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Assistant Vice President for University Initiatives

University of Texas at Dallas

USD 165k-185k / month

Posted on Feb 4, 2026

Posting Number	S06857P
Position Title	Assistant Vice President for University Initiatives
Functional Title
Department	VP Strategic Initiatives
Salary Range	$165k to $185k; depending on experience
Pay Basis	Monthly
Position Status	Regular full-time
Location	Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date	02/03/2026
Posting Close Date	02/10/2026
Open Until Filled	No
Desired Start Date	03/02/2026
Job Summary	The Assistant Vice President for University Initiatives is a strategic and operational leader reporting to the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, accountable for driving the university’s strategic priorities from planning through execution. This position leads the design, launch, and growth of a university-level Project Management Office (PMO) and stewards the implementation of the UT Dallas strategic plan and related cross-institutional projects. The AVP collaborates closely with University leaders and cross-functional teams to bring momentum, coherence, and accountability to complex, multi-year initiatives that support and champion the University President’s vision for key institutional priorities, ensuring that strategic initiatives deliver measurable institutional impact. The role calls for high visibility, institutional trust, and exceptional execution. Successful candidates will address the following via their cover letter and/or application: Candidates must be able to demonstrate progressive leadership experience in strategic planning project/program management, institutional change, or directly related roles. Demonstrated record for completing at least two high-visibility institutional projects. Deep experience in leading/participated in university wide or pan-organizational projects, cross functional leadership, and change management.
Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor’s degree and ten years of related professional work experience and 3 or more years of supervisory experience.
Preferred Education and Experience	Preferred Education and Experience Master’s degree Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean/Six Sigma, or similar credential. Experience in higher education; understanding of university governance and organizational complexity. Formal training in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and/or design thinking. Experience standing up a new PMO or managing a mature PMO a plus. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA) Demonstrated ability to facilitate varied stakeholder groups, build consensus, manage change, and navigate ambiguity. Advanced analytic and presentation skills—translates evidence and strategy into actionable plans and compelling narratives for multiple audiences. Exceptional written/oral communication and influential relationship-building abilities. Mission-driven, institutionally committed; takes visible pride and satisfaction in advancing the University’s objectives. Ability to demonstrate successful completion and outcomes on at least one high profile project Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills Excellent analytical, organization, and communication ability Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment Proficiency with project management tools and data analysis software
Other Qualifications	To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities	Strategic Planning Leadership Plan, coordinate, and deliver the university’s strategic planning process—from stakeholder engagement through final plan completion and public launch by the President. Facilitate workshops, focus groups, and campus wide engagement to gather insights, build buy-in, and foster institutional alignment. Prepare and deliver project milestones ensuring readiness for State of the University (early fall semester, 2026) and Board of Regents (November) presentations. Initiative Execution and PMO Development Oversee the end-to-end translation of the strategic plan into actionable, prioritized initiatives with clear scope, resource needs, and implementation roadmaps. Launch and mature a pan-institutional Project Management Office: recruit, develop, and lead PMO staff (project managers, business analysts), and establish project management standards, tools, and templates. Provide hands-on leadership for high-visibility projects, monitoring performance, managing risks, and reporting progress to the VPSI and senior leadership. Collaboration, Data, and Decision Support Act as the primary liaison between Strategic Initiatives and OISDS (Institutional Success/Decision Support), leveraging data, business intelligence, and competitive analysis to inform strategy and measure progress. Foster strong, transparent collaboration across academic, administrative, research, and student affairs units. Translate complex data and project information into accessible, actionable insights for executive audiences and the campus community. Culture and Change Leadership Champion a mission-driven, team-oriented culture consistent with the University’s core values. Model humility, a bias toward action, and commitment to organizational impact and continuous improvement. Actively build relationships and social capital across the University to advance project goals, office efficacy, and University reputation.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Activities	Light, Sitting, Talking
Working Conditions
Additional Information	Presence on the UT Dallas campus is essential for success; flexible/hybrid work arrangements permitted as project intensity allows. Role includes extended hours and high-visibility activity during strategic planning cycles. Candidates will be subject to a criminal background check What We Can Offer UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes: Competitive Salary Tuition Benefits BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options – including *100% paid* employee medical coverage for full-time employees AD&D Insurance Dental & Vision Plan Options Long and short-term disability TRS Retirement Plan Fertility Benefits Paid time off All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program. Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.
Special Instructions Summary	Successful candidates will address the following via their cover letter and/or application: Candidates must be able to demonstrate progressive leadership experience in strategic planning project/program management, institutional change, or directly related roles. Demonstrated record for completing at least two high-visibility institutional projects. Deep experience in leading/participated in university wide or pan-organizational projects, cross functional leadership, and change management.
Important Message	1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public. 2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the *ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator*.

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Assistant Vice President for University Initiatives