Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives, Academic Affairs

Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives, Academic Affairs

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.

Responsibilities

• Project and Initiative Management (40%):
  • 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 elevate issues to maintain project momentum.
  • Prepare regular progress updates and reports for Academic Affairs leadership.
• Workforce and Credential Development (25%):
  • Gather and organize information needed to advance new Workforce Pell eligible credentials, noncredit offerings, and stackable pathways.
  • Compile regulatory requirements, credential eligibility criteria, and peer program structures.
  • Coordinate Academic Affairs responsibilities for potential pilots with external partners, manage information flow, and review materials for 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 (15%):
  • 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in project management, academic administration, strategy, operations, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and work independently.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, public administration, business, or 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.

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. The salary that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is between $84,000 - $105,000. This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Schedule Information

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Exempt
• Monday – Friday, 8am - 5pm
• Evenings and Weekend Work: As needed
• Schedule: Hybrid; 3 days per week in office on the Auraria Campus
• Visit our website for more information on our University’s Alternative Work Arrangements policy.
• Travel: Rarely

Instructions to Apply

Please apply through MSU Denver Careers and submit your cover letter and resume. Select "Begin Your Job Search," then search for JR . Internal applicants must apply through their MSU Denver Workday profile by searching "Find Jobs." Applications that do not contain all required documents may not receive full consideration. Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (current or former).

Please apply by Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 11:59pm for full consideration. Closing Date: Open Until Filled.

Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as 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, see: MSU Benefit Summary .

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

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.

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