Senior Academic Initiatives Strategist

Western Governors University•Salt Lake City, UT

1d•$97,100 - $145,600•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Academic Initiatives Strategist operates in a highly dynamic role designed to adapt strategically to evolving team needs. Drives innovative academic initiatives at the University, creating pathways to opportunity for students and supporting the university's Key Results. This role serves as a trusted advisor to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring successful integration of academic strategic initiatives. The position is pivotal in developing and executing innovative solutions that improve student outcomes and impact the learn-and-work ecosystem.

Requirements

Master's Degree in a related field
6 years of relevant, progressive experience in higher education, education technology, or related field.
Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements.
Comprehensive understanding of higher education trends, challenges, and best practices in creating pathways to opportunity for students
In-depth knowledge of strategic planning and implementation in an academic setting
Advanced understanding of data-driven innovation and market trends in education
Thorough knowledge of student success metrics and strategies to improve credential value
Exceptional strategic thinking and ability to formulate bold, future-oriented visions
Strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire, motivate, and build confidence among team members and stakeholders
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas and strategies to diverse audiences
Advanced project management and execution skills, ensuring accountability and buy-in across teams
Superior talent management skills, including hiring, developing, and retaining top performers
Ability to keep students at the center of decision-making processes and guide efforts to improve value for students and employers
Capacity to apply broad strategic direction to improve lives at a global scale
Ability to foster creative thinking and bring data-driven innovations to market successfully
Capability to define and drive success for the whole team, creating a sense of belonging and alignment with organizational mission and culture
Ability to exemplify and promote high standards of honesty, teamwork, transparency, and accountability
Capacity to work effectively in ambiguous and fast-paced environments, making tough decisions with incomplete information
Ability to adapt to and manage change while maintaining focus on long-term goals
Capability to deliver on commitments and motivate others to action

Nice To Haves

PhD or Terminal Degree in a related field
3 years of skills implementation experience.

Responsibilities

Develops and implements innovative solutions to advance academic initiatives.
Leads multiple complex, institution-wide academic strategic planning efforts and high-impact initiatives simultaneously.
Drives necessary change management for successful cross-functional implementation.
Ensures successful implementation and adoption of academic strategic initiatives.
Researches and gathers insights into program and student performance, with a focus on supporting access and completion for underserved populations.
Builds and maintains relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborates across the university to promote a "student-obsessed" environment.
Provides regular updates on initiative status to senior leaders.
Leads strategic planning for grant opportunities to support academic initiatives.
Oversees the full grant lifecycle, including research, proposal development, and post-award management.
Serves as a subject matter expert in student pathways, skills-based practices, digital credentialing, and work-based learning.
Remains abreast of industry trends in the learn-and-work ecosystem.
Provides mentorship to inspire and develop colleagues.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.