Special Projects & Strategic Engagement Manager; Administrator
Listed on 2026-06-04
-
IT/Tech
Special Projects & Strategic Engagement Manager (Administrator I)
Apply now Job no: 556007
Work type:
Staff
Location:
Chico
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time, Information Systems & Technology
Position Description
California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.
Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.
Job/
Department Summary:
The Special Projects & Strategic Engagement Manager serves as a key strategic partner to the Vice President for Information Technology (VPIT) and provides executive-level leadership in advancing the Division of IT’s strategic priorities across campus and the CSU system. This position is responsible for leading high-impact special projects, executive communications, strategic events, and business relationship development to strengthen alignment between the Division of IT and the university’s academic, administrative, and student support units.
In a time of rapid technological advancement, digital transformation, cybersecurity threats, AI evolution, and increased systemwide coordination, technology leadership must operate as an agile, relationship-centered, and innovation-enabling function. This role ensures that the Division of IT is positioned not only as a service provider, but as a strategic partner, trusted advisor, and institutional enabler. The incumbent works with a high degree of independence, discretion, and initiative in managing complex initiatives, cultivating strategic partnerships, and advancing IT’s role in supporting institutional resilience, operational excellence, and student success.
This position enhances the Division’s executive capacity by:
- Increasing strategic alignment across campus
- Accelerating implementation of high-priority initiatives
- Strengthening communication and transparency
- Supporting coordinated engagement with the Chancellor’s Office and sister campuses
The incumbent will play a key role in expanding the Division’s external engagement strategy, strengthening partnerships with industry, community organizations, and systemwide collaborators to enhance innovation capacity, workforce pipelines, and institutional visibility.
Required
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Progressive 2 years of leadership experience in higher education, organizational strategy, communications, project management, or related field.
- Experience working with executive leadership.
Preferences:
- Master’s degree desired in organizational development, change management and/or a communications-related field.
- 7+ years’ experience in change management and/or communications supporting IT and technology-related business strategies.
- 3+ years project management experience with demonstrated skill at managing multiple deliverables for a variety of projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Change management methodology certification or equivalent experience in leading organizational change related to technology implementations and technology adoption.
- Experience and proven achievement in taking on larger, increasingly complex change management and communication programs.
- Critical thinker who utilizes curiosity in problem discovery and solutioning.
Time Base: Full-time
Pay Plan: 12/12
Anticipated Hiring Range: Anticipated up to $92,000 per year. Salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected.
Benefits: This…
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