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Director Of Strategic Initiatives Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Director of Strategic Consulting is a leader within the Strategic Consulting & Program Management Office (SC&PMO) responsible for designing and driving enterprise-level strategic initiatives ...

The Director of Strategic Consulting is a leader within the Strategic Consulting & Program Management Office (SC&PMO) responsible for designing and driving enterprise-level strategic initiatives ...

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Director Of Strategic Initiatives information

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$49.5K

$125.6K

$204K

How much do director of strategic initiatives jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of strategic initiatives in the United States is $125,634.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $156,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of strategic initiatives do?

A director of strategic initiatives is a high-level management position within a company charged with brainstorming both short-term and long-term milestones and goals. It is imperative that the organization’s initiatives are in line with its visions whether it’s a one-time project or the cultivation of partnerships. Responsibilities may include proposals, reporting, budgeting, or program development. You’ll oversee a team of individuals. This position requires strong leadership skills along with excellent verbal and oral communication. It is crucial to be able to engage your staff and allow them to take ownership of the company’s mission. The successful job candidate can cultivate these business relationships easily.

What is the difference between Director Of Strategic Initiatives vs Business Development Manager?

AspectDirector Of Strategic InitiativesBusiness Development Manager
Primary FocusStrategic projects and long-term growth initiativesIdentifying new business opportunities and partnerships
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Business, Management, or related fields; experience in strategic planningBachelor's in Business, Marketing, or related fields; sales or marketing experience
Work EnvironmentCorporate strategy teams, cross-departmental projectsSales teams, client-facing roles, market research
Industry UsageCommon in large corporations and strategic planning units

The Director Of Strategic Initiatives focuses on leading strategic projects and long-term growth plans within an organization, often working across departments. In contrast, a Business Development Manager concentrates on identifying and securing new business opportunities and partnerships. While both roles require strategic thinking, the Director Of Strategic Initiatives typically handles broader, organization-wide initiatives, whereas the Business Development Manager is more client and sales-oriented.

What does a director of strategic initiatives do?

A Director of Strategic Initiatives is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing key projects that align with an organization’s long-term goals. They work closely with senior leadership to drive change, oversee cross-functional teams, and ensure that strategic priorities are executed effectively. Their role often involves analyzing market trends, managing complex projects, and communicating progress to stakeholders. Ultimately, they help organizations adapt and thrive in a competitive environment by guiding critical business initiatives.

How does a director of strategic initiatives typically collaborate with other departments to drive organizational change?

A Director of Strategic Initiatives works closely with leaders across multiple departments, such as operations, finance, marketing, and human resources, to align and implement cross-functional projects. They often facilitate communication between teams, establish clear project goals, and monitor progress to ensure strategic objectives are met. This role requires strong relationship-building skills, as successful collaboration depends on gaining buy-in from key stakeholders and managing competing priorities. Regular meetings, workshops, and updates are common methods for maintaining alignment and momentum.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of strategic initiatives, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Strategic Initiatives, you need strong leadership, project management, and analytical skills, typically backed by an advanced degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with strategy frameworks, data analysis tools, and project management systems like Asana or Microsoft Project is often required. Exceptional communication, influence, and cross-functional collaboration abilities set top performers apart in this role. These skills are critical for successfully driving organizational change, aligning stakeholders, and achieving long-term strategic goals.

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Cities with the most Director Of Strategic Initiatives job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Of Strategic Initiatives jobs?

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States with the most job openings for Director Of Strategic Initiatives jobs include:

Infographic showing various Director Of Strategic Initiatives job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,634 per year, or $60.4 per hour.

Manager of Strategic Initiatives

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 hours ago


University Of Southern California rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

It's an exciting time at the University of Southern California (USC). We are world-renowned for our innovative education, academic excellence and path-breaking research in a vibrant region exploding with potential. As part of a university that is on an upward trajectory, excellent development and advancement opportunities are possible here. Ultimately, you will support the university's expansive, humanity-centered mission: "The development of human beings and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit."
The Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences is seeking a Manager of Strategic Initiatives (Program Administrator) to join the Dornsife Advancement team, which is a large, dynamic, and collaborative team charged with increasing private support for the College's outstanding faculty, students, and programs. The team is committed to a culture of belonging through respectful dialogue, inclusiveness, collaboration, and the cultivation of meaningful, long-term relationships with faculty, staff, alumni, and donors.
This role serves as both an executive partner and a strategic connector-a professional who combines strong administrative precision with sharp project management, writing, and donor research skills. This person will report to and work closely with the Vice Dean and Chief Development Officer (CDO) to coordinate high-priority initiatives, communications, and cross-departmental projects that advance Dornsife's philanthropic goals.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys operating behind the scenes of leadership-someone equally comfortable scheduling a complex week of meetings and drafting a donor message, managing event logistics, and producing insightful donor briefings.
Core Responsibilities
Executive and Administrative Partnership (≈50%)
  • Serve as the CDO's trusted partner and first point of contact-managing calendars, meetings, travel, expenses, and follow-up actions with accuracy and foresight.
  • Anticipate needs, prioritize requests, and exercise sound judgment to manage competing demands on the CDO's time.
  • Prepare and organize briefing materials, agendas, and presentation decks for donor, Dean, and campus meetings.
  • Draft, edit, and proofread executive communications, donor correspondence, and leadership reports, ensuring clarity, tone, and alignment with Dornsife's priorities.
  • Collect, synthesize, and summarize information from multiple departments for internal and external audiences.
  • Handle confidential information with discretion and represent the CDO's office with professionalism and diplomacy.
  • Track and reconcile expenses, manage reimbursements, and monitor operational budgets with accuracy and transparency.

Strategic Initiatives & Project Management (≈50%)
  • Lead and track cross-departmental projects and communications that advance Advancement's strategic goals, including key objectives for the upcoming university-wide campaign.
  • Coordinate goal-setting, decision-tracking, and implementation of priorities emerging from the CDO and Leadership Team.
  • Write and edit materials, including briefings, gift proposals, talking points, internal announcements, donor messages, and event content, often under tight deadlines.
  • Work with the Business Intelligence team to conduct and synthesize donor and prospect research to prepare the CDO for meetings, events, and briefings-summarizing giving history, interests, and strategic opportunities in clear, concise formats.
  • Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Stewardship & Operations, Events, and Business Intelligence teams to ensure seamless execution of leadership briefings, donor events, gift proposals, gift agreements, and stewardship deliverables.
  • Partner with the Dean's Office and campus units on high-level initiatives that require coordination and follow-through.
  • Use strong critical thinking to determine when to act independently, delegate, or elevate decisions.
  • Attend Leadership Team meetings to capture outcomes, track next steps, and maintain accountability (non-voting participant).
  • Support internal communications and culture-building efforts that enhance transparency and collaboration across Advancement.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree; advanced degree preferred.
  • Five or more years of progressive experience in executive support, project management, communications, or marketing-preferably within higher education, advancement, or nonprofit environments.
  • Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling materials for multiple audiences.
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills; demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities.
  • Discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment in handling confidential information.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and CRM/project management systems (Salesforce, Advance, Asana, etc.).
  • Ability to build productive relationships across diverse teams and levels of leadership.

Preferred Attributes
  • Experience supporting a senior executive, dean, or chief officer in a large, complex organization.
  • Proven record of balancing tactical execution with strategic insight-seeing both the details and the larger goals.
  • Familiarity with advancement, fundraising, or communications strategy.
  • A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and ability to bring structure and clarity to complex workflows.

About the Opportunity
This role sits at the intersection of operations and strategy. The Manager of Strategic Initiatives keeps the division running smoothly while helping leadership communicate effectively and drive impact. It's a role for a critical thinker who connects people, information, and ideas-and ensures that priorities become progress across USC Dornsife Advancement.
Salary range: The annual base salary for this position is $88,000 - $100,368. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Required Documents and Additional Information:
  • Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file). Please do not submit your application without these documents.
  • Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
  • To support the well-being of our faculty and staff, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of perks to help protect their and their dependents' health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. You can learn more about USC's comprehensive benefits here.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 3 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related professional experience in area of program specialization.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$150133.htmld

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About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880