POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director of Strategy and Innovation, Community and Global Partnerships
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1685
GRADE 46
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Vice President for Community and Global Partnerships
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director of Strategy and Innovation, Community and Global Partnerships, leads the development of effective strategies and establishes innovative programs to advance the mission, strategies and priorities of Missouri State University. The Director of Strategy and Innovation provides project management leadership, facilitates strategic initiatives, and collaborates with University and external partners. The Director of Strategy and Innovation also researches trends and market needs in higher education and industry, providing data analysis in support of decision-making and strategy formulation for the Vice President for Community and Global Partnerships and the Executive Vice President.
The Director of Strategy and Innovation, Community and Global Partnerships, coordinates the development of customized academic programs for MSU International Programs and as part of the University’s Employer Partnerships initiative. This position collaborates with international partner universities and business/industry professionals to improve programs, develop new programs, and to provide student access to high-impact learning opportunities such as internships, work-study, and global and community engagement.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Data Analytics, or a related field is required. An interdisciplinary educational background, with a combination of education, business and project management studies is preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: Three years of higher education experience is required. Professional experience in international education is required. Experience in project management and data analysis is required. Experience in strategic management, implementing complex projects from inception to completion, is preferred.
Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required; excellent interpersonal skills are required. Problem solving skills are required. Strong presentation and communication skills are required.
Outstanding research, data analysis, and critical thinking skills are required. Computer literacy is required, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and the use of the internet. The skilled use of project management software, including building timelines and tracking milestones, is preferred.
The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provide project management leadership for the Division of Community and Global Partnerships in planning, implementing, and advancing strategic initiatives and projects, as assigned by the Vice President for Community and Global Partnerships.2. Facilitate and/or direct strategic initiatives or special projects by collaborating with administrative and academic teams within the university and interfacing with external stakeholders, including community and industry professionals.
3. Coordinate the development of customized academic programs as part of the university’s Employer Partnerships initiative.
4. Manage special international projects and initiatives, including the development of dual degree, transfer, and other customized academic programs in collaboration with international partner universities.
5. Develop and implement programs that utilize technology for virtual, in-person, and blended course delivery and enhanced student experience.
6. Provide data analysis and research support for decision-making and strategy formulation for the Vice President for Community and Global Partnerships, and the Executive Vice President.
7. Work with the Vice President for Community and Global Partnerships, and Executive Vice President to develop and implement systems to monitor implementation of strategic plans and initiatives, tracking accomplishment of key objectives and milestones.
8. Research trends and market needs in higher education and industry, identifying innovative practices to support the goals, priorities and potential growth opportunities for strategic programs within the Division of Community and Global Partnerships.
9. Coordinate with the Division of Community and Global Partnerships leadership team to plan and implement strategic planning events and activities, and create documents, plans, reports, and presentations to support strategic priorities.
10. Identify and organize training sessions, conferences, or workshops for the Division leadership team and/or functional units within the Division.
11. Assist the Executive Vice President with governmental relations activities, including studying the impact of proposed legislation, drafting fiscal notes, and preparing documents for meetings with legislators to help advance the university’s legislative and capital priorities.
12. Contribute to a learning environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
13. Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed.
14. Help ensure the success and growth of Missouri State University and the Division of Community and Global Partnerships by performing all other duties as assigned.SUPERVISION
The Director of Strategy and Innovation, Community and Global Partnerships supervises full- and part-time staff, graduate assistants, and student employees, and is supervised by the Vice President for Community and Global Partnerships.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JUNE 2024
