Academic Strategic Initiatives & Project Manager

Indiana Institute of Technology; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana Tech seeks a highly organized, strategic, and results-driven Academic Strategic Initiatives & Project Manager. Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, this role leads complex projects from concept to execution across Academic Affairs.

The successful candidate collaborates with faculty, administrators, staff, and external partners to plan, timeline, milestones, risks, and accountability for initiatives spanning program development, accreditation, and digital transformation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, higher education administration, organizational leadership, project management, public administration, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience managing projects or strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Familiarity with artificial intelligence technologies and ethical use in workplace environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate initiatives related to the Academic Affairs Strategic Plan.
• Develop new academic programs and enhance academic pathways.
• Oversee artificial intelligence implementation and executive education initiatives.
• Support accreditation, curriculum innovation, and grant-funded projects.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and develop project dashboards and reporting tools.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Relationship building

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field

Doctoral degree (preferred)

Job description

Indiana Tech is a thriving, independent, teaching-oriented university that delivers career-oriented programming in a wide variety of disciplines that includes business, engineering, computer sciences, criminal justice, cybersecurity, marketing, health sciences, communication and helping professions. Indiana Tech enrolls nearly 1,500 students in its traditional undergraduate programs on its picturesque main campus, and nearly 5,000 students in its adult and online program. We offer degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master's, and doctoral levels and undergraduate and graduate certificates.
Over 41% of our students are either globally or domestically diverse; this contributes to our unique vibrant and inclusive campus community. All academic programs are designed to provide students with relevant and practical experiences, including an emphasis on internships. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Indiana Tech is committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment for all. We actively support the recruitment, engagement, and retention of students, faculty, and staff from a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. We believe that creating a sense of connection and support across our campus community plays an essential role in preparing students to succeed and contribute in a global society.
Indiana Tech has big plans for its future. Learn more at Indiana Tech Strategic Plan or strategicplan.indianatech.edu.
Indiana Tech is seeking a highly organized, strategic, and results-driven professional to serve as our next Academic Strategic Initiatives & Project Manager. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, this newly created leadership position will play a critical role in advancing the university's strategic priorities by overseeing the planning, implementation, coordination, and successful completion of high-impact initiatives across Academic Affairs.
The Academic Strategic Initiatives & Project Manager serves as the division's primary project management professional, leading complex projects from concept through execution. This position works collaboratively with faculty, administrators, staff, and external partners to develop implementation plans, establish timelines and milestones, monitor progress, mitigate risks, and ensure accountability for key institutional initiatives. The successful candidate will manage multiple concurrent projects while providing executive-level reporting, strategic analysis, and recommendations that support informed decision-making.
Primary areas of responsibility include coordinating initiatives related to the Academic Affairs Strategic Plan, new academic program development, academic pathway enhancement, artificial intelligence implementation, executive education initiatives, accreditation support, curriculum innovation, and grant-funded projects. The position also supports compliance efforts, facilitates cross-functional collaboration, develops project dashboards and reporting tools, and drives continuous improvement initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness.
Required Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in business administration, higher education administration, organizational leadership, project management, public administration, or a related field, along with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience managing projects, strategic initiatives, or organizational improvement efforts. Candidates should demonstrate exceptional organizational, analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills, as well as experience coordinating diverse stakeholder groups and managing multiple priorities simultaneously. Familiarity with artificial intelligence technologies and ethical use in workplace environments is essential.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include a doctoral degree; seven or more years of project management experience in higher education, nonprofit, government, or similarly complex organizations; experience supporting academic affairs operations, accreditation, strategic planning, grant administration, or institutional effectiveness initiatives; and expertise with artificial intelligence, technology implementation, or digital transformation efforts. Professional certifications such as PMP, CAPM, Agile, Lean Six Sigma, or Change Management credentials are welcomed but not required.
Opportunity and Impact
This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative leader who enjoys turning ideas into action, building partnerships, and helping drive institutional innovation. The successful candidate will join a mission-focused university committed to preparing students for meaningful careers, leadership, and lifelong success.
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment, with regular use of computers and professional communication tools.