Strategic Initiatives Director

Oregon Department Of Education • Washington, DC

242d • $10,311 - $15,964 • Remote

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Education is seeking a visionary Strategic Initiatives Director to drive high-impact initiatives, lead cross-agency efforts, and shape equitable outcomes for learners statewide. This is your opportunity to influence state policy at the highest levels and champion change where it matters most. This is an executive service position and serves at the pleasure of the agency director. This position is a hybrid role that includes both remote and onsite work. While remote work is embraced to the fullest extent possible, the individual in this role will be required to report to the office or other locations when business or operational needs necessitate in-person presence. Travel to Salem and various locations throughout Oregon will be expected.

Requirements

• Seven years of management experience; OR four years of management experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Proven ability to lead diverse teams toward strategic objectives by setting clear goals, managing complex dynamics, driving high performance, and maintaining accountability.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale initiatives, align cross-agency priorities, and advise executive leadership in complex, high-pressure environments.
• Effective at building trust and fostering collaboration across departments, agencies, and communities to achieve common goals.
• Deep understanding of educational equity and demonstrated commitment to addressing systemic and institutional inequities across diverse communities.
• Skilled in cross-cultural, written, and verbal communication, with the ability to navigate sensitive topics and convey clear direction to diverse audiences.
• Models respectful, ethical behavior and fosters an inclusive, discrimination-free workplace culture.
• Demonstrates a nuanced understanding of governmental structures, policy processes, and organizational dynamics.
• Thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments with competing priorities, tight timelines, and evolving challenges.
• Strong track record of executing complex, high-impact initiatives with measurable outcomes and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Acts on behalf of the Agency Director to guide policy, operations, and legislative priorities, ensuring alignment with agency values and objectives.
• Oversees high-impact, enterprise-level projects such as the Educational Accountability Initiative to improve transparency, streamline operations, and maximize resources.
• Supports collaboration across executive staff, ensuring timely decision-making, resource alignment, and progress on strategic goals.
• Directs work across multiple agency units including Government Relations, Legal/Civil Rights, Communications, and Education Innovation.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket cost.
• Paid days off - 11 paid holidays per year, 3 additional paid 'Personal Business Days' per year, 8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month, Progressive vacation leave accrual and increases every 5 years.
• In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, Paid Leave Oregon, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses.
• Student Loan Forgiveness Program: if you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you will want to look into this program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree