Strategic Initiatives Coordinator

Title: Strategic Initiatives Coordinator

Agency: VP STUDENT ENROLLMENT, ENGAGEMENT & SERVICES

Location: Norfolk, VA

FLSA: Exempt

Hiring Range:

Full Time or Part Time:

The Strategic Initiatives Coordinator supports the Strategic Initiatives department in advancing the mission of the Student and Campus Life division through high-impact projects that enhance the student experience and advance division-wide strategic goals. Working closely with the Director for Strategic Initiatives, this role contributes to research, proposal development, executive communications, and materials for high-profile events and meetings. The position also serves as a scholar‑practitioner opportunity, fostering cross‑campus collaboration and building professional skills in a dynamic, forward‑focused environment.

• Considerable knowledge of project management principles, data‑informed decision making, and assessment practices, including the ability to analyze benchmarking data, manage competing priorities, and contribute to strategic materials such as proposals, speeches, and executive presentations.
• Some knowledge of higher education administration, student affairs operations, and institutional strategy, including how divisional priorities align with university‑wide goals, governance structures, and executive decision‑making processes.
• Basic knowledge of student engagement and leadership development practices, including inclusive engagement models, high‑impact student experiences, and strategies that support student learning, retention, progression, and a sense of belonging.
• Demonstrated organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work independently as a self‑starter while knowing when to seek guidance or clarification.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce professional‑quality materials.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, English or related field preferred; or a bachelor's degree in stated fields with experience equivalent to a master's degree.

• Considerable experience supporting projects, programs, or initiatives requiring coordination of multiple tasks, timelines, and stakeholders.
• Basic experience researching, synthesizing, and presenting information to support decision‑making, planning, or communication efforts.
• Basic experience producing professional written materials, such as reports, presentations, correspondence, or briefing documents.
• Some experience collaborating effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and organizational levels.

• Some experience working in a higher‑education or administrative‑professional environment.
• Some familiarity with research tools, data analysis, or data visualization software.
• Some experience collaborating across departments or with senior‑level professionals.
• Familiarity with research tools (e.g., higher education research databases), data analysis (e.g., SPSS), or data visualization software (e.g., Gantt charts).