New

Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

The Pennsylvania State University
paid holidays, sick time
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Apr 30, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS: The Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, reporting to the Interim Vice Provost for Educational Equity, provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to manage a dynamic portfolio of work in support of the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity's strategic goals. This position supervises professional staff responsible for grant administration, marketing and communications, bias reporting administration, and professional development. The position serves as the primary liaison to the unit's Information Technology strategic partner to ensure alignment of systems and services with the Office's evolving needs. The role ensures high-quality service delivery, cross-functional communication and collaboration, and strategic alignment across all supervised functions. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and solutions-oriented leader with strong project management skills and a deep commitment to equity, integrity, and institutional excellence. Work activities include: Leadership and Strategic Alignment Provide overall direction and oversight for the unit's operational and strategic initiatives to advance organizational goals. Lead a team of professionals across four key domains: grant administration, marketing/communications, bias response, and professional development. Serve as the unit's primary liaison to the IT strategic partner, collaborating to align technology tools, data systems, and digital infrastructure with the unit's functional priorities. Ensure all areas align with the Office's mission and the University's broader strategic objectives. Represent the Office on key committees and task forces; serve as a thought partner to senior leadership. Program and Operations Oversight Supervise the design and implementation of systems and services to support grant proposal development, post-award compliance, and fiscal management. Oversee communications strategy including digital presence, publications, and internal/external messaging. Provide leadership for bias incident response protocols, data tracking, and reporting mechanisms. Support development and assessment of professional learning programs for staff, students, and campus partners. Collaborate with IT partners to maintain data security, implement software tools, and troubleshoot operational challenges related to technology. Staff Supervision and Development Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate direct reports and their teams to ensure a supportive,inclusive, and effectiveworkplace. Set clear performance expectations and provide regular coaching and feedback. Facilitate professional development to support staff retention and growth. Budget and Resource Management In collaboration with finance staff, monitor budget allocations, grant expenditures, and cost efficiencies across supervised areas. Identify opportunities for additional revenue or cost savings in line with unit goals. Collaboration and External Engagement Develop and sustain partnerships with university departments, external agencies, and community organizations. Serve as liaison to central offices including communications, finance, research administration, and IT. Represent the Office of Educational Equity in meetings, presentations, and public engagements. Necessary Skills and Knowledge Demonstrated success managing cross-functional teams and complex projects. Knowledge of grant administration, communications strategy, bias response systems, professional development, and technology collaboration in higher education or nonprofit settings. Strong relationship-building skills to work effectively with IT partners and other institutional stakeholders. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in both process and practice. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Education and Experience Minimally requires a Bachelor's degree and 8 years of progressively responsible experience in administration, operations, or a related field.An equivalent combination of education and experience is accepted. At least 3 years of supervisory experience, preferably in a higher education or similarly complex environment. Experience with budget oversight, grant management, or strategic communications is strongly preferred. Clearances This position requires the following clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Application Instructions Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume for full consideration. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Benefits Penn State offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including: Medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans Tuition discounts for employees and eligible family members Generous vacation and sick time 14 paid holidays/campus closure days Learn more: https://hr.psu.edu/benefits The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms.We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belongingthat supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages theeducational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of thecommunity thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and anessential element of the university's teaching, research, and servicemission. The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is: $86,300.00 - $129,500.00 Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines University Park, PA