Job Description

The Academic Initiatives Strategist plays a key role in developing and implementing academic initiatives at the University that create opportunities for students and support the university's Key Results. This position collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of academic strategic initiatives. The role is instrumental in analyzing, designing, and implementing solutions that improve student outcomes and contribute to the learn-and-work ecosystem.

Job Duties
Develops and proposes new academic initiatives and programs.

Manages specific high-impact initiatives.

Implements innovative solutions to advance academic initiatives.

Supports change management efforts for cross-functional implementation.

Analyzes data and gathers insights into program and student performance. Evaluates program effectiveness and suggest refinements. Contributes to efforts supporting access and completion for underserved populations. Uses data analysis to inform decision-making and strategy refinement.

Engages with internal stakeholders across departments. Participates in external partnerships to support initiative goals. Coordinates cross-departmental efforts to enhance student success.

Researches current trends in the learn-and-work ecosystem. Develops expertise in areas such as student pathways, skills-based practices, and digital credentialing. Contributes to the university's knowledge base on innovative academic practices.

Prepares comprehensive reports and presentations on academic strategies and outcomes. Communicates project status and results to relevant stakeholders.

Identifies and researches potential grant opportunities. Contributes significantly to grant proposal writing and development. Assists in managing awarded grants, including budget oversight and reporting.

Provides mentorship to inspire and develop colleagues.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
KSAs
Solid understanding of current trends and challenges in higher education, particularly related to student success and career pathways

Knowledge of project management methodologies and best practices in academic settings

Understanding of data analysis techniques and their application in evaluating academic programs

Familiarity with innovative educational practices, including skills-based learning and digital credentialing

Knowledge of grant writing processes and funding opportunities in higher education

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and derive actionable insights

Proficient project management skills, including planning, execution, and monitoring of academic initiatives

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey ideas and results to various stakeholders

Collaborative skills to work effectively across departments and with external partners

Intermediate to advanced proficiency in data analysis tools and project management software

Ability to develop and propose new academic initiatives aligned with institutional goals

Capability to evaluate program effectiveness and suggest evidence-based improvements

Ability to contribute to strategic planning efforts and implement innovative solutions

Capacity to manage stakeholder relationships and facilitate cross-departmental cooperation

Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment

Capability to translate strategic directions into actionable plans and measurable outcomes

Ability to mentor junior team members and contribute to a positive team culture

Capacity to balance multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail

Ability to think creatively and propose solutions to complex academic challenges

Capability to support change management efforts and promote adoption of new initiatives

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in a related field

4 years of relevant, progressive experience in higher education, education technology, or related field.

Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is the discretion of the hiring manager.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree in a related field

2 years of skills implementation experience.

Job Description Disclaimer: This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.

This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.