Assistant to the Dean for Strategic Initiatives
Job Description
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Department:
School of Business Administration
Job Summary:
The Assistant to the Dean for Strategic Initiatives serves as a key strategic and operational partner to the Dean, supporting the development, coordination, and execution of high-priority initiatives across the School of Business.Job Description:
- The Assistant to the Dean for Strategic Initiatives serves as a key strategic and operational partner to the Dean, supporting the development, coordination, and execution of high-priority initiatives across the School of Business.
- This position works collaboratively with academic and administrative units to advance institutional priorities, improve operational effectiveness, support cross-functional initiatives, and help implement the strategic vision of the Dean’s Office. The role emphasizes project leadership, strategic coordination, stakeholder engagement, and organizational execution rather than traditional finance or office management functions.
- The position reports directly to the Dean and works closely with the Associate Dean, Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration, department chairs, center directors, and university leadership.
Job Responsibilities:
Strategic Initiatives & Project Leadership
- Coordinate and support implementation of strategic initiatives and priorities established by the Dean.
- Lead special projects involving multiple departments, centers, or administrative units.
- Develop project plans, timelines, deliverables, and progress-tracking systems for strategic initiatives.
- Conduct research, benchmarking, and analysis to support planning and decision-making.
- Monitor initiative outcomes and provide regular updates and recommendations to the Dean.
Dean’s Office Strategic Support
- Serve as a liaison between the Dean’s Office and internal/external stakeholders.
- Assist the Dean in advancing institutional priorities and organizational goals.
- Support executive-level planning, initiative coordination, and follow-through.
- Prepare reports, presentations, briefing materials, and executive communications.
- Help identify operational challenges and opportunities for organizational improvement.
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Facilitate collaboration among academic departments, centers, programs, and administrative offices.
- Coordinate initiatives requiring engagement across multiple stakeholders and operational areas.
- Support implementation of new programs, partnerships, or operational processes.
- Assist with aligning initiatives with the school’s strategic priorities and institutional mission.
Stakeholder Engagement & External Relations
- Support strategic engagement with alumni, advisory boards, donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
- Assist in coordinating executive meetings, special events, and partnership initiatives.
- Represent the Dean’s Office at meetings and events as assigned.
- Support initiatives involving university leadership and external organizations.
Leadership Initiatives & Special Events
- Coordinate strategic events, leadership programs, conferences, and high-profile school initiatives.
- Oversee project logistics, timelines, communications, and stakeholder coordination for assigned initiatives.
- Collaborate with marketing and communications staff to support visibility and promotion of strategic priorities.
Education Qualifications:
Bachelor's (Required)Experience:
Relevant experience | 6 Years | RequiredCompensation:
$62,441.60 - $93,641.60Interview Requirement:
Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
EEO Statement:
The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.