Overview of Strategic Initiatives and Operations Administrator
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 Strategic Initiatives and Operations Administrator serves as a strategist, advisor, and project lead, coordinating complex, high-impact initiatives aligned with institutional priorities. This role 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, may have to travel and work occasionally at our Westville, IN campus.
This position does have the opportunity for a flexible work schedule on occasion, however does require 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 of Strategic Initiatives and Operations Administrator
- 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.
- Serves 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.
- Provides counsel to the Vice Chancellor on matters related to strategic initiatives, budget development, and priority projects.
- Prepare, review, and edit correspondence, reports, presentations, various 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 of Strategic Initiatives and Operations Administrator
- Full benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more
- Accrue 15 days’ vacation your first year, then 22 days’ vacation your 2nd year plus rollover
- University contribution of 10% to retirement (3 year waiting period)
- University contributions to Health Savings Account –
- Plus a chance 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: https://www.pnw.edu/human-resources/benefits/
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 8,800 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 of Strategic Initiatives and Operations Administrator
- 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 of Strategic Initiatives and Operations Administrator
-
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 of Strategic Initiatives and Operations Administrator
- 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.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with managing office budgets and financial processes.
- Familiarity with website management and digital communication tools.
Additional Information
Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check along with a motor vehicle records check if applicable.
Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity/equal access university.