Program Director, Strategic Initiatives

UMass Global

22h • Remote

About The Position

University of Massachusetts Global is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the University of Massachusetts, created to help working adults change their lives through flexible, high-quality education built for real life. Regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and recognized by U.S. News & World Report among the Best Online Programs for 13 consecutive years (2013–2025), the university has a long track record of online innovation. Students across 49 states and internationally can upskill, reskill, and move forward without putting life on hold through technology-enabled, real-world learning. With 55+fully online, career-focused programs designed around the realities of work, family, and constant change, we remain ever-focused on developing future-ready learners who can thrive in a rapidly shifting world. This position is open to candidates who currently reside in one of the following approved states from which the role may be performed remotely: Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin. Employees must be available for collaboration during core hours from 10am to 3pm (PST). The Project Director, Strategic Initiatives is a proactive and solutions-oriented leader who manages complex, cross-functional initiatives that support the university’s strategic plan. The role requires an innovative thinker who anticipates challenges, identifies creative solutions, and accelerates decision-making to keep initiatives on track. The role requires knowledge of academic and operational processes in non-traditional higher education universities to bring major initiatives to go-live. The position translates executive priorities into actionable workflows, secures institutional buy-in across academic and operational units, and drives timely completion of major initiatives. This is a full-time position with an initial 2-year term.

Requirements

• 5-7 years' experience in project management or strategic operations, with increasing responsibility, preferably in higher education.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of non-traditional and online models serving working adult learners
• Demonstrated knowledge of institutional planning, project lifecycles, including workflow design, timeline development, and cross-functional implementation
• Strong analytical skills, with exceptional judgment and the ability to support rapid decision-making.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills able to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong proactive leadership skills that promote innovative problem-solving and outside-the-box thinking
• Proven ability to coordinate and influence leaders at all levels across all university divisions.
• Proven ability to think proactively, strategically, and creatively to overcome barriers
• Proven ability to navigate ambiguous, fast-paced environments and guide teams through change.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred in higher education, organizational leadership, or related field.
• PMP Certification or similar certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage complex, institution-wide strategic initiatives requiring cross-unit coordination and accelerated timelines.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, charters, timelines, workflows, and accountability structures.
• Manage and coordinate leaders across academic and operational divisions, ensuring alignment of priorities, information flow, and timely decision-making.
• Synthesize feedback and operational details from multiple units and translate them into clear, actionable recommendations, as appropriate.
• Anticipate barriers, propose innovative solutions, and maintain momentum toward “go-live.”
• Serve as a connector across university divisions, academic schools, governance bodies, and executive leadership to ensure alignment and clarity.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings and working groups, guiding leaders toward consensus and unified institutional direction.
• Gather, analyze, and integrate input from unit leaders to produce concise summaries and recommended courses of action
• Engage stakeholders early to secure institutional buy-in and ensure transparent communication of all decisions and timelines.
• Translate complex executive decisions into actionable, well-structured workflows for cross-functional teams.
• Prepare recommendations for the Provost and other senior leaders as appropriate based on synthesized input from multiple divisions and diverse perspectives, highlighting options, impacts, and readiness considerations.
• Provide concise executive-level briefings, reports, and presentations.
• Maintain proactive, clear communication with all levels of the university to ensure shared understanding of timelines, deliverables, and decisions.
• Apply, research, and rapidly learn unfamiliar regulatory or accreditation requirements as needed, ensuring accurate interpretation and integration into project plans
• Ensure project plans incorporate federal regulations, accreditation standards, and governance requirements.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Financial Aid, Enrollment, Registrar, and Student Success to align compliance and operational requirements.
• Translate regulatory and accreditation requirements into clear action steps for team leads and unit leaders.
• Perform other duties, as assigned

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with spending account options.
• Remote options, flexible schedules, 1/2 day Fridays (biweekly), generous time off, including paid holidays and a paid winter break.
• Life, disability, accident, legal, identity protection, and student debt support.
• 403(b) plan with a Roth option. 3% non-elective contribution and up to 6% match for a 9% total employer contribution!
• Tuition discounts for employees and family and Tuition Exchange program with other universities. PSLF eligible employer.
• Counseling services, Free Calm Health subscription and year-round wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

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