Job Details

Associate Director Of Strategic Initiatives, Academic Affairs

Position Number: 7125242
Location: Denver, CO
Position Type: Academic Vice Presidents and Provosts

Associate Director Of Strategic Initiatives, Academic Affairs

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Department
AA Chief Strategy Officer

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives supports the Chief Strategy Officer for Academic Affairs by coordinating and advancing high-priority strategic projects that support academic innovation, workforce alignment, online and flexible learning, and operational effectiveness. This position works closely with the Chief Strategy Officer to translate initiatives into actionable plans, coordinate cross-unit efforts, and maintain timely, high-quality execution. We are looking for candidates who bring strong initiative and strategic thinking to a role that requires moving complex work forward across multiple units.

The Associate Director provides project leadership, research, coordination, communications support, and problem-solving to drive complex initiatives forward. This role is ideal for a highly organized, proactive, detail-oriented individual who excels in fast-paced environments and enjoys turning ideas into delivered outcomes.

Duties/Responsibilities

Project and Initiative Management (25%)

Develop project plans, timelines, deliverables, and tracking mechanisms for Academic Affairs strategic initiatives.

Lead day to day coordination among colleges, departments, CTLD, IT, Online Programs, and other campus partners.

Identify risks, remove barriers, and escalate issues as needed to maintain project momentum.

Prepare regular progress updates and reports for Academic Affairs leadership.

Workforce and Credential Development (50%)

Gather and organize the information needed to advance new Workforce Pell eligible credentials, noncredit offerings, and stackable pathways, including job tasks, skill requirements, employer expectations, and curricular alignment.

Compile regulatory requirements, credential eligibility criteria, and peer program structures to support academic departments developing new offerings.

Coordinate Academic Affairs responsibilities for potential pilots with external partners that may support credential development, including managing information flow and reviewing materials for academic alignment.

Prepare program summaries, rationale statements, and approval documents for internal review processes and presentations.

Academic Documentation, Pathways, and Project Tracking (20%)

Coordinate internal documentation for new credentials and ensure alignment across colleges, Academic Affairs units, CTLD, advising, and other campus partners.

Support development of stackable pathways by mapping progression routes and coordinating with advising and enrollment partners.

Maintain templates, checklists, and quality expectations for credential development.

Provide guidance on academic policies and approval steps related to new credentials.

Support an intake and prioritization process for Academic Affairs initiatives by organizing proposals, assessing alignment with institutional goals, and recommending sequencing.

Maintain tracking systems that monitor project status, timelines, and progress across Academic Affairs.

Strategic Research and Communication (5%)

Draft summaries, talking points, visual aids, and briefing materials for leadership and campus partners.

Prepare synthesis materials that support leadership planning, decision making, and communication.

Produce concise briefs that highlight patterns, risks, and opportunities for the academic portfolio.

Maintain an integrated view of Academic Affairs initiatives by tracking project stages, dependencies, and overall pacing.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree.
Minimum of 5 years of experience leading or owning complex, multi-stakeholder projects across departments or functions
Experience developing and managing project plans, timelines, deliverables, and tracking systems that drive execution across multiple teams
Experience leading or directly contributing to structured program, credential, or initiative development (e.g., academic programs, workforce initiatives, certifications, or similar)
Experience with end-to-end execution of projects by managing scope, timelines, and stakeholder accountability.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in education, public administration, business, or a related field.
7+ years of relevant experience, including project leadership and cross-unit coordination.
Experience with academic program development, workforce-aligned credentials, online learning, or process improvement.
Familiarity with governance, accreditation, and academic program approval processes.
Experience with project management tools (Asana, Trello, Smartsheet, MS Planner, etc.).
Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and deliverables.

Schedule Information

Full-time, 40 hours per week
Exempt
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Evenings and Weekend Work: Occasionally as needed
Schedule: Hybrid schedule. Three days a week on campus with remote possibility 2 days a week in accordance with AWA policy.
Travel: Rarely

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The anticipated hiring range is $83,836-$98,000.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by May 14, 2026.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative
Sophia J Montano

Posting Representative Email
smontan7@msudenver.edu

Benefits

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver's benefits website to learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.

To apply, please visit: https://msudenver.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/MSUDenver/job/Denver-Colorado/Associate-Director-of-Strategic-Initiatives--Academic-Affairs_JR105254