Strategic Initiatives And Operations Administrator

Strategic Initiatives and Operations Administrator Overview The Strategic Initiatives and Operations Administrator plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission, strategic goals, and student-centered initiatives of the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (EMSA). Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor, the role serves as a strategist, advisor, and project lead, coordinating complex, high-impact initiatives aligned with institutional priorities. This position requires cross-functional collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and an ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, service-driven environment. This position is stationed primarily at our Hammond, IN campus; however, travel to and occasional work at our Westville, IN campus may be required. This position does have the opportunity for a flexible work schedule on occasion, however it requires a strong on-campus presence. Click here to learn more about the Office of the Vice Chancellor Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Click here to learn more about joining the Pride of PNW. Duties And Responsibilities Administer and coordinate the execution of strategic projects and initiatives led by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (VCEMSA). Develop project plans, timelines, and deliverables in collaboration with divisional stakeholders. Monitor project progress, identify risks or barriers, and ensure timely execution of key initiatives. Communicate project outcomes, updates, and action items to divisional leadership and key stakeholders. Provide research assistance on strategic projects, including data collection, report generation, and information analysis. Serve as a key member of the leadership team and coordinate activities of the EMSA leadership team. Maintain and manage confidential records in EMSA. Monitor and maintain the office budget, track expenditures, and process financial transactions. Provide counsel to the Vice Chancellor on matters related to strategic initiatives, budget development, and priority projects. Prepare, review, and edit correspondence, reports, presentations, memoranda of understanding, and other official university documents. Support the development and maintenance of policies, procedures, and initiatives. Be an effective liaison and ensure smooth communication between the Office of the Vice Chancellor and other units in EMSA. Serve as the primary point of contact for the Office of the Vice Chancellor, handling inquiries from faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders in a professional and discreet manner. Maintain and update the Office of the Vice Chancellor's website and other digital resources as needed. Assist in the planning and execution of meetings and events, including preparing agendas, compiling background materials, taking minutes, and tracking follow-up actions. Alert leadership to key deadlines and follow up on outstanding tasks or required materials. Benefits Full benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more Accrue 15 days' vacation your first year, then 22 days' vacation in the second year plus rollover University contribution of 10% to retirement (3 year waiting period) University contributions to Health Savings Account Opportunity to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives 10 paid holidays Employee Wellness Programs Paid Parental Leave after one year of service Tuition remission for you, your spouse, and dependent children at any Purdue campus For more information on our excellent benefit package, please visit : / Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a premier metropolitan university dedicated to empowering transformational change in our students and in our community. We offer two campuses serving approximately 8, undergraduate and graduate students. At PNW, we value academic excellence, support growth, and celebrate diversity. PNW sits between Chicago's skyscrapers and Lake Michigan's sandy shores. You can have all the perks of a world-class city just a short drive away or enjoy the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan just 15 miles away. Education Bachelor's degree or higher in business administration, higher education, organizational behavior, project management, public policy, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred. Experience A minimum of four years of experience in providing high-level administrative or project / program management support in a higher education, executive, or professional setting. Experience in handling confidential information with professionalism and discretion. Preferred Experience Experience with working in a university setting, strategic planning and implementation, and supervising office staff or student workers. Core Competencies Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively draft, proofread, and edit documents. High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and other office management software. Ability to navigate databases and utilize digital tools for scheduling, budgeting, or workflow management. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising good judgment and initiative. Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups. Additional Information Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon successful background check and, if applicable, motor vehicle records check. Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity / equal access university. FLSA Status Exempt #J-18808-Ljbffr