| Position Title: | Director of Academic Initiatives | |
| Location: | Big Rapids (Main Campus) | |
| Department: | 31000 - Academic Affairs | |
| Advertised Salary: | $75,000 - $80,000; Salary commensurate with education, experiences, and other requirements. | |
Benefits:
| Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position. Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans | |
| FLSA: | Exempt | |
| Temporary/Continuing: | Continuing | |
| Part-Time/Full-Time: | Full-Time | |
| Union Group: | N/A | |
| Term of Position: | 12 Month | |
| At Will/Just Cause: | At Will | |
| Summary of Position: | The Director of Academic Initiatives provides leadership in advancing the academic mission of the institution through oversight of high-impact projects tied to academic strategic priorities, including curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, planning, and compliance. Reporting to the Associate Provost for Assessment and Accreditation, the Director drives cross-college collaboration, ensures the effective design, implementation, and evaluation of academic initiatives, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. This role requires strategic vision, organizational expertise, and the ability to influence and partner with faculty, staff, and administrators at all levels. The anticipated start date for this position is December 2025; however, this is an estimate that may be revised if necessary. | |
| Position Type: | Staff | |
| Required Education: | Master's degree in business administration, public administration, communications, or related field. | |
| Required Work Experience: | • Minimum 3–5 years of experience in administration.
• Demonstrated project coordination or project management experience. | |
| Required Licenses and Certifications: | | |
| Physical Demands: | - Office Environment
- Moving
- Reaching
- Sitting
- Repetitive movement
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| Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: | • Experience with accreditation agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or specialized/professional accreditors.
• Familiarity with academic governance processes, curriculum management systems, or assessment software platforms.
• Knowledge of institutional effectiveness, program review, or strategic planning in a higher education setting.
• Project management certification. | |
| Essential Duties/Responsibilities: | Strategic Project Leadership
• Provide leadership for academic projects aligned with institutional strategic priorities, including curriculum, assessment, accreditation, planning, and compliance.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of project plans, ensuring alignment with academic policies, accreditation standards, and institutional goals.
• Direct cross-college project teams by establishing priorities, setting timelines, allocating resources, and ensuring timely execution of deliverables.
• Guide and facilitate senior-level meetings, ensuring action items are defined, delegated, and achieved.
Academic Technology and Training Oversight
• Provide strategic direction for the adoption and integration of academic technologies that support teaching, learning, and institutional effectiveness.
• Serve as the primary academic liaison with technology vendors, ensuring sustainable partnerships that advance academic goals.
• Oversee the development and execution of training strategies and resources to support faculty and staff in the effective use of academic technology systems.
• Ensure compliance and fiscal responsibility in technology procurement and contract management.
Curriculum Leadership
• Provide leadership for the university’s curriculum review and approval processes, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards.
• Partner with academic leadership, faculty governance committees, and the Provost’s Office to guide the development of new programs and revisions to existing curricula.
• Oversee the use, enhancement, and continuous improvement of curriculum management systems to support institutional eff
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