Special Projects & Strategic Engagement Manager (Administrator I)

CSU Careers • Chico, CA

1d • $92,000

About The Position

The Special Projects & Strategic Engagement Manager serves as a key strategic partner to the Vice President for Information Technology (VPIT) and provides executive-level leadership in advancing the Division of IT’s strategic priorities across campus and the CSU system. This position is responsible for leading high-impact special projects, executive communications, strategic events, and business relationship development to strengthen alignment between the Division of IT and the university’s academic, administrative, and student support units. In a time of rapid technological advancement, digital transformation, cybersecurity threats, AI evolution, and increased systemwide coordination, technology leadership must operate as an agile, relationship-centered, and innovation-enabling function. This role ensures that the Division of IT is positioned not only as a service provider, but as a strategic partner, trusted advisor, and institutional enabler. The incumbent works with a high degree of independence, discretion, and initiative in managing complex initiatives, cultivating strategic partnerships, and advancing IT’s role in supporting institutional resilience, operational excellence, and student success. This position enhances the Division’s executive capacity by: Increasing strategic alignment across campus Accelerating implementation of high-priority initiatives Strengthening communication and transparency Building durable cross-functional partnerships Supporting coordinated engagement with the Chancellor’s Office and sister campuses The incumbent will play a key role in expanding the Division’s external engagement strategy, strengthening partnerships with industry, community organizations, and systemwide collaborators to enhance innovation capacity, workforce pipelines, and institutional visibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Progressive 2 years of leadership experience in higher education, organizational strategy, communications, project management, or related field.
• Experience working with executive leadership.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree desired in organizational development, change management and/or a communications-related field.
• 7+ years’ experience in change management and/or communications supporting IT and technology-related business strategies.
• 3+ years project management experience with demonstrated skill at managing multiple deliverables for a variety of projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Change management methodology certification or equivalent experience in leading organizational change related to technology implementations and technology adoption.
• Experience and proven achievement in taking on larger, increasingly complex change management and communication programs.
• Critical thinker who utilizes curiosity in problem discovery and solutioning.

Responsibilities

• Increasing strategic alignment across campus
• Accelerating implementation of high-priority initiatives
• Strengthening communication and transparency
• Building durable cross-functional partnerships
• Supporting coordinated engagement with the Chancellor’s Office and sister campuses

Benefits

• This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).
• CSU, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees