Strategic Operations & Initiatives Specialist

Grand Valley State University; Allendale Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Life insurance

Wellness resources

Tuition waiver

Job summary

Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI seeks a Presidential Operations & Initiatives Specialist to provide flexible, hands-on support across administrative, operational, project-based, and engagement-focused work for the President's Office.

The role partners with the Director of Presidential Operations to manage budgets, coordinate meetings, advance initiatives, and maintain the Office's web and CMS updates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing administrative, operational, project, or program support in a professional setting.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and divisions.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, judgment, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with standard office software and collaboration tools; ability to learn Workday and CMS platforms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational priorities and logistics in collaboration with the Director of Presidential Operations, including budgeting and finance, Board of Trustees, and commencement support.
• Prepare and provide quarterly budget updates using Workday.
• Assist with preparation and coordination for Senior Leadership Team and other cross-discipline teams organized by the President's Office, including agendas, materials, logistics, and follow-up.
• Oversee project management and coordination for university initiatives in collaboration with the Director of Presidential Operations.
• Support the implementation of the university's strategic framework, Reach Higher Together.
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking timelines, deliverables, and outcomes related to university priorities.
• Analyze project requirements, identify gaps and dependencies, and proactively and independently advance assigned projects.
• Manage and coordinate routine updates for the President's Office and Board of Trustees websites, through the CMS.
• Evaluate website content for accuracy, timeliness, consistency, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Provide backup support to the President's Office Executive Assistant and Executive Assistant to the President during periods of high need or staff absences.
• Ensure continuity of office operations during peak periods.
• Provide additional support for the President's Office events and engagement team as needed.
• Provide support for Board of Trustees-related activities as needed.
• Serve as a front-facing resource supporting faculty, staff, students, and guests within the President's Office and buildings.
• May be required to provide hospitality and help create a welcoming, professional atmosphere at building sites.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve President's Office systems, workflows, documentation, and processes.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Skills

Administrative support

Project coordination

Communication skills

Cross-team collaboration

Workday & CMS familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Office software

Collaboration tools

Workday

CMS platforms

Job description

Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI seeks a Presidential Operations & Initiatives Specialist to provide flexible, hands-on support across administrative, operational, project-based, and engagement-focused work for the President's Office.

The role partners with the Director of Presidential Operations to manage budgets, coordinate meetings, advance initiatives, and maintain the Office's web and CMS updates.