Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives & Operations

The University of Maine System (University) seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as the Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations. Reporting jointly through the areas of Strategic Initiatives and Academic and Student Affairs, this position focuses on supporting system and university-level implementation of broad-scale system priorities, employer partnerships, workforce and economic development initiatives, student support efforts, and other strategic opportunities across the University of Maine System.

The Executive Director provides senior leadership for the identification, coordination, advancement, and implementation of strategic workforce and academic operations across the University of Maine System. This position serves as a strategist and coordinator for opportunities emerging from educational partnerships, operational priorities, state and federal initiatives, philanthropic investments, workforce needs, and other cross-system initiatives.

The Executive Director identifies and operationalizes strategic and academic initiatives, moving them from concept to execution in coordination with the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives, the Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, their respective teams, and other System and university leaders. Initiatives within the Executive Director's portfolio may include, but are not limited to, coordination with educational and workforce partners, government agencies, philanthropic organizations, strategic/academic software vendors, and other stakeholders; convening the appropriate university and system leaders; facilitating planning and alignment including coordinating system-wide online education efforts and expanding employer-connected online education opportunities; supporting implementation; monitoring and reporting on progress; and removing technical and/or administrative barriers. The Executive Director serves as the operational bridge between external opportunity development and institutional execution, helping extend the University of Maine System’s reach and expand access to educational opportunities across the state.

Work Schedule: The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with evenings and weekends, when necessary.

Salary: The annual salary range is $130,000-$140,000, based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits: The University of Maine System offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes (but is not limited to):

• 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation and sick time
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance
• Tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents (spouse, domestic partner, and dependent children)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution

To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary.

Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations job description.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education, public administration, organizational leadership, business, or a related field.
• Significant progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education administration.
• Experience working across multiple institutions, organizational units, functional areas, or partner organizations within a complex environment.
• Demonstrated success developing and leading complex, cross-functional strategic initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, from concept and planning through implementation.
• Strong understanding of higher education structures, governance processes, organizational operations, and change management.
• Demonstrated experience building and sustaining partnerships with employers, educational partners, government agencies, community organizations, foundations, or other external stakeholders.
• Experience with workforce development, strategic enrollment, student success, academic innovation, economic development, or other initiatives that expand educational access and opportunity.
• Experience with online education, adult learner programming, employer-connected education, or other flexible academic delivery models, including an understanding of the operational and student-support requirements associated with these initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior leaders, synthesize complex issues and emerging opportunities, and translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and recommendations.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, project management, analytical, and relationship-building skills, with demonstrated ability to influence, convene, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in higher education, public administration, organizational leadership, business, or a related field.
• Experience working within a public university system or similarly complex, multi-institutional organization.
• Experience developing or managing grant-funded programs, external partnerships, or other externally supported strategic initiatives.
• Familiarity with state and federal education, workforce, economic development, and public policy initiatives.

How to Apply
Materials must be submitted via “Apply Now” (below for external applicants, at the top for internal applicants). You will need to complete an application and upload the following:

• A cover letter that describes your experiences, interests, and suitability for the position.
• A resume/curriculum vitae.

Important items to know about the recruitment process

• Review of applications and materials will begin immediately. For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 pm EST, Mon., Sept. 7, 2026.
• Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
• We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide three (3) names and contact information for references.
• Incomplete application materials cannot be considered.
• The successful candidate is subject to appropriate background screenings.

University of Maine

The University of Maine, founded in Orono in 1865, is the state's land grant and sea grant university. As the state’s only public research university, UMaine has a statewide mission of teaching, research and economic development, and community service. UMaine is among the most comprehensive higher education institutions in the Northeast, with nearly 100 majors and academic programs. It attracts students from Maine and 49 other states, and more than 60 countries. It currently enrolls more than 11,400 undergraduate and graduate students who can directly participate in research, working with world-class scholars. UMaine offers more than 100 degree programs through which students can earn graduate certificates, master's, doctoral or professional science master's degrees. The university promotes environmental stewardship, with substantial efforts campuswide aimed at conserving energy, recycling and adhering to green building standards in new construction.

 

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.

About the University of Maine System

The University of Maine System (UMS), established in 1968, consists of seven universities and the University of Maine School of Law, spread across various locations in Maine. UMS provides system-wide services and governance from these locations, leveraging the distinct strengths and collaborations among its institutions to advance strategic priorities for UMS and the state of Maine.

Choosing UMS means opting for a high quality of life supported by excellent benefits such as tuition waivers, robust retirement contributions, and comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability. Maine's diverse landscapes, from accessible wilderness and rugged coastline to urban centers and rural communities, offer numerous cultural activities, strong public schools, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality healthcare. Discover more about Maine's exemplary lifestyle on the Maine Office of Tourism website.