Director of operations

Job Title

Director of Strategic Operations and Initiatives

Department

Student Life Programs

Worker Type

Regular

Pay Type

Salary

Position Salary Minimum

$84,000

Position Salary Maximum

$88,000

Salary will be commensurate with the level of the position, education, and experience.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefit Eligible

Yes

Screening Date

2025-10-10

Job Description Summary

The Director of Strategic Operations and Initiatives for Student Life is a key member of the Student Life leadership team, reporting to the AVP for Planning, Assessment, and Transition. This position is central to advancing the division's goals by fostering innovation, advancing strategic initiatives, driving data-informed improvement, and thoughtfully stewarding our resources. The Director will manage a portfolio that includes divisional assessment/data efforts, grant funding, gift stewardship, student and staff recognition programs, and a range of strategic projects that contribute to the student experience and overall student success.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Initiatives & Stewardship

• Manage the responsible stewardship of gifts and grants, ensuring that all funds across the Division are allocated and utilized in accordance with donor intent and divisional priorities. Work with divisional directors to ensure completion of high-quality annual donor impact reports.
• Oversee and manage the distribution of grants to students and offices through the Family Fund, ensuring equitable and transparent processes. Provide semi-annual reports on the Family Fund for the Parents Council.
• Plan and implement divisional-level awards (e.g. President’s Distinguished Service Awards, senior service awards) and recognition programs for both student and staff employees to foster a culture of appreciation and achievement.
• Lead and execute a variety of strategic, time-limited projects that span multiple departments as new needs arise, ensuring they are completed on time and within scope.
• Track and prioritize divisional workgroup recommendations over time and recommend plans for completion.
• Serve as consultant for directors as they navigate the hiring process for new staff.
• Coordinate divisional-level onboarding, training, and support of new staff.
  
  

Assessment And Data Responsibilities

• Serve as a leader in the division's assessment efforts by developing and implementing assessment plans, collecting and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs), and identifying trends to inform strategic decision-making.
• Prepare and present data-driven reports and insights to divisional leadership and university stakeholders to highlight the impact of divisional programs and services.
• Serve as a resource for training and consultation on assessment practices, survey design, and evaluation methodologies.
• Research and support the identification of grant funding opportunities to advance divisional and institutional goals. Mentor divisional staff through the grant application and implementation process, acting as primary liaison to the Office of Research and Innovation.
  
  

General Duties

• Serve as a liaison for internal and external Student Life partners on strategic initiatives and projects.
• Assist the Senior VP for Student Life and AVPs with special projects and other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree, completed by the start date.
• 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education, with a focus on student affairs or a related field.
• Experience in strategic planning, project management, data analysis, or institutional assessment is crucial. A proven track record of successfully managing complex projects from inception to completion is highly valued.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Business Administration (MBA), public administration, social sciences, or a related field, completed by the start date.
• Experience leading or managing teams, initiatives, or projects, in a formal or informal supervisory capacity.
• Experience applying for and/or administering grants.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strategic Thinking & Planning: The ability to think strategically, anticipate challenges, and develop actionable plans to achieve long-term goals.
• Data Analysis and Assessment: Strong analytical skills and proficiency in using data to inform decisions.
• Project Management: Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, set timelines, and ensure deadlines are met.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. This includes the ability to write clear, concise reports and proposals, as well as to present complex information to diverse audiences (students, staff, and senior leadership).
• Collaboration and Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Problem-Solving: The ability to identify problems, analyze them objectively, and develop creative and practical solutions.
• Adaptability: The capacity to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment and to manage unexpected challenges with a calm and strategic approach.
  
  

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Advanced Data Analysis: Demonstrated proficiency with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SPSS, Tableau, Qualtrics, Power BI)
• Advanced Assessment: Experience in assessing program effectiveness, and telling a compelling story. Familiarity with assessment models and tools.
• Financial Acumen: Experience with budget management, grant writing, and financial stewardship.
  
  

Additional Position Information (if Applicable)

Required Application Documents

Resume and cover letter

Special Instructions (if applicable)

None

Additional Information

A criminal background check is required. All campuses are smoke- and tobacco-free campuses.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Remote Work

For positions that are approved for remote work: Remote work is not a right, it is a work arrangement that can be modified or revoked by Miami University at any time for any reason, including the convenience of the University.

Reasonable Accommodations

Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [email protected] or 513-529-3560. Questions and follow-ups regarding requests should also be directed here.

Miami University Values Statement

Miami University is a scholarly community whose members believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character as well as of intellect. We respect the dignity of other persons, the rights and property of others, and the right of others to hold and express disparate beliefs. We believe in honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct. We defend the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and combine that freedom with the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility.

For more information on Miami University’s mission and core values, please visit the Mission and Core Values webpage.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [email protected] or 513-529-3560.

Clery Act

As part of the University’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at: which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at 513-529-2223.

Labor Law Posters for Applicants

Please visit our Labor Law Posters webpage to access all relevant and applicable labor law information.