Director of Strategic Initiatives

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities seeks a highly motivated and experienced Director of Strategic Initiatives to join its Student Success leadership team. This pivotal role brings problem-solving expertise, innovation, and project management, partnering with the Chief Student Success Officer to drive CLA's student success priorities. The Director will lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance collaboration across teams and translate strategic goals into practical, sustainable outcomes. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complex challenges and turning strategic ideas into action.

CLA is the largest college at the University and in the state of Minnesota, serving over 12,000 undergraduate students across more than 60 majors in the humanities, social sciences, and creative disciplines. CLA Student Success encompasses the offices, programs, and initiatives that shape the undergraduate experience in the college, including engagement and belonging, academic advising, career services, scholarships, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, all working together to support student recruitment, retention, and degree completion. Supporting student success in this complex and decentralized environment requires collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and the ability to translate strategic priorities into coordinated action.

The Director will play a central role in planning, implementing, and evaluating initiatives that improve student outcomes and strengthen operational effectiveness. The person in this role will work primarily with CLA Student Success units, while collaborating with academic departments and other campus offices as needed. The Director will cultivate a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to pilot new approaches, implement scalable solutions, and improve operational workflows, systems, and tools.

Sitting at the intersection of strategy, data, and implementation, this role turns big ideas into real systems and improvements that directly impact students. The Director will serve as a strategic thought partner to the Chief Student Success Officer, helping to identify opportunities, address challenges, and ensure initiatives strengthen the undergraduate student experience in CLA. By moving initiatives from concept through implementation and evaluation, the Director brings clarity, structure, and momentum to complex projects.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Hybrid work environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

Strategic Project Management (40%)

• Lead the design, planning, and execution of cross-functional initiatives within CLA Student Success.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans with clear timelines, responsibilities, and measurable outcomes.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Chief Student Success Officer and senior leadership, providing recommendations informed by data, research, and best practices.

Operational Systems and Process Improvement (30%)

• Identify opportunities for innovation, process improvement, and operational efficiency across the unit, leveraging technology to enhance effectiveness.
• Design, implement, and optimize systems, tools, and workflows that support consistent and effective delivery of student services and initiatives.
• Build trust and buy-in across teams and units to facilitate smooth implementation of new and changed programs, policies, and processes.

Data, Assessment, and Innovation (20%)

• Utilize student, operational, and programmatic data to guide decision-making and inform strategy.
• Conduct analyses to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Establish processes to monitor progress, assess outcomes, and inform continuous improvement, communicating findings to leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure that initiatives are scalable, sustainable, and aligned with CLA's long-term goals.
• Encourage a culture of innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making across CLA Student Success.

Collaboration and Partnership (10%)

• Serve as a member of the Student Success leadership team, providing guidance and support to CLA senior leaders.
• Cultivate strong working relationships with stakeholders across CLA Student Success and other relevant academic and campus units.
• Facilitate coordination and communication among teams to support shared goals and organizational alignment.
• Foster necessary training opportunities to support a high-functioning, collaborative team.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree plus at least 8 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree plus at least 6 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in higher education administration, preferably in student success, advising, or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives from planning through implementation and evaluation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to use data to inform decision-making.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills, including the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and trust, influence without direct authority, and foster collaboration across diverse teams and units.

Preferred:

• Master's degree or higher in higher education, student affairs, or a related field.
• Experience leading initiatives across multiple student success functions, including advising, student services, career services, recruitment, scholarships, and communications.
• Hands-on experience with student information systems, data analytics, and technology-enabled workflow solutions to improve operational efficiency and outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, process improvement, and organizational change that improve student outcomes.
• Experience working in a large, decentralized college or university environment.

Pay Range: $80,000 - $95,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Required application materials: resume and cover letter.

Priority application deadline: June 24, 2026.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.