Director of Strategic Initiatives

Job Summary

The Director of Strategic Initiatives reports to the Senior Director of Organizational Strategy and leads the implementation of strategic initiatives and high-impact projects for the Division of Public Safety, including enterprise-level safety and security initiatives that span multiple university divisions and departments.

This role is responsible for translating executive and institutional priorities into actionable implementation plans, leading complex enterprise initiatives, coordinating cross-functional engagement, and ensuring successful delivery of projects that enhance campus safety, security, operational effectiveness, and organizational performance.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Project Leadership:

  • Collaborate with university and division leadership to translate approved strategic priorities into executable projects, developing implementation plans, schedules, resource requirements, and success measures.
  • Lead the implementation of large-scale, enterprise-wide safety and security initiatives involving multiple university divisions, departments, technologies, vendors, and partner groups.
  • Establish project governance structures, accountability measures, and reporting mechanisms to ensure consistent execution and successful delivery of enterprise initiatives.
  • Lead the full project lifecycle for assigned initiatives, including intake, planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with approved divisional and campus priorities.
  • Manage project management services, staffing capacity, and operational workflows to support successful implementation of divisional initiatives.
  • Monitor project progress, achievements, risks, dependencies, and performance metrics, developing mitigation strategies and raising issues when necessary to support successful project outcomes.
  • Develop executive dashboards, status reports, and project performance updates to support leadership decision-making and organizational accountability.

• Cross-Functional Management:

  • Cook up cross-functional workgroups and project teams to ensure alignment, accountability, and timely completion of project objectives.
  • Cook up across departments to gather diverse perspectives and incorporate them into project requirements, supporting effective organizational change and implementation.
  • Lead complex projects at various lifecycle stages, balancing multiple concurrent initiatives and ensuring clear communication of achievements and progress to partners.
  • Facilitate collaboration among divisional departments, campus partners, and external collaborators to support successful project implementation.
  • Support organizational change efforts by engaging team members, addressing implementation challenges, and promoting adoption of new processes and initiatives.

• Resource and Team Management:

  • Supervise and support project staff in coordinating grant submissions, reporting requirements, project documentation, and implementation activities to ensure projects are implemented effectively.
  • Mentor team members and foster professional development, with a focus on project management standard processes, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure project deliverables are successfully transitioned to operational owners and integrated into ongoing business processes.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

  • Develop and implement a communications plan to keep partners informed, addressing project risks, organizational change needs, and timelines.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships within the Division of Public Safety and across campus to represent the division favorably and support consensus-driven progress.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Public Safety, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 6 years of project management experience, including leadership of high-complexity, multi-department projects and 3+ years in a supervisory capacity.
• Strong background in risk management, project resource planning, and stakeholder management.
• PMP certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.

What You Will Need

• Strategic Execution: Leads complex, cross-functional initiatives by translating organizational priorities into implementation plans, measurable outcomes, and sustainable operational improvements.
• Effective Communication: Builds strong relationships and conveys information transparently to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and trust.
• Project and Resource Management: Manages concurrent projects with expertise in Agile and waterfall methodologies and tools, ensuring resource alignment with timelines and goals.
• Analytical Decision-Making: Uses data to drive insights, assess project performance, and inform strategic adjustments.
• Adaptability and Problem Solving: Navigates shifting priorities with innovative solutions to maintain focus on core deliverables.
• Change Management: Guides teams through transitions smoothly, promoting continuous improvement and fostering resilience.
• Integrity and Confidentiality: Maintains high ethical standards, ensuring trustworthiness and discretion, particularly in sensitive security-related contexts.

What We Would Like You To Have

• Progressive experience within higher education.
• Agile certifications, i.e. scrum or product owner.
• Change Management experience and certifications.
• Experience managing projects related to information technology or enterprise solutions.
• Familiarity with public safety regulations and university or public sector administration.

Special Instructions To Apply

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• A current resume.
• A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time. Please apply by August 3, 2026 for consideration. Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs . In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Essential Services

This position is designated “essential services.” The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event) and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during emergency campus closures.