Strategic Initiatives Director

Job title: Strategic Initiatives Director in Salem, OR at State of Oregon

Company: State of Oregon

Job description: Initial Posting Date: 05/16/2025Application Deadline: 06/01/2025Agency: Oregon Department of EducationSalary Range: $10,311 - $15,964Position Type: EmployeePosition Title: Strategic Initiatives DirectorJob Description:Position Title: Strategic Initiatives DirectorClassification: Business Operations Administrator 2Salary: $10,311 - $15,964 monthly non-PERS ($11,028 - $17,074 monthly PERS)Are you a strategic thinker and bold leader passionate about transforming education systems? The Oregon Department of Education is seeking a visionary Strategic Initiatives Director to drive high-impact initiatives, lead cross-agency efforts, and shape equitable outcomes for learners statewide. This is your opportunity to influence state policy at the highest levels and champion change where it matters most.This is an executive service position and serves at the pleasure of the agency director. This position is a hybrid role that includes both remote and onsite work. While remote work is embraced to the fullest extent possible, the individual in this role will be required to report to the office or other locations when business or operational needs necessitate in-person presence. Travel to Salem and various locations throughout Oregon will be expected.About Us:The (ODE’s) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its , ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well–rounded, and equitable education system.This position is located within the Director’s Office which collaborates closely with various partners to drive statewide educational initiatives. At ODE, our work is grounded in the values of Integrity, Accountability, Excellence, and Equity, which guide our commitment to serving every learner in Oregon.What you will do!As a key advisor to the Director of the Oregon Department of Education, the Strategic Initiatives Director plays a critical role in advancing the agency’s mission and strategic priorities. This position provides high-level leadership across cross-agency initiatives, ensures alignment with educational equity priorities, and helps steer critical agency operations and communications working closely with agency Executive Leadership.Typical Duties Include:Providing Strategic Direction: Acts on behalf of the Agency Director to guide policy, operations, and legislative priorities, ensuring alignment with agency values and objectives.Leading Major Initiatives: Oversees high-impact, enterprise-level projects such as the Educational Accountability Initiative to improve transparency, streamline operations, and maximize resources.Executive Leadership Coordination: Supports collaboration across executive staff, ensuring timely decision-making, resource alignment, and progress on strategic goals.Overseeing Key Program Areas: Directs work across multiple agency units including Government Relations, Legal/Civil Rights, Communications, and Education Innovation.Minimum Qualifications (Need to Have)Seven years of management experience; OR four years of management experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.Minimum qualifications must be met to qualify for this position.Desired Attributes (Nice to Have):We’re seeking a visionary leader with a strategic mindset, a deep commitment to educational equity, and transformative leadership skills to drive change.Team Leader: Proven ability to lead diverse teams toward strategic objectives by setting clear goals, managing complex dynamics, driving high performance, and maintaining accountability.Strategic Leader: Proven ability to lead large-scale initiatives, align cross-agency priorities, and advise executive leadership in complex, high-pressure environments.Collaborative: Effective at building trust and fostering collaboration across departments, agencies, and communities to achieve common goals.Equity-Centered: Deep understanding of educational equity and demonstrated commitment to addressing systemic and institutional inequities across diverse communities.Exceptional Communicator: Skilled in cross-cultural, written, and verbal communication, with the ability to navigate sensitive topics and convey clear direction to diverse audiences.Inclusive and Ethical: Models respectful, ethical behavior and fosters an inclusive, discrimination-free workplace culture.Politically and Organizationally Aware: Demonstrates a nuanced understanding of governmental structures, policy processes, and organizational dynamics. Skilled in navigating politically sensitive environments, building strategic relationships with state leadership, legislators, and agency partners, and exercising sound judgment in high-profile and confidential matters.Resilient and Adaptable: Thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments with competing priorities, tight timelines, and evolving challenges.Results-Driven: Strong track record of executing complex, high-impact initiatives with measurable outcomes and operational efficiency.Why us?At ODE, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative atmosphere. Autonomy is supported while also being offered opportunities to work in dedicated teams or partnerships across the agency. Our office supports a healthy work/life balance and shows genuine care for team members, students, partners, and school leaders. Our team members share and educate with passion for equitable practices and sustainable development for leaders across Oregon. We maintain a constant learning and growing mentality to strive for optimum innovation and consistently applied equity practices.Our amazing benefits include:Excellent benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket costPaid days off –11 paid holidays per year,3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year,8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month,Progressive vacation leave accrual and increases every 5 years.In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, , long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses.if you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you will want to look into this program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.If you currently work at an Oregon school district or education service district, we may be able to transfer in your sick leave balance!If you have a desire to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians, apply today!To apply:Your cover letter and resume are an opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.Upload a resume and cover letter in the Resume/Cover Letter field on the online application. Failure to attach a cover letter and resume may result in the disqualification of your application.In your cover letter, please include your qualifications related to the minimum qualifications and desired attributes for this position (limit to no more than 2 pages).In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use the attributes and minimum qualifications listed under the “What we are looking for” section above to determine whom to interview. Please make sure the attributes and minimum qualifications you possess are clearly demonstrated in your resume and cover letter.Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application.External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your resume and cover letter. Please make sure to attach all required documents in the section titled Resume/Cover Letter.Internal Applicants: (this includes Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account.Please contact if you have any questions on the application process.ODE Career Chats:Would you like to learn more about this position or how our application process works? Join our Recruitment team during our ODE Career Chat Sessions. We can assist you with all your application and agency questions!1st Thursday of the month – 11 am to 11:45 am (PST)Join ZoomGov MeetingAdditional Information:Salary Range: The range listed is the Non-PERS salary range. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS.Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the homepage.The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submission. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.Communication: Please monitor your Workday account, as communication will be sent to your Workday account. You must have a valid e-mail address to apply.Future Vacancies: This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.External Applicants (non-state of Oregon employees): If you would like to retain a copy of this job posting, please print a copy before submitting your application. Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting.Background Check: This position requires successfully passing a criminal record check, which may require a fingerprint-based records check and/or credit history check, as a condition of employment.If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact us at . Please be sure to include the job requisition number.Veterans: Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: . You may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-800-692-9666.Visa Sponsorship: The Oregon Department of Education does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Department of Education is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate you must present your I-9 (See page 3) for employment verification.Helpful links and contact information:Learn more about- Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.Live, work, and play in .For additional information, you may contact us by e-mail at .The Department of Education is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workforce. The Department strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.Come for a job | Stay for a career | Make a difference...for a lifetime!

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Location: Salem, OR

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