Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives

Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives
Arizona State University
Campus: Tempe
JR119515

End Date: May 2, 2026 
Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including two (2) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:
Manages the intermediate to complex operations of a department within the division. Monitors budget, implements strategic priorities, and prepares reports for senior management.

Job Description:
As Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives within ASU’s Learning Enterprise (LE), this role partners with senior leaders, shaping and positioning high-priority initiatives across the enterprise as they relate to external funding activities. This role is at the center of high-priority initiatives and plays a key role in shaping how ASU’s Learning Enterprise is understood and supported by funding partners for the purpose of advancing impact and growth.

With strong presence, refined communication skills and demonstrated experience in supporting funding partner engagement and collaborating across complex organizations, this role represents ASU in high-stakes settings, writes strong communications, delivers polished presentations, and ensures every initiative is framed with clarity, confidence, and coherence. The career opportunity is to become a trusted leader who directly and measurably contributes to the advancement of ASU's Charter.

This role is based at ASU’s Tempe campus. A fingerprint background check is a mandatory step in the hiring process. 

Position Salary Range: $80,000-$90,000 per year, DOE

Essential Duties:
•    Shape and position enterprise initiatives for external funder engagements
•    Work directly with senior leaders and initiative leads to shape and define scope, goals, milestones and funding needs.
•    Align related funded initiatives across the portfolio to ensure clarity in communication and to avoid duplication.
•    Identify risks, misalignment, or missing inputs early and recommend specific corrective actions.
•    Frame, draft and edit materials including memos, funder decks, concept and proposal documents, executive updates, and talking points.
•    Ensure all materials follow a clear objective and are written for a defined audience. Materials have outcomes clearly identified, follow a logical structure, include milestones, and projections and measurements. All budgets presented to external audiences are aligned on and approved by internal partners. 
•    Drive external funding readiness
•    Align initiatives with funder priorities and investment themes and lead project teams which include development and initiative leads.
•    Prepare senior leaders for funder meetings by clarifying key messages, likely questions, and defined asks.
•    Oversee development of external reports and updates to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with commitments.
•    Shape and execute established processes for briefing, material review, and cross team coordination related to funder engagement.
•    Support senior leadership alignment
•    Develop briefing materials for executive meetings, board updates, and external engagements.
•    Structure executive discussions with clear objectives, decision points, and follow up actions.
•    Document and proactively communicate decisions and translate them into updated initiative plans and supporting materials.
•    Maintain consistent messaging across leadership forums and priority initiatives.

Other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications:
•    3–5 years of experience in strategy, consulting, executive communications, higher education, nonprofit leadership, or related roles involving complex, cross-functional work.
•    Demonstrated experience working closely with senior leaders to shape priorities, prepare high-stakes materials, or support strategic decision-making.
•    Strong strategic thinker who can connect ideas across initiatives, identify gaps or risks, and translate complexity into clear direction.
•    Clear, persuasive writer with experience developing compelling materials for executive or external audiences (e.g., funders, boards, institutional leaders).
•    Confident presenter who can represent work thoughtfully in a variety of settings.
•    Comfortable operating in ambiguity, bringing structure to evolving ideas, and exercising sound judgment to anticipate challenges and propose practical solutions.

Working Environment:
•    Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse; required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work.
•    Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds.
•    Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts.
•    May be required to perform tasks in the field within and/or across University campuses.
•    Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.

About Learning Enterprise:
ASU’s Learning Enterprise expands universal access to opportunity for learners – at every stage in life. Serving over 1.2 million learners in over 150 countries worldwide, we're reimagining the role of universities in society as catalysts of economic and social mobility, guided by the belief that all learners can harness education as a ladder of opportunity. Our programs meet learners wherever they are, removing the barriers while prioritizing belonging and support. Through ASU’s Learning Enterprise, it’s easy to get started on your learning journey – and there’s no limit to where you can go. Learn more at https://learning.asu.edu/.

At Learning Enterprise, we share a common set of values that guide our work and collaboration:

Scrappy. We are undaunted by challenges. We remain undeterred by anything that stands in the way of moving our vision forward. If we fall, we get up, over and over again. If it doesn’t exist, we create it. If something doesn’t work, we try something else.

Driven. We always push to be better for ourselves, for each other, and for our students. We are not defeated or guided by the status quo. We see what could be and relentlessly pursue it.

Intentional Architects. We know our attitude towards what we are doing will determine our success. We see the big picture and take deep pride in building every block that makes up our long-term vision. We are motivated by the potential of a transformed future while remaining firmly focused on tending to the tasks in front of us today.

Leading from the heart. We deeply care about people and their well-being. Everyone is unconditionally supported. We believe in human potential and invest in continuous growth.

Candid collaborators. We share ideas and feedback at all levels. We have strong opinions loosely held and intentionally engage in debate. We strive for clarity through direct and honest communication. We know our work is better for it.

Instructions to Apply:
Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.

Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on.
https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$20641.htmld

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:
•    Cover letter
•    Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.

Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.

Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement:
Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

Employment Verification Statement:
ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:
ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement:
This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

About Arizona State University
Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the country’s most innovative school, Arizona State University is where students and faculty work with NASA to develop, advance and lead innovations in space exploration.

To view full description or to apply please click this link:
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