Strategic Initiatives Manager

University of Northern Iowa; Cedar Falls (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Northern Iowa seeks a seasoned professional to provide strategic project coordination for complex university initiatives. You will support economic development projects, public-private partnerships, and capital programs through structured planning, risk assessment, and cross-functional coordination.

Working with senior leadership, you will prepare analyses, briefing materials, and decision-support documentation, tracking milestones and governance requirements while translating

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; five or more years of progressively responsible experience in project management, financial analysis, economic development, higher education administration, or related field.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic project coordination in support of complex university initiatives.
• Support economic development projects, public-private partnerships, and capital initiatives through structured planning and risk assessment.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and internal/external partners; prepare analyses and decision-support materials.
• Track project milestones and governance requirements; translate policy considerations into actionable plans.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

5+ years experience

Project management

Financial analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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Full Consideration Date

11/09/2026

Job Description

Summary:

Provides strategic project coordination in support of complex university initiatives; provides strategic support for University initiatives by supporting economic development projects, public-private partnerships, and capital initiatives through structured planning, risk assessment, and cross-functional coordination; working closely with senior leadership, prepares analyses, briefing materials, and decision-support documentation; tracks project milestones and governance requirements; helps translate legal and policy considerations into actionable plans; collaborates with internal units, external partners, and government entities; assists with pursuing funding opportunities and incentives; ensures alignment with institutional strategies and public-sector expectations; and promotes effective execution, transparency, and sound stewardship across a portfolio of strategic initiatives.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree; at least five years of progressively responsible experience in project management, financial analysis, economic development, higher education administration, or related field; strong organizational, analytical, and documentation skills; and excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, MS, or related field) or professional project management certification (e.g. PMP); experience working within a public university, state agency, or other public-sector environment; familiarity with public-private partnerships, real estate development, or large-scale capital projects; experience interpreting or working within statutory, regulatory, or governance frameworks; and demonstrated experience developing budgets, financial analyses, or business cases for complex initiatives preferred.

Position Details

Job Category: Professional and Scientific

Type of Position: Term; position expected to go through December 31, 2027

Service Schedule: Calendar Year

Compensation

Salary: $83,302 to Commensurate

Pay Grade: 122

Pay Basis: Salary

Iowa's cost of living is among the lowest in the nation and the Common Sense Institute ranks Iowa #1 for paycheck stretch. UNI enhances this advantage with an excellent benefits package for eligible non-temporary positions. Visit our Compensation Tools page to explore your estimated total compensation, compare Waterloo-Cedar Falls cost of living to other major cities or review the paycheck stretch ranking details. Learn more about the Cedar Valley at https://livethevalley.com/.

If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at [e-mail] or call [phone].

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

UNI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected by federal and/or state law.

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