Senior Director Strategy and Operations

Develops, leads, and implements university-wide strategy for the Grand Rapids region, incorporating internal and external collaboration and partnerships. Oversees operations and projects housed at WMU Grand Rapids.

• Oversees budget, strategic planning and operations for Grand Rapids region. Develops policies and procedures.
• Develops and implements strategic planning.
• Serves as a University agent in region to establish relationships that engage multiple facets of the university with community stakeholders. Interfaces with University-wide efforts toward community and corporate engagement.
• Builds collaborative internal partnerships between University colleges and units that build strategy, capacity, enrollment, and revenue for programs and projects. Identifies opportunities to develop and grow new revenue streams via programs, services, and research through strategic partnerships.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with community and corporate employers in order to ensure academic programming that addresses regional economic development opportunities.
• Provide strategic leadership to move major initiatives working in consultation with other University leaders.
• Represents the University at committee meetings, boards and other events.
• Promotes professional development and customized program opportunities to corporate and community partners along with supporting internal strategic realignment with internal and external stakeholders. Provides oversight and strategy to the University’s professional development team and initiatives.
• Builds relationships with donors and coordinates strategies and personal visits for the involvement of institutional partners.
• Hires, trains, evaluates and supervises staff.

Minimum qualifications based upon job documentation and industry best practices. Any current employees not meeting these qualifications will be grandfathered until they move to a different job.

• Master's degree in related field from an accredited institution.

• Eight years' relevant experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent public relations skills.

• Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to travel in-state and out-of-state.

• Entrepreneurial or innovative education experience.

Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.

Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.

Revised: 2024-04-30