Director of Strategic Operations - WVU Online

The Department of WVU Online at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Director of Strategic Operations.

About the Opportunity

The Director of Strategic Operations for WVU Online will partner with the Assistant Provost for WVU Online to shape and execute a comprehensive operational strategy that supports the University's commitment to providing world-class online education. This role will align WVU Online's day-to-day operations with its long-term strategic goals by developing and implementing operational strategies that optimize efficiency, drive growth and ensure achievement of objectives. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, a skilled leader of people, and a champion of operational excellence who thrives in a collaborative and innovative environment. As the Director of Strategic Operations, you will develop and oversee processes, workflows, and initiatives that enhance organizational efficiency, foster a culture of accountability and innovation, and align with WVU's broader mission, particularly its land-grant commitment to serving local and global communities.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Collaborate with the Assistant Provost for WVU Online and senior leadership to develop and execute a long-term strategic and operational plan for WVU Online.
• Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, productivity, innovation, and inclusivity.
• Provide clear performance expectations, professional development opportunities, and continuous feedback to empower staff members.
• Manage cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with strategic goals and smooth project execution.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess operational effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee the development and refinement of protocols, workflows, and project management practices to maximize efficiency and innovation.
• Facilitate organizational change by communicating new strategies, training employees, and addressing resistance to change.
• Ensure all operations adhere to university policies, accreditation requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Develop scalable operational frameworks to support program expansion, enhance student services, and optimize administrative processes.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging educational technologies, platforms, and best practices to improve online education delivery.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration with faculty, academic leadership, IT, enrollment management, marketing, and student services to enhance the online student experience.
• Collaborate with unit leads to optimize productivity, enhance ROI, and maintain fiscal responsibility.
• Lead initiatives to enhance student engagement, retention, and success in online programs.
• Oversee student services and support models to ensure a seamless and effective online learning experience.
• Drive innovation in instructional design, digital learning tools, and AI-driven enhancements to improve course delivery and accessibility.
• Develop strategic partnerships with external organizations, industry leaders, and government agencies to expand WVU's online education reach.
• Work closely with academic affairs, faculty, and compliance teams to maintain program integrity and continuous improvement.

• Master's degree, preferably in Business Administration, Higher Education Leadership or a related field with 5 or more years of relevant professional experience.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in each of the following:
  
  
  
  
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and project management.
  • Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams.
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All requirements must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Proven track record of leading high-impact teams and managing large-scale initiatives in a higher education or corporate setting.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a demonstrated ability to inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
• Expertise in operational planning, project management, and workflow optimization.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop and implement data-driven strategies that enhance performance and efficiency.
• Financial acumen with experience in budget management, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and tools to support organizational innovation and efficiency.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of WVU and its land-grant heritage.