Senior Academic Initiatives Strategist

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative solutions to advance academic initiatives and improve student outcomes.
• Lead multiple complex, institution-wide academic strategic planning efforts and high-impact initiatives.
• Drive necessary change management for successful cross-functional implementation across the university.
• Research and gather insights into program and student performance, focusing on access and completion for underserved populations.
• Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to promote a student-focused environment.
• Lead strategic planning for grant opportunities, overseeing the full lifecycle from research and proposal to post-award management.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in student pathways, skills-based practices, digital credentialing, and work-based learning.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in a related field (equivalent relevant experience may be considered).
• 6 years of progressive experience in higher education, education technology, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in strategic planning and implementation within an academic setting.
• Strong change management and project management skills.
• Experience with the full grant lifecycle, including research and proposal development.
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or Terminal Degree in a related field.
• 3 years of experience in skills implementation.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, telehealth, and mental healthcare.
• Health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA).
• Retirement savings plan and wellbeing programs.
• Discounted WGU tuition.
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) and flexible paid sick time.
• 11 paid holidays and up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

About the Company

Western Governors University (WGU) was founded by a coalition of U.S. governors with a mission to make higher education more accessible through online, competency-based degree programs. As one of the largest accredited online universities in the U.S., WGU is dedicated to creating pathways to opportunity for students through innovative learning models.