Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives & Operations

ACAD; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

ACAD in Los Angeles seeks a Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations to provide strategic leadership within the Office of the Dean of the College. You will lead divisional planning, OKR tracking, cross-functional initiatives, and executive support for the Dean's leadership team.

You will supervise key staff, oversee governance processes, and advance high-priority policies while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Nine years of administrative/operational/strategic leadership in higher education
• Two years of supervisory experience
• Three years driving cross-functional project management with OKRs/KPIs/dashboards
• Knowledge of academic governance, P&T cycles and policy administration
• Ability to prepare executive briefings, agendas, and reports
• Strong written, verbal, and electronic communication
• Discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive matters
• Proven leadership and staff development capabilities
• Commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity

Responsibilities

• Drive divisional strategic planning and manage high-priority cross-functional initiatives.
• Oversee executive administrative operations and calendar/travel logistics.
• Coordinate Advisory Council and Faculty P&T reviews, maintain policy records.
• Lead internal/external communications and liaison with campus partners.
• Supervise and mentor staff; recruit and supervise interns; support governance bodies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Communication

Discretion & confidentiality

Mentoring & staff development

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Advanced degree (MBA/MPA/HEA)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Adobe Acrobat

Enterprise academic management systems

Job description

ACAD in Los Angeles seeks a Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations to provide strategic leadership within the Office of the Dean of the College. You will lead divisional planning, OKR tracking, cross-functional initiatives, and executive support for the Dean's leadership team.

You will supervise key staff, oversee governance processes, and advance high-priority policies while maintaining confidentiality.