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

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager of strategic initiatives in the United States is $94,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Manager of Strategic Initiatives do?

A Manager of Strategic Initiatives is responsible for overseeing and implementing key projects that support an organization's long-term goals. They work closely with leadership teams to develop strategies, analyze business opportunities, and ensure that critical initiatives are executed effectively. Their role often includes project management, cross-department collaboration, and monitoring progress to ensure alignment with the company's vision. By driving change and innovation, they help organizations stay competitive and achieve their objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by a Manager of Strategic Initiatives, and how can they be addressed?

A Manager of Strategic Initiatives often faces challenges such as aligning diverse stakeholder interests, managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously, and driving change across departments. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills, the ability to build consensus, and effective project management techniques. Being proactive in stakeholder engagement and maintaining flexibility in planning can help navigate organizational complexities and ensure successful implementation of strategic goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager of Strategic Initiatives, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager of Strategic Initiatives, you need expertise in project management, strategic planning, data analysis, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with project management software (such as Asana or Trello), data visualization tools, and certifications like PMP are often valuable. Outstanding communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills are essential for successfully driving cross-functional projects, aligning organizational goals, and delivering impactful results.

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

AspectManager Of Strategic InitiativesProject Manager
Primary FocusDeveloping and executing strategic plans to achieve long-term goalsPlanning, executing, and closing specific projects within scope, time, and budget
ResponsibilitiesAligning initiatives with company strategy, stakeholder management, high-level planningTask management, team coordination, project delivery
Skills & CertificationsStrategic planning, leadership, business analysis, often PMP or similarProject management, scheduling, risk management, often PMP or CAPM
Work EnvironmentCross-departmental, strategic meetings, executive collaborationProject teams, operational settings, tactical execution

While both roles require project management skills and certifications like PMP, the Manager Of Strategic Initiatives focuses on high-level strategic planning and long-term goals, whereas the Project Manager concentrates on managing specific projects to completion. Understanding these differences helps organizations assign the right responsibilities and professionals to each role.

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Manager Of Strategic Initiatives jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Of Strategic Initiatives job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,444 per year, or $45.4 per hour.
Manager of Strategic Initiatives

Manager of Strategic Initiatives

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

University Of Southern California rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 560 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

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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

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