorities, policy analysis, and executive-level projects to promote alignment and shared accountability across divisions. The position provides executive-level oversight of the District’s public radio broadcasting license (KPCC), serving as the President’s designee for license stewardship and compliance coordination consistent with applicable regulations and governing agreements. In this capacity, the position supports and coordinates fulfillment of the District’s responsibilities as Licensee, including regulatory filings, license renewals, and public inspection requirements, while maintaining a collaborative and strategic partnership with Southern California Public Radio. In the aftermath of the Eaton fires and other regional emergencies, the position plays a central leadership role in coordinating institutional recovery and resilience initiatives. The position works across divisions and with local, state, and federal agencies, community organizations, and philanthropic partners to support rebuilding efforts, strengthen student and employee support systems, advance workforce recovery strategies, and position the College as a regional anchor institution contributing to equitable recovery and long-term community stabilization. Working closely with the Foundation’s Executive Director, the position assists with fundraising efforts, donor cultivation and stewardship, and strategic communications, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and advancing the District’s fundraising goals.

Requirements

A master’s degree from an accredited institution in Education, Public Administration, Business, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, executive-level administration, communications, governmental coordination, media, or related leadership roles, including three (3) to five (5) years of experience working in or alongside media, communications, journalism, or public broadcasting environments.
Experience in higher education, the public sector, or similarly complex organizational environments.
Expertise in developing, implementing, and managing strategic initiatives aligned with institutional goals.
Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to support executive decision-making.
Ability to oversee complex partnership agreements while preserving institutional authority and alignment with District priorities.
Experience leading institutional recovery, resilience, or disaster-related initiatives.
Ability to coordinate high-level intergovernmental collaboration and community engagement.
Advanced political acumen and sound judgment in navigating sensitive governance and executive-level matters.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through strategic initiatives and student-focused programs.
Demonstrated experience working with communities traditionally underserved by higher education.
Knowledge of media landscape dynamics, public broadcasting policy, and the ability to assess reputational, regulatory, and strategic implications of emerging media trends.
Advanced skill in professional, technical, and grant writing, including the ability to develop executive-level reports, policy analyses, and competitive funding proposals.
Successful applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Successful completion of background check including Live Scan and Tuberculosis (TB) assessment/screening.
Applicants must be available for interviews at Pasadena City College at no cost to the District.

Nice To Haves

An earned doctorate from an accredited institution in Education, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
Senior-level leadership experience within a higher education institution.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of strategic initiatives aligned with institutional objectives, Board priorities, and long-term planning goals.
Provide high-level strategic analysis and executive support to the President and Board of Trustees, including preparation of briefings, reports, correspondence, and complex communications.
Provide strategic advisory support to the Executive Leadership Team and College Vice Presidents, facilitating cross-divisional coordination, executive communications, and implementation of institutional priorities.
Lead and coordinate District-wide initiatives related to institutional recovery, stabilization, and long-term resilience following the Eaton fires and other regional emergencies.
Partner with local, state, and federal agencies, community organizations, and philanthropic entities to secure recovery resources, support rebuilding efforts, strengthen student and employee services, and advance equitable recovery and workforce revitalization strategies.
Provide executive-level oversight of the District’s public radio broadcasting license (KPCC), serving as the President’s designee for license stewardship and compliance coordination in accordance with governing agreements and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate and support fulfillment of the District’s responsibilities as Licensee, including license renewals, regulatory filings, public inspection requirements, and related compliance matters in collaboration with Southern California Public Radio.
Serve as the District’s primary executive liaison to SCPR leadership regarding governance, strategic alignment, and partnership matters affecting KPCC.
Identify, pursue, and oversee grant development opportunities aligned with institutional priorities, including disaster recovery, infrastructure restoration, workforce development, and student success initiatives.
Collaborate with the Foundation’s Executive Director to support donor cultivation, stewardship, and strategic communications aligned with District goals.
Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting the District and provide strategic analysis and coordinated engagement support as directed by the President/Superintendent.
Facilitate institutional effectiveness initiatives through assessment, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to improve programs, services, and student outcomes.
Provide leadership and oversight for assigned staff and project teams, including participation in recruitment, evaluation, professional development, and performance accountability processes in accordance with District policies and collective bargaining agreements.
Perform other related duties as assigned in support of institutional priorities.