Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives

Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives

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 Posting Details 

Job #  | 042431
Department Code  | 20207-5137
Department  | Project Advance
Job Title  | Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Campus  | Syracuse, NY
Commitment to On-Campus Experience  | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range  | $85,000 - $90,325
Pay Determination  | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level  | S5
FLSA Status  | Exempt
Hours  | Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type  | Full-time
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable

Job Description  | Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives position advises the Director on strategic initiatives, including pathway programs, micro credentialing, new course development and partnership outreach, etc., develops implementation plans, helps shape dual enrollment policy internally, and coordinates government relations and out-of-state licensures to support the educational mission and objectives of Project Advance and the wider institution.

The Associate Director directly supervises the program’s Assistant Directors and represents Project Advance at stakeholder meetings, conferences, and other events. This position also coordinates with SU faculty and the Project Advance administrative team in the areas of course management, faculty in-service training, field support, and administration associated with a large concurrent enrollment program involving secondary schools and a diverse population of students in the Northeast primarily and internationally.

Education and Experience  | Doctoral degree required in Higher Ed Administration or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and professional experience. Substantial experience working with concurrent (dual) enrollment partnership programs required. Minimum of 8-10 years working in a combination of secondary and higher education environments and program administration. Substantial supervisory experience.

Skills and Knowledge  | Exemplary communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills Superior time management skills and results-oriented Exceptional relationship and community-building skills Experience working with and supporting diverse populations of secondary students Knowledge of secondary education requirements and vertical alignment best practices Demonstrated leadership experience Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and collaborate effectively across teams Capable of exercising sound judgment and discretion Ability to represent the university and effectively engage a wide variety of audiences Mentoring or coaching experience Experience with international education preferred Big-picture thinker, ethically minded, and detail-oriented when needed

Responsibilities  | Strategic Planning Leadership and Support: Advise on strategic planning as part of senior leadership team, e.g., identifying potential educational pathways and strategic partnerships aligned with university initiatives. Identify potential new course offerings that align with strategic initiatives; and develop, nurture, and sustain working relationships with Syracuse University faculty to facilitate their involvement with Project Advance for course development and partner school support. Facilitate and participate in collaborative projects and initiatives that connect and advance Project Advance with SU¿s Schools and Colleges. Liaise with Syracuse University offices and external partners as necessary to help develop and implement strategic initiatives, including liaising with Deans and Department Chairs as appropriate. Promote and support programmatic standards aligned with MSCHE and NACEP accreditation standards. Assist with developing policies and practices aligned with NYS dual enrollment regulations

Staff Supervision: Directly supervise and mentor (2) Assistant directors, including overseeing annual performance review, personnel decisions, performance improvement plans, identifying or helping facilitate appropriate staff admin professional development, etc. Coordinate with HR as necessary to provide program onboarding/orientation for any new Assistant or junior-level Associate Director as assigned. Act on the Director’s behalf as necessary, e.g., supervise office staff, and provide Director with input on program policies and decisions affecting the department based on staff feedback and observation.

Course Oversight and Program Maintenance: Maintain communication between Syracuse University and high school administrators, guidance counselors, and teachers to obtain their continued support of the mission of Project Advance. Oversee and manage assigned course areas: assure that SU policy and academic standards are understood and maintained; take corrective action when problems occur; act as a problem solver for both Syracuse University faculty and high school teachers when required; resolve policy conflicts with high school personnel, parents, and students that may arise; advise and advocate on behalf of students as appropriate. Work with SU faculty to plan, coordinate, organize, and implement teacher professional development seminars and Summer Institute workshops for each assigned course area. In coordination with the respective faculty liaison and academic department, monitor course and curriculum changes that affect credit hours and course restructuring. Coordinate with SU faculty and partner schools to develop site visit schedules for assigned courses; visit high schools and meet with HS administrators, teachers, and students, as appropriate.
Program Outreach, Recruitment and Development: Cultivate and manage partnerships with external organizations (e.g., international, domestic, and in-state school partners, and education management or consultant organizations, etc.), advancing PA’s value proposition. Continue to foster relationships with SU Admissions in strategic regions. Promote and represent Project Advance at information sessions, advisory meetings, school partner parent and family involvement events, etc. Attend and represent Project Advance at regional and international education conferences and conventions. Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including faculty, staff, administrators, external partners, and potential collaborators, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual benefit.
State Licensure: Assume primary departmental responsibility for researching, facilitating and completing new state licensure agreements (outside NYS). Maintain record keeping and responsibility for annual reporting and licensure renewals, e.g., New Jersey new instructional site applications, annual reporting, and 5-year relicensure. Develop and nurture relationships with out-of-state office personnel and colleagues involved in the licensure process. Design and execute a comprehensive strategic partnership plan that aligns with the state licensure applications and renewals to identify opportunities for collaboration and growth, including liaising with regional SU Admissions and Advancement staff.
Physical Requirements  | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment  | Not Applicable
Application Instructions  | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University  | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area  | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement  | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans  | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community  | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link  | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/111757
Job Posting Date  | 12/01/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 

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