Project Director, U.S Practice

Arizona State University•Tempe, AZ

2d•$120,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The University Design Institute (UDI) partners with universities, higher education systems, philanthropic organizations, and national governments to co-design innovative strategies that strengthen the future of higher education. UDI's U.S. Practice is committed to empowering U.S. universities, especially regional public universities and public systems, as they address the evolving demands of their students, states, and stakeholders. We partner with institutions and systems that serve as critical engines of access, mobility, and economic impact, particularly in communities that depend on public higher education the most. Our work emphasizes reimagining, redesigning, and rebuilding U.S. higher education in ways that enhance student success, workforce alignment, and community impact. UDI seeks a strategic, client-focused, and execution-oriented Project Director to support the U.S. Practice and lead the successful delivery of a portfolio of client engagements. Reporting to the Executive Director, U.S. Practice, this role serves as a primary operational leader for projects, ensuring high-quality execution, strong client relationships, and measurable outcomes across a diverse portfolio of transformation initiatives. The ideal candidate brings experience managing large-scale projects and client engagements within higher education or similarly complex sectors and thrives in environments that require both strategic thinking and disciplined execution. If you are passionate about helping colleges, universities, and systems turn ambitious goals into measurable results while building trusted partnerships that drive lasting impact, this role is for you.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including two (2) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Extensive experience leading complex projects, programs, or client engagements within higher education, consulting, non profit, or similarly complex environments.
Demonstrated success managing client relationships and serving as a primary point of contact for executive-level stakeholders.
Expertise applying project management methodologies, tools, and practices to manage project scope, timelines, budgets, risks, resources, and stakeholder expectations across multiple engagements.
Experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating the work of internal staff, external partners, consultants, and subject matter experts.
Strong financial management experience, including budget oversight, forecasting, contract management, and resource planning.
Exceptional communication, facilitation, and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences.
Deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing public higher education institutions and systems.
Infrequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with universities, state higher education systems, community colleges, or other mission-driven educational organizations.
Master’s degree in Higher Education, Public Policy, Organizational Development, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated experience managing complex client engagements, strategic initiatives, or organizational transformation projects.
Proven success overseeing projects that include multiple stakeholders, budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
Experience supporting proposal development, client acquisition efforts, or consultative engagements.
Strong business, financial, and operational management skills, including experience with budgeting, forecasting and contract administration.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively across organizational, geographic, and institutional boundaries.
Ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or be subject to resolution of conflicts.
Clearly communicate to perform essential functions.
Use critical thinking to make decisions and/or analyze and report data/results.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee a portfolio of client projects from initiation through completion, ensuring alignment with project objectives, client expectations, contractual commitments, and UDI standards for quality and impact.
Provide day-to-day leadership to project teams, consultants, facilitators, and experts. Monitor project performance, manage risks and dependencies, and ensure effective collaboration, accountability, and successful delivery of client outcomes on time and within budget.
Serve as a primary point of contact during engagements both to oversee project direction and to foster trusted relationships, manage expectations, and ensure a high-quality client experience throughout the engagement lifecycle.
Support the Executive Director, U.S. Practice, in proposal development, project scoping, client presentations and other activities that contribute to practice growth and sustainability.
Capture and synthesize insights, outcomes, and lessons learned across client engagements to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation. Contribute to the refinement of methodologies, strengthen service offerings, and enhance delivery effectiveness. Help build repeatable frameworks, processes, and resources that enable the U.S. Practice to scale its impact while maintaining quality and consistency.