Strategic Engagement Director

Arizona State University•Tempe, AZ

1d•$90,000 - $108,000

About The Position

Under administrative direction, the Strategic Engagement Director leads the design and implementation of strategic outreach programming that advances Enterprise Technology priorities and strengthens relationships between the university, local and regional and international communities. This role manages program, curriculum and co-designs communication plans, supervises day-to-day operations and outreach initiatives, and builds sustainable networks that promote stable and productive community engagement. With a strong focus on program design and performance measurement, the Strategic Engagement Director ensures outreach initiatives are strategically aligned, data-informed, and continuously improving. The role provides supervisory leadership across outreach functions—including sponsor engagement, bespoke events and operations, relationship management, and strategic partnerships—while establishing measurable outcomes that demonstrate program impact and community value. Responsibilities include the development and delivery of program impact reports and executive summaries that translate program outcomes into measurable results, informing strategic decision-making and future outreach investments. While ensuring engagement efforts are cohesive, mission-driven, and responsive to Enterprise Technology and community needs. The role provides supervisory leadership across outreach functions, including sponsor engagements, bespoke events and operations, relationship management, and strategic partnerships. This role requires a confident, emotionally intelligent leader who thrives in complex, high-visibility environments and can skillfully navigate diverse stakeholders and competing priorities with clarity and composure. The Strategic Engagement Director must demonstrate sound judgment, strategic insight, and resilience—sustaining alignment and forward momentum while shaping experiences that reflect and elevate ET’s culture. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and visionary leader who pairs strategic thinking with disciplined execution. With exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities, this individual will design and steward meaningful engagements that embody ET’s values, strengthen community, and intentionally cultivate the culture we seek to advance. As with all members of the Enterprise Technology team, this role carries core responsibilities, including fostering a sense of belonging and cultivating a culture that is relational, visionary, and empowering. With a strong emphasis on authenticity and compassion, this position is dedicated to embodying and advancing our culture.

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.
Knowledge of program design, community engagement strategies, and partnership development.
Knowledge of communication planning and outreach operations.
Knowledge of project management and systems, including computer applications.
Knowledge of budgets, finance and management principles and practices.
Skill in supervising staff and coordinating cross-functional initiatives and organizing work of others and self
Skill in building and sustaining strategic partnerships.
Skill in written and verbal communication.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in analyzing and developing effective solutions for logistical problems.
Skill in using good organizational skills and attention to details.
Ability to align outreach programming with institutional strategy and community needs.
Ability to manage multiple initiatives while maintaining operational excellence.
Demonstrated ability to model empathy, compassion, and emotional intelligence.
Experience in a values-driven organization with a strong commitment to inclusion and belonging.
Ability to cultivate a psychologically safe environment where all team members can thrive.
Capacity to inspire and drive meaningful change in individual, institutional, and corporate behaviors to support a more sustainable environment.
Commitment to leading by example through effective communication, active participation, and advocacy for the institution’s sustainability programs.

Nice To Haves

Experience coordinating events within a higher education or nonprofit setting.
Experience working with diverse audiences and designing inclusive event strategies.
Experience with leading through ambiguity, conflict, and organizational complexity.
Familiarity with CRM platforms, event management systems, or campaign automation tools.

Responsibilities

Program Design & Strategy Guided by executive leadership and sponsors to shape event programs, coordinate speakers, and develop briefing materials that support informed and effective executive engagement, including coordinating internal and external speakers in alignment with event goals and ASU values.
Experience serving as a steady presence during high-pressure events and executive engagements, ensuring team alignment and composure Works closely with executive leadership to proactively identify event challenges and implement strategic solutions.
Leads the development and refinement of outreach program curriculum, engagement frameworks, and communication strategies aligned with university and unit goals.
Designs scalable outreach models that integrate sponsorship, partnerships, executive engagement, and community programming.
Ensures program initiatives reflect ET priorities, department culture and strengthen long-term university-community relationships.
Operational Leadership & Supervision Aligns team functions to ensure seamless integration across sponsorship strategy, event execution, relationship cultivation, and strategic partnerships.
Works closely with CxC team for communication planning to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated engagement efforts.
Supervises day-to-day outreach operations and initiatives, ensuring coordination, accountability, and program effectiveness.
Provides leadership and direction to outreach team members, including: Sponsors and Executive Engagements, Events and Operations, Hackathons and Program Development, and Strategic Partnerships.
The position balances strategic planning with day-to-day leadership of outreach initiatives and team members.
Evaluates program performance using qualitative and quantitative measures to inform continuous improvement and strategic growth.
Leverage AI in routine tasks and contribute ideas for using AI to improve the unit’s efficiency and overall performance.
Take responsibility for fostering a positive culture, upholding organizational values, and championing engagement in all its forms.
Collaborate across teams and actively participate in ET/ASU events and programs.