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Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives

Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives

UMass AmherstAmherst, MA, United States
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About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Provost's Office serves as a strategic advisor and operational partner to the Provost's Leadership Team, including the Executive Deputy Provost, Senior Vice Provosts, and Vice Provosts. The role leads executive-level initiatives, manages cross-functional projects, and ensures alignment across the Provost's extensive portfolio. Operating with significant independence, the Associate Director anticipates challenges, engages stakeholders, and translates strategic goals into actionable results.

Essential Functions

Strategic Initiative Leadership

  • Leads planning, execution, and evaluation of high-impact initiatives across the Provost's Office portfolio, including projects led by the Provost, Executive Deputy Provost, Senior Vice Provosts, and Vice Provosts.
  • Oversees project tracking, outcome measurement, and reporting to ensure alignment with institutional and strategic goals.

Executive Advising & Decision Support

  • Develops and presents analyses, policy briefs, and recommendations to inform Provost Office leadership decisions.
  • Anticipates challenges, identifies emerging issues, and advises on proactive strategies to position leadership for success.

    • Cross-Functional Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Facilitates collaboration across academic and administrative units on initiatives led by the Provost's Leadership Team.
  • Coordinates with Vice Provosts (e.g., Innovation, Research, Student Success) to ensure effective stakeholder engagement, alignment, and follow-through.
  • Represents the Provost's Office in meetings, committees, and working groups, ensuring consistent communication and advancing institutional priorities.

    • Communications & Briefings

  • Prepares executive-level presentations, briefings, and reports for internal and external audiences.
  • Synthesizes complex information into concise, actionable materials for senior leadership.

    • Operational Oversight & Change Management

  • Oversees operational functions tied to strategic initiatives, including policy and governance alignment, planning, and evaluation of cross-unit outcomes.
  • Supports organizational change management efforts by managing communications, stakeholder engagement, and issue resolution.

    • Confidential & Sensitive Matters

  • Manages complex and confidential issues of institutional significance with sound judgment and discretion.
  • Serves as a trusted liaison on sensitive strategic priorities, maintaining confidentiality while ensuring progress.

    • Other Functions

  • Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the Provost's Office and University.
  • Supports the University's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

    • Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Bachelor's degree (preferably in business, higher education administration, public policy, or related field).
  • At least five (5) years of progressively responsible, professionally relevant project management or strategic leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
  • Advanced proficiency in organizational analysis, policy evaluation, and project tracking, including benchmarking and risk assessment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to distill complex issues into clear recommendations.
  • Proven ability to exercise independent judgment, discretion, and professionalism on matters of institutional significance.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and represent the Provost's Office with credibility.

    • Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

  • Master's degree in business administration, higher education administration, or related field.
  • Experience coordinating complex initiatives in higher education or a large public-sector environment, preferably involving academic governance and institutional planning.
  • Familiarity with academic governance, institutional planning processes, and organizational change management.
  • Experience advising senior executives and leading cross-unit initiatives.

    • Physical Demands / Working Conditions

  • Typical office environment.
  • Frequently involves attending meetings across campus.

    • Additional Details

  • Works under the direction of the Chief of Staff with considerable independence in decision-making; provides strategic project support to the Executive Deputy Provost, Senior Vice Provosts, Vice Provosts, and other senior leaders as assigned.
  • May provide project-based guidance to administrative staff, graduate assistants, student employees, or temporary staff.

    • Work Schedule

  • Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required to meet executive needs or respond to time-sensitive issues.

    • Salary Information

    Salary Level 28

    Exempt Hiring Ranges

    Special Instructions to Applicants

    Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

    The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

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    Strategic Initiative • Amherst, MA, United States

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