Coordinator for Strategic Initiatives and Executive Operations

Coordinator for Strategic Initiatives and Executive Operations

Summary

The Coordinator for Strategic Initiatives and Executive Operations provides comprehensive administrative, operational, and project management support to the Vice President for Student Development and Success & Chief Bridge Building Officer. This position serves as the operational hub for the Office of the Vice President by coordinating executive operations, advancing strategic initiatives, supporting divisional planning and assessment, and ensuring efficient execution of priorities that contribute to student success, retention, operational excellence, and Spring Arbor University''s Strategic Plan for a Vibrant Christ-Centered Community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Executive Operations and Administrative Leadership (30%)

• Manage the Vice President''s calendar, travel, meetings, agendas, correspondence, presentations, and confidential records.
• Prepare Board, Cabinet, and executive briefing materials.
• Monitor deadlines, follow-up items, and executive priorities.

Strategic Initiatives and Project Management (25%)

• Coordinate strategic initiatives, cross-divisional projects, implementation timelines, and progress reporting.
• Support institutional planning, retention initiatives, Bridge Building efforts, and accreditation-related activities.

Communications and Executive Correspondence (15%)

• Draft, edit, and distribute executive communications, reports, speeches, and presentations.
• Serve as liaison with students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, trustees, and community partners.

Budget Administration and Assessment (10%)

• Assist with budgets, purchasing, reconciliation, contracts, financial reports, dashboards, assessment, and data management.

Program and Event Coordination (10%)

• Coordinate logistics for leadership retreats, divisional events, Bridge Building programming, student leadership events, and professional development.

Constituent Relations and Office Operations (10%)

• Serve as the primary contact for the Vice President''s Office.
• Maintain office systems, supervise student workers when assigned, and recommend operational improvements.

Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

May provide day-to-day supervision, training, and work direction for student employees and temporary staff assigned to the Office of the Vice President. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization''s policies and applicable laws.

Required Qualifications

• Associate''s degree required; bachelor''s degree preferred.
• Two to four years of progressively responsible administrative, executive support, operations, or project coordination experience.
• Excellent organizational, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to manage multiple priorities with confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Higher education experience.
• Experience supporting senior leadership.
• Experience with budgets, assessment, event planning, and project management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Project management and organizational leadership
• Professional judgment and discretion
• Customer service and relationship building
• Data analysis and reporting
• Commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and mission integration

Physical Demands

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent computer use, occasional lifting up to 25 pounds, and occasional evening or weekend responsibilities for university events.

Work Environment

This position works collaboratively with campus departments and external partners in support of university operations and strategic initiatives.

Faith and Mission Expectations

Employees are expected to actively support the mission of Spring Arbor University, uphold the University''s Statement of Faith and Community Covenant, and contribute to a vibrant Christ-centered community through professional excellence, servant leadership, and a commitment to student success. The individual will exhibit a life and service that is in full accord with the Spring Arbor University Concept and Community Covenant.

Experience working in multicultural academic environments preferred and individuals from diverse populations are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Spring Arbor University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. Spring Arbor University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements; the University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions) and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.