Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives

Under general supervision of the President/Superintendent, this position serves as a senior strategic advisor and executive liaison responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and managing a wide variety of advanced, specialized, and sensitive administrative planning, organization, and direction of duties in support of the President/Superintendent and the Districts strategic priorities.

The position is responsible for project oversight, process improvement, and management of complex and high-level special projects for the District, with particular emphasis on cross-divisional initiatives aligned with institutional goals, long-term planning, and Board priorities. The position requires thorough knowledge of the Presidents Office, regulatory legislation, District policies and procedures, accreditation standards, and operational details in order to provide sound executive guidance, policy analysis, and strategic coordination.

As a member of the Presidents executive leadership team, the Executive Director provides strategic analysis and coordination related to public policy matters, intergovernmental initiatives, institutional partnerships, and special projects that advance the Districts mission and public standing. The position provides strategic coordination and advisory support to members of the Executive Leadership Team and College Vice Presidents on cross-divisional initiatives, institutional priorities, policy analysis, and executive-level projects to promote alignment and shared accountability across divisions.

The position provides executive-level oversight of the Districts public radio broadcasting license (KPCC), serving as the Presidents designee for license stewardship and compliance coordination consistent with applicable regulations and governing agreements. In this capacity, the position supports and coordinates fulfillment of the Districts responsibilities as Licensee, including regulatory filings, license renewals, and public inspection requirements, while maintaining a collaborative and strategic partnership with Southern California Public Radio.

In the aftermath of the Eaton fires and other regional emergencies, the position plays a central leadership role in coordinating institutional recovery and resilience initiatives. The position works across divisions and with local, state, and federal agencies, community organizations, and philanthropic partners to support rebuilding efforts, strengthen student and employee support systems, advance workforce recovery strategies, and position the College as a regional anchor institution contributing to equitable recovery and long-term community stabilization.

Working closely with the Foundations Executive Director, the position assists with fundraising efforts, donor cultivation and stewardship, and strategic communications, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and advancing the Districts fundraising goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Strategic Leadership and Executive Support

1. Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of strategic initiatives aligned with institutional objectives, Board priorities, and long-term planning goals.
2. Provide high-level strategic analysis and executive support to the President and Board of Trustees, including preparation of briefings, reports, correspondence, and complex communications.
3. Provide strategic advisory support to the Executive Leadership Team and College Vice Presidents, facilitating cross-divisional coordination, executive communications, and implementation of institutional priorities.

1. Lead and coordinate District-wide initiatives related to institutional recovery, stabilization, and long-term resilience following the Eaton fires and other regional emergencies.
2. Partner with local, state, and federal agencies, community organizations, and philanthropic entities to secure recovery resources, support rebuilding efforts, strengthen student and employee services, and advance equitable recovery and workforce revitalization strategies.

1. Provide executive-level oversight of the Districts public radio broadcasting license (KPCC), serving as the Presidents designee for license stewardship and compliance coordination in accordance with governing agreements and regulatory requirements.
2. Coordinate and support fulfillment of the Districts responsibilities as Licensee, including license renewals, regulatory filings, public inspection requirements, and related compliance matters in collaboration with Southern California Public Radio.
3. Serve as the Districts primary executive liaison to SCPR leadership regarding governance, strategic alignment, and partnership matters affecting KPCC.

1. Identify, pursue, and oversee grant development opportunities aligned with institutional priorities, including disaster recovery, infrastructure restoration, workforce development, and student success initiatives.
2. Collaborate with the Foundations Executive Director to support donor cultivation, stewardship, and strategic communications aligned with District goals.

1. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting the District and provide strategic analysis and coordinated engagement support as directed by the President/Superintendent.
2. Facilitate institutional effectiveness initiatives through assessment, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to improve programs, services, and student outcomes.
3. Provide leadership and oversight for assigned staff and project teams, including participation in recruitment, evaluation, professional development, and performance accountability processes in accordance with District policies and collective bargaining agreements.
4. Perform other related duties as assigned in support of institutional priorities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A masters degree from an accredited institution in Education, Public Administration, Business, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, executive-level administration, communications, governmental coordination, media, or related leadership roles, including three (3) to five (5) years of experience working in or alongside media, communications, journalism, or public broadcasting environments.
• Experience in higher education, the public sector, or similarly complex organizational environments.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An earned doctorate from an accredited institution in Education, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Senior-level leadership experience within a higher education institution.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Expertise in developing, implementing, and managing strategic initiatives aligned with institutional goals.
• Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to support executive decision-making.
• Ability to oversee complex partnership agreements while preserving institutional authority and alignment with District priorities.
• Experience leading institutional recovery, resilience, or disaster-related initiatives.
• Ability to coordinate high-level intergovernmental collaboration and community engagement.
• Advanced political acumen and sound judgment in navigating sensitive governance and executive-level matters.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through strategic initiatives and student-focused programs.
• Demonstrated experience working with communities traditionally underserved by higher education.
• Knowledge of media landscape dynamics, public broadcasting policy, and the ability to assess reputational, regulatory, and strategic implications of emerging media trends.
• Advanced skill in professional, technical, and grant writing, including the ability to develop executive-level reports, policy analyses, and competitive funding proposals.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORK ENVIRONMENT - Activities and environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands and environmental conditions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• The position continuously needs to exhibit mobility and communication skills to perform tasks related to production operations and managerial responsibility.
• Seeing to inspect written documents, communicate with District staff, sitting for extended periods of time; bending, kneeling, as well as to type on a computer keyboard.
• Standing and walking between work areas is required.
• Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information and equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

• Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, and controlled temperature conditions.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Core Competencies: The District has identified the following essential skills and attributes needed for success in this position.

• Strategic Leadership
• Program and Grant Management
• Collaboration and Partnership Building
• Communication Skills
• Operational and Financial Acumen
• Innovative Problem Solving
• Team Leadership and Development
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Policy Awareness and Institutional Accountability
• Organizational Leadership and Partnership Stewardship
• Crisis Leadership and Community Resilience
• Executive-Level Relationship Management
• Media, Communications, and Public Engagement Expertise