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Director Strategic Initiatives Jobs in Rochester, MN

Benchmark

Manager, Human Resources

Rochester, MN · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... for direct reports. * Promote collaboration and alignment across HR functions and Centers of Excellence. Additional Responsibilities * Assist with other HR functions and strategic initiatives as ...

Cooper Connect

Marketing Director

Rochester, MN · On-site

$65K - $74K/yr

Increasing outside sales & utilizing your catering team to carry out strategic catering initiatives * Increasing inside sales, working with the team to promote new products, strategic suggestive ...

Monarch Shores

Executive Director

Rochester, MN · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Drive strategic planning initiatives that align with the organization's mission and long-term goals ... Director of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs. * Collaborate with admissions, revenue, and ...

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Director Strategic Initiatives information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$50.3K

$127.7K

$207.4K

How much do director strategic initiatives jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for director strategic initiatives in Rochester, MN is $127,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,600.00 and $158,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of strategic initiatives do?

A Director of Strategic Initiatives is responsible for leading, developing, and executing key projects and programs that support an organization’s long-term goals. They work closely with executive leadership to identify opportunities for growth, drive cross-functional collaboration, and ensure alignment between strategy and operations. Their role often includes managing change initiatives, analyzing business performance, and overseeing the implementation of new strategies. This position requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to manage complex projects across multiple departments.

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

To thrive as a Director of Strategic Initiatives, you need strong leadership, project management, and analytical skills, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with strategic planning frameworks, data analytics tools, and project management software like Asana or MS Project is often required. Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving abilities set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for successfully driving organizational change and achieving long-term business goals.

How does a director of strategic initiatives typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

A Director of Strategic Initiatives works closely with leaders across multiple departments—such as operations, finance, marketing, and HR—to align projects with overall business objectives. This role often leads cross-functional teams, facilitating communication and ensuring that strategic projects are executed efficiently. Regular meetings, progress updates, and stakeholder engagement are crucial parts of the job to break down silos and drive company-wide initiatives forward. Being able to build strong relationships and influence without direct authority is key to success in this position.

What is the difference between Director Strategic Initiatives vs Project Manager?

AspectDirector Strategic InitiativesProject Manager
Primary FocusStrategic planning and long-term initiativesProject execution and delivery
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects aligning with company goalsManages specific projects from initiation to completion
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's degree, strategic planning experienceBachelor's degree, project management certification (e.g., PMP)
Work EnvironmentCorporate strategy teams, executive officesProject teams, operational departments

The main difference is that the Director of Strategic Initiatives focuses on high-level strategic planning and long-term goals, overseeing multiple projects to align with company vision. In contrast, a Project Manager handles the day-to-day management of individual projects, ensuring timely delivery within scope and budget. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but their scope and focus differ significantly.

What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Director Strategic Initiatives jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Director Strategic Initiatives job openings:

Director Strategic Initiatives jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Strategic Initiatives job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,706 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Manager, Human Resources

Benchmark

Rochester, MN • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead employee relations efforts, ensuring compliance, fairness, and sound decision-making.

  • Supervise and lead recruiting efforts, recommend and select new hires, and support workforce planning.

  • Partner with site leadership to develop HR strategies, drive organizational effectiveness, and support performance management.

Benchmark Electronics rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 161 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

At Benchmark, we are driven by our purpose: to innovate for a healthier, safer, and better-connected world to create a brighter future. When you join us, you become part of a team passionate about making a meaningful impact across various sectors, including commercial aerospace, defense, advanced computing, next-generation communications, complex industrials, medical, and semiconductor capital equipment. We prioritize career growth, fostering a culture that ensures you reach your full potential. At Benchmark, your work is purpose-driven, enabling you to create a positive impact on the world and make your career truly meaningful. You'll be part of a collaborative and inclusive team that values your ideas and contributions.
Summary:
The Manager, Human Resources serves as the senior HR leader for the Rochester manufacturing site, partnering closely with site leadership to drive employee relations, workforce effectiveness, talent strategies, organizational development, compliance, and business performance.
This role provides both strategic and hands-on HR leadership in support of a dynamic manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to leaders at all levels, helping them navigate complex employee matters, strengthen leadership capability, drive organizational effectiveness, and foster a positive, high-performing workplace culture.
The Manager, Human Resources leads employee relations and recruiting activities while ensuring Benchmark maintains compliance with company policies, procedures, and all applicable federal and state employment regulations.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HR Leadership
  • Serve as a trusted business partner to site leadership, providing guidance on organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, employee engagement, leadership development, and talent management.
  • Partner with leaders to identify organizational needs and develop HR strategies that support business objectives and operational success.
  • Develop department goals, objectives, systems, and process improvements that enhance workforce effectiveness and HR service delivery.
  • Drive a culture of accountability, fairness, communication, and continuous improvement across the site.

Employee Relations & Leadership Support
  • Lead employee relations efforts, ensuring compliance, fairness, consistency, and sound decision-making.
  • Serve as the primary resource for leaders and managers regarding co-worker issues, employee relations concerns, performance management, and workplace conflict.
  • Handle employee counseling and provide recommendations for addressing complex co-worker issues and interpersonal conflicts.
  • Support leaders in performance improvement efforts and disciplinary actions up to and including termination.
  • Foster a positive employee experience through proactive problem-solving and effective communication.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
  • Supervise and lead recruiting efforts in partnership with Talent Acquisition and external recruiting resources as appropriate.
  • Recommend and select new hires while ensuring compliance with hiring processes and employment regulations.
  • Support succession planning and workforce development efforts aligned with business needs.

Compliance, Policy & Risk Management
  • Administer various human resources programs, policies, and procedures for site employees.
  • Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of personnel policies, procedures, and the co-worker handbook.
  • Ensure site compliance with company policies, federal and state employment laws, and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop responses to unemployment claims and other employment-related legal matters and participate in hearings as appropriate.
  • Partner with in-house counsel on employment-related matters and risk mitigation.
  • Conduct routine audits and plant tours, including attendance, HR records, and policy compliance reviews.

Training & Employee Development
  • Support and monitor training programs related to interviewing, onboarding, workplace conduct, harassment prevention, and employee development.
  • Present HR-related information at site meetings, employee meetings, and leadership forums.
  • Promote leadership capability through coaching, mentoring, and organizational development initiatives.
  • Team Leadership Lead and develop HR Administrators and HR Generalists.
  • Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management for direct reports.
  • Promote collaboration and alignment across HR functions and Centers of Excellence.

Additional Responsibilities
  • Assist with other HR functions and strategic initiatives as needed.
  • Perform additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field preferred, or a combination of education and experience as approved by executive management.
  • Minimum of 6 years of Human Resources experience required.
  • Extensive training and experience in employee relations, recruiting, and employment practices.

Required Skills & Experience
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong employee relations, conflict resolution, and workplace investigation capabilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to coach, influence, and develop leaders at all organizational levels.
  • Demonstrates discretion, confidentiality, independent judgment, and professionalism.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment and decision-making.
  • Understanding of and ability to use continuous improvement methodologies and tools.
  • Strong customer service mindset and business partnership approach.
  • Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, including the ability to coach and mentor employees at all levels.
  • Ability to collaborate and influence cross-functional leaders to gain support for process improvements and organizational initiatives.
  • Ability to gain trust and credibility while handling sensitive, confidential, and business-critical matters.

Preferred Experience
  • Manufacturing, industrial, engineering, EMS, aerospace, medical device, or other operational business environments.
  • Leadership experience supporting complex employee relations and workforce initiatives.
  • Experience partnering directly with plant, operations, or functional leaders.
  • Experience driving organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.

Physical Location: Rochester, MN (onsite)
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
Full Time
In our innovative environment, you'll work with cutting-edge technology, leading the way in engineering design and delivering world-class manufacturing services for products that make a real difference in the lives of others. At Benchmark, your career is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to be part of something bigger, where your work matters and helps shape a brighter future for everyone. Together, we will achieve extraordinary things.
Compensation Range: $90,000.00 to $110,000.00 USD. Many factors are considered in compensation decisions, including but not limited to skills, certifications, licensures, experience, training, incumbent data, and other business needs.
Benefits and Other Compensation: Benchmark provides a comprehensive benefits package, including a Bonus Plan, 401(k), Paid Time Off, and Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, all based on scheduled hours. Benchmark complies with applicable state and local employee leave laws.
Application Deadline: This job posting will remain open until filled.
Additional Notices: Benchmark adheres to applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits. This includes, but is not limited to, providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. Candidates applying for remote work based in Washington state, may obtain PTO eligibility for this position by emailing careers@bench.com.
Export Control: This job position may include access to controlled information or technology covered under applicable U.S. export control laws. As such, employment for this job position may be contingent on either verification that an applicant falls under the definition of a "U.S. Person" (which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and those granted U.S. asylum or refugee status) or on the Company timely obtaining any necessary export license required under federal laws. The Company evaluates such export license situations on a case-by-case basis and may decline to proceed with a job applicant in its sole discretion since export license applications can take many weeks to be processed.
Benchmark is an equal opportunity employer. We are bringing together a dynamic workforce with unique talents, life experiences, cultures, and perspectives to promote an innovative, collaborative, and creative place to work. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at careers@bench.com.

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