Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives & Operations

Occidental College; California; On-site; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Occidental College seeks a Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations to provide strategic leadership for the Dean’s Office. You will drive divisional planning, manage OKRs, and oversee complex cross-functional initiatives with executive-level visibility.

You will supervise key roles, coordinate governance and policy administration, and lead communications with internal and external stakeholders while safeguarding discretion across sensitive matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• Nine years of progressive administrative or strategic leadership in higher education.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Three years of cross-functional project management and strategy execution.
• Knowledge of academic governance processes and policy administration.
• Ability to prepare executive briefings, agendas, and reports.
• Excellent written, verbal, and electronic communication skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and handle confidential matters.
• Proven leadership to supervise and develop staff and foster teams.
• Experience promoting justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity.

Responsibilities

• Drive divisional strategic planning and OKR tracking.
• Lead executive administrative functions and optimize office operations.
• Oversee policies and reviews for academic programs and tenure processes.
• Lead strategic communications and liaison with campus partners.
• Supervise and mentor Academic Affairs staff and directors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strategic planning

Cross-functional leadership

OKR tracking

Executive communications

Project management

Stakeholder liaison

Discretion & confidentiality

Leadership & supervision

Policy administration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree (MBA/MPA)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Adobe Acrobat

Enterprise academic management systems

Job description

Occidental College seeks a Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations to provide strategic leadership for the Dean’s Office. You will drive divisional planning, manage OKRs, and oversee complex cross-functional initiatives with executive-level visibility.

You will supervise key roles, coordinate governance and policy administration, and lead communications with internal and external stakeholders while safeguarding discretion across sensitive matters.