Executive Director of Signature Experience Initiatives

BASIC FUNCTION:

Salve Regina University recently completed its Strategic Compass initiative, which serves to define the foundational values and principles that will guide the institution as it moves beyond its 75th anniversary. As part of their educational experience, students may expect a rigorous, transformative education delivered through an inclusive community that values diversity and welcomes every individual with kindness, dignity, and respect.

The educational goals of the Strategic Compass will be achieved through a named signature experience designed to support students in becoming their best selves as they progress through their chosen course of study. Each year, students will be exposed to academic programming and formative experiences focused on a specific theme: First Year (foundation), Sophomore Year (exploration), Junior Year (immersion), and Senior Year (integration). As Salve advanvces its university-wide planning effort, the inaugural Executive Director will serve in a critical role in leading the successful design, launch, ongoing operations, and expansion of the signature experience initiatives in the broader University framework. The Executive Director will ensure that all aspects of the strategic initiative are carried out effectively and are continuously improved/enhanced, that results meet University standards, and that the long-term viability and effectiveness of the signature experience are assured.

The Executive Director will work closely with university leadership, co-chairs from Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Mission Integration, various design and project teams, and members of the departments that will be supporting this strategic initiative. The Executive Director will be responsible for mapping the overall strategy of the signature experience and for establishing the necessary systems, structures, and processes to advance the University's vision for this strategic initiative. This will involve building collaborations with internal stakeholders as well as creating relationships with external partners in the surrounding communities. Dealing with people at all levels of the Salve community, the Executive Director will promote the signature experience programs to inspire enthusiasm, identify linkages, and help build a culture that supports the vision and goals of the initiative.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Marshall, coordinate, and manage resources across the University as well as establish and lead project teams of various sizes and compositions.
• Leveraging and integrating existing programs, structures, and resources, build out the First Year Experience. Coordinate the work of existing design teams as they develop and launch pilots for the First-Year signature experience. Establish common themes and cohesive connections across individual First Year programs and signature events. Ensure that all aspects of the First-Year pilots and other signature programs are carried out effectively and direct the continuous improvement and expansion/growth of such programs.
• Develop and launch pilot programs for the Sophomore Year experience including Sophomore Studios and Sophomore Summer, with participating faculty, staff, and student leaders; build out a scalable model for the extension of these pilots for every Salve student.
• Establish a Signature Experience Steering Committee to advise and design, develop, and assess successive iterations of the Salve Signature experience.
• Manage the development and oversee the smooth operation of the program's communication activities. Oversee the design and distribution of program materials, including communications, guides, training resources, and marketing materials, and managing their updating and revision, as needed. Oversee design and functionality of program web site for communication and resources purposes.
• Assist with establishing a distinct brand and identity for program communications and products, ensuring accurate and consistent messaging across program communications
• Establish assessment protocol and collaborate with others on the development and tracking of measurable goals and outcomes for program activities; utilize assessments to drive future program development and share the impact of current offerings.
• Hire, supervise, develop, and evaluate new staff as the program grows.
• Support a leadership philosophy that values diversity, equity and inclusion and promotes teamwork and mutual collaboration.
• Represent the signature experience initiatives to the broader University and serve on university-wide committees and task forces.

Requirements:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Relevant BA/BS degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Seven to ten years of increasing responsibility in administration or relevant experience is required.
• Demonstrated success in a comparable role required (i.e., one that requires a similar skill set).
• Experience with designing, piloting, implementing, and scaling up new programs and services, which involves engaging a wide range of stakeholders, coordinating across various design teams, departments, and business units, and creating systems to organize, track, and ensure successful results.
• Experience at a similar institution or with faculty and administrative functions in higher education is a plus.
• Previous management and supervision of administrative and business function staff as well as experience working with senior executives is essential.
• Understanding of and commitment to the Mercy, Catholic mission of Salve Regina University

FUNCTIONAL AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated ability to work in a demanding fast-pasted customer service focused environment while managing multiple complex projects and competing priorities is essential.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to wide range of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to: build strong relationships, influence without authority, foster collaboration across diverse groups of constituents, and build consensus.
• Strong presentation and skills and success with facilitating a wide range of meetings and work sessions.
• Ability to think and operate strategically at all levels of the organization. The ability to deal effectively with the "big picture" and to attend to details.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively to develop innovative solutions and programs.
• Strong project and process management skills and ability to manage/balance multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills and the ability to perform complex tasks and prioritize multiple projects.
• Commitment to and demonstrated success with incorporating continuous improvement principles to program operations as well as an ability to guide and support other to do the same.
• Expertise in assessment and evaluation is helpful.
• Excellent supervisory skills; ability to guide, manage and motivate internal staff. Ability to lead cross-functional project teams.
• Competency in budget development and management.
• Strong computer skills, including: MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint.

Additional Information:

Salve Regina University offers generous benefits to eligible employees including:

• health and dental coverage
• life insurance
• long-term disability
• 403B plan
• tuition benefits and more

Salve Regina University strives to provide equal opportunity in employment and education to all employees, students and applicants. No employee, student or applicant shall be discriminated against or harassed on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, age, marital or parental status, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal or state law, in the administration of Salve Regina's employment policies, education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University administered programs. In accordance with Title IX, it does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its educational programs or activities. Salve Regina is also committed to making its programs and campus accessible to its visitors and compliant with all applicable non-discrimination laws.


Application Instructions:

Applicants must apply online for any open staff and faculty positions by providing a cover-letter and resume. Pre-employment background checks and reference checks are required of successful candidates. Salve Regina University participates in E-verify.

URL: www.salve.edu