The Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives provides leadership to integrate and execute the initiatives of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), the Global Center for Human Flourishing (GCHF), the Strategic Plan, and other key activities at the University. This role advances student, faculty, and staff success through targeted initiatives, fosters interdisciplinary collaborations, and aligns programming with enrollment, retention, and academic success efforts. Additionally, the Senior Director ensures data-driven assessment, enhances access to academic and mental health resources, and strengthens Liberty’s commitment to human flourishing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategically coordinate and align the initiatives of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), the Global Center for Human Flourishing (GCHF) initiatives with the institution’s strategic plan and, ensuring seamless integration, execution, and alignment with Liberty University’s mission.
• Oversee initiatives that equip students with skills for long-term academic and professional success, including career development resources, while integrating the GRACE framework into GCHF and QEP initiatives.
• Advise university leadership on embedding Christian principles into GCHF activities to maintain alignment with Liberty’s mission.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among various stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of programs, including enrollment teams, University Advancement, and interdisciplinary partners, ensuring GCHF efforts support recruitment, retention, and endowment-building strategies.
• Provide trusted leadership and support to the GCHF team, fostering alignment with institutional goals while overseeing the GCHF Steering Committee’s weekly meetings.
• Serve as a key stakeholder in the success of GCHF and QEP, leveraging expertise and dedication to advance their impact on students and the broader university community.
• Promote interdisciplinary initiatives that attract prospective students and align GCHF programs with Liberty’s enrollment goals by designing programs that enhance academic experiences and foster personal growth.
• Implement assessment tools to measure the impact of programs on retention and graduation rates, using data to inform recommendations and continuous improvements.
• Design and evaluate programs that enhance access to academic advising and mental health services, addressing barriers to graduation and student success.
• Conduct internal research on institutional topics related to faculty, academics, and institutional standards.
• Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering the institution's mission.
• Other tasks as assigned by the Dean of the School of Divinity.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for the supervision of two or more staff members.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree required.
• Doctoral degree preferred.
• Some accreditation/certification experience required.
• Five years in higher education with a relevant combination of accreditation, institutional research, data analysis, and supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated competency can be considered equivalent for years of experience, where appropriate. 
• Well-developed communications skills. 

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business, government and community customers and associates.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Technology Competencies

• Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Adobe Professional
• Teams
• SharePoint
• Knowledge of Banner (or similar higher education administrative data base)

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.

• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate.       

Driving Requirements

Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required

 

 

Time Type

Full time

Location

Onsite

 

 

Pay Range

Compensation is determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, along with University needs and external market conditions. Market benchmarks may be used, as appropriate, in combination with internal equity to ensure pay is fair and aligned with the broader compensation structure.

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.

 

 

$120,000.00 - $135,000.00

 

 

The 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. The 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.