New

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Rutgers University

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Feb 07, 2026

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Director of Strategic Initiatives
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Administrative & Support
Department	School of Social Work
Overview	The School of Social Work mission is to develop and disseminate knowledge through social work research, education, and training that promotes social and economic justice and strengthens individual, family, and community well-being in this diverse and increasingly global environment of New Jersey and beyond.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Director of Strategic Initiatives for the School of Social Work. This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the Dean of the School of Social Work. Among the key duties of the position are the following: Handles developing, launching, and managing high-impact strategic projects and operational initiatives that advance the School's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability. Serves as a critical thought partner to the Dean and senior leadership team, providing both strategic guidance and operational execution support across academic, administrative, and research functions. Oversees a portfolio of initiatives that may include academic innovation, community engagement, institutional transformation, and research partnerships. Ensures alignment with institutional goals and facilitates cross-functional collaboration internally and across University departments and units.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	08
Salary Details
Minimum Salary	108670.000
Mid Range Salary	137547.000
Maximum Salary	166424.000
Offer Information	The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs
Position Status	Full Time
Working Hours	37.50
Standard Hours	37.50
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement
Union Description	Admin Assembly (MPSC)
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor's degree. Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, program/project management, or organizational development, with required experience in a higher education setting.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Demonstrated ability to lead high-profile, cross-functional initiatives with measurable outcomes. Proven success working in a fast-paced, research-intensive environment with shifting priorities and multiple stakeholders. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders. Experience supporting research initiatives, including grant development and project reporting. Financial acumen and understanding of budget planning and resource allocation. Demonstrated engagement with professional associations Ability to work both independently and part of a team. Strong track record of project leadership, organizational strategy, stakeholder engagement, and systems thinking.
Preferred Qualifications	Master's degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Education, or an aligned field. Familiarity with the social work profession and education environment (including CSWE accreditation standards); including professional practice environments, and core competencies that guide curriculum and education requirements. Strong understanding of NJ.
Equipment Utilized	Standard office equipment. Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, Smartsheet, Teams, Zoom. Other University systems & Applications.
Physical Demands and Work Environment	* Physical demands are those typical of an office environment. * Must be willing and able to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require, maintain a valid driver's license and passport, and demonstrate flexibility with travel schedules including potential weekend or evening commitments. * May occasionally require support for in-person or virtual events outside of standard business hours. * Successful applicants will be subject to a Background Check.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	26ST0238
Posting Open Date	02/06/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Rutgers University - New Brunswick
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement