What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Operations position at The University of Texas at Arlington?
Salary
The final offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.
Documents Needed to Apply
Required
The role will serve as a leader within the Office of Government Relations, providing strategic oversight, operational leadership, and execution support to advance the university’s legislative and governmental priorities. This position functions as the principal advisor and operational lead to the Vice President for Government Relations, translating strategic vision into execution and ensuring alignment across internal and external stakeholders
Essential Functions
Position is benefit eligible: Yes
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees at the University.
https://www.uta.edu/hr/employee-benefits
PreEmployment Background Check
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a pre employment background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA 48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.
University Information
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.
UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community.
This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu .
The final offer will be commensurate with the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.
Documents Needed to Apply
Required
- Resume
- Cover letter
The role will serve as a leader within the Office of Government Relations, providing strategic oversight, operational leadership, and execution support to advance the university’s legislative and governmental priorities. This position functions as the principal advisor and operational lead to the Vice President for Government Relations, translating strategic vision into execution and ensuring alignment across internal and external stakeholders
Essential Functions
- Support the Vice President in planning, resourcing, implementing, and monitoring strategic initiatives aligned with legislative priorities, while translating leadership vision into actionable plans that advance the university’s goals and priorities.
- Develop and implement Government Relations engagement strategy by coordinating relationships with elected officials, government leaders, and key stakeholders, including strategic campus visits, briefings, and signature events that advance institutional priorities.
- Lead the development and execution of strategic communications, messaging, and executive briefing materials that support the university’s external engagement, legislative priorities, and institutional objectives, ensuring alignment across leadership, government relations, and key stakeholder audiences.
- Oversee daily operations, workflow, and performance of the Government Relations office.
- Direct operational and financial functions including budgeting.
- Coordinate across campus to align priorities, messaging, and funding opportunities.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, public policy, communications, business administration, higher education administration, or in a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience managing strategic initiatives, coordinating legislative or external affairs activities within government relations, public policy, higher education environment or related experience.
- Must have experience managing projects and supporting executive leadership.
- Experience working with elected officials or agencies.
- Strong writing and executive briefing skills.
- Communications background.
- Demonstrated experience as a chief of staff, deputy, or senior advisor to an executive.
- Strong knowledge of legislative environment.
- Knowledge of legislative processes, public policy development, and government relations practices.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Skilled in relationship management and stakeholder coordination.
- Knowledge of higher education, governance, funding, and institutional priorities.
- Monday through Friday; 8:00am through 5:00pm.
- 25% Travel.
- Hybrid work environment (remote & office).
- Extended work hours periodically required.
- Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
- Uses standard office equipment.
Position is benefit eligible: Yes
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees at the University.
https://www.uta.edu/hr/employee-benefits
PreEmployment Background Check
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a pre employment background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA 48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.
University Information
The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy.
UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community.
This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu .
Salary : $29