Strategic Project Director - req# 33806

The Strategic Project Director provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for institutional initiatives designed to improve student retention, success, and completion across the student lifecycle-from onboarding through graduation within the Division of Enrollment Management. This role blends strategic planning with cross-functional project management, leading student retention initiatives, the Graduation Project, and Rejoin the Pack. The Director also provides oversight for Enrollment Management Communication Center and the Student Support & Services Center (SSSC) front desk, ensuring a coordinated, student-centered approach.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and execution of strategic retention and student success initiatives in collaboration with campus partners by collaborating closely to coordinate and align student retention efforts.
• Manage and scale recruitment initiatives for returning students, including the Graduation Project and Rejoin the Pack, with an emphasis on closing equity gaps and improving outcomes for returning students.
• Provide guidance and oversight to customer service functions, including Enrollment Management Communication Center and SSSC One Stop.
• Guide the adoption and optimization of communication tools and platforms, including SMS and AI-based systems, to enhance student engagement.
• Oversee comprehensive communication and outreach strategies that promote enrollment and ongoing student support.
• Leverage platforms to analyze student data, inform strategy, and provide actionable recommendations to leadership.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives by incorporating student feedback, institutional data, and national best practices.
• Serve as the HR agent and backup payroll agent for the Enrollment Management division, ensuring adherence to institutional policies and procedures.
• Manage budgets related to strategic initiatives and perform regular cost and productivity analyses.
• Represent the division on institutional committees and working groups focused on student success and operational excellence.
• Cultivate and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to support institutional goals.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Bachelor's degree; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Proven experience managing customer service or student support operations in higher education or similarly complex organizations.
• Knowledge of best practices in student-centered service delivery, especially in enrollment management.
• Experience implementing and optimizing communication tools such as SMS and AI-driven platforms.
• Expertise in developing and executing strategic communication plans for student recruitment, retention, and support.
• Ability to translate data into insights and actionable strategies for institutional leadership.
• Understanding of human resource management principles, including hiring, evaluation, and compliance with employment policies.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational communication skills.
• Experience serving on cross-functional committees or working groups, which includes experience building and sustaining collaborative relationships.
• Ability to effectively represent divisional interests and advocate for student needs in institutional forums.

Only applications submitted throughthe official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this jobadvertisement on a 3rd party site, pleasevisit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.