Executive Director, Student Life Strategy & Operations

In addition to managing a specific program and/or service within the Student Life portfolio, the Executive Director of Student Life Strategy & Operations oversees administrative operations, budgeting and finance, communications and marketing, and Divisional project management. Reporting to the Vice President of Student Life, as the Division’s key project manager, the Senior Director ensures that operations are responsive to student needs and that systems evolve to support a future-oriented, data-informed, and student-ready organization. The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that Student Life's infrastructure, systems, and communications are efficient, agile, and aligned with institutional goals. The Executive Director leads division-wide initiatives related to staff engagement, professional development, and recognition.

Duties/Responsibilities

Program and/ or Service Operational Oversight (40%)

• Provide leadership, supervision and professional development for staff in a program and/or service within the Student Life portfolio along with indirectly supervising student staff.

• Provide vision and direction for developing a high impact program and/ or service within the Student Life portfolio. 

• Provide communications oversight for all relevant UNH messaging platforms for intended audiences.

• Monitor and assess program needs and outcomes to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with division and institutional goals. 

• Educate and train relevant stakeholders regarding program and/ or service access.

• Collaborate and consult with relevant stakeholders to develop and recommend policies and procedures related to student success.

• Serve on relevant committees to increase student awareness and access to specific program and/ or service.

Strategic Execution and Operational Oversight (20%)

• Assist the VPSL to advance strategic planning efforts within the Division to further student success and well-being.

• Work with the VPSL and oversee fiscal planning across the Division, support compliance with financial policies, and ensure that budgeting processes are integrated with assessment and planning to ensure data-informed resource allocation.

• Lead budget planning and forecasting initiatives, coordinating future fiscal year budget proposals including opportunities for strategic investment while ensuring compliance with University policies and financial stewardship.

• Provide supervision for administrative and operational services within Student Life to include professional staff across budgeting, finance, marketing and communications, and internal engagement efforts.

• Ensure goals and initiatives are aligned with divisional and institutional strategies.

• Oversee the monitoring and assessment of divisional goals, key performance indicators and progress metrics.

Project Management and Operational Integration (20%)

• Lead high-impact, cross-divisional projects with a focus on improving systems, enhancing efficiency, and supporting innovation.

• Coordinate strategic planning, resource allocation, and internal communications across Student Life departments.

• Facilitate project timelines, goal alignment, and accountability metrics for division-wide initiatives.

• Partner with university operations units (e.g., Finance, HR, IT) to ensure Student Life systems and operations are seamlessly integrated with institutional infrastructure.

Communications and Engagement (10%)

• Oversee the development and implementation of a divisional marketing and communication strategy.

• Ensure consistent messaging across units and alignment with Student Life priorities and brand identity.

• Lead efforts to improve internal communication, staff engagement, and visibility of Student Life services.

• Coordinate regular Division-wide meetings, retreats, and professional development programs to build culture and drive cohesion.

• Represent the Division on institutional committees

Innovation, Technology and Resource Stewardship (10%)

• Promote innovation and digital transformation through the strategic use of technology and innovation.

• Support departments in identifying technological solutions that enhance service