Director, Strategy and Impact Initiatives

Director, Strategy and Impact Initiatives

About NASPA

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. We serve the diverse needs of our community, from vice presidents of student affairs to undergraduate student leaders considering a career in the field. Founded in 1919, NASPA includes more than 15,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries, and 8 U.S. Territories. Guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and inquiry, we are dedicated to empowering our members to realize their full potential and to cultivating student success in collaboration with our institutional members, who represent every sector of higher education. NASPA's work is governed by our Code of Ethics. Read more here.

The Director, Strategy and Impact Initiatives is part of the Strategy and Impact team which serves all members of the Association by providing support for strategic areas that are essential to both the growth and sustainability of the organization and the broader student affairs profession including programs and services that advance learning, leader engagement, and organizational development.

About the Position

The Director, Strategy and Impact Initiatives (DSII) plays a pivotal role in leading, managing, and supporting the production and execution of multiple educational conferences and events within a select portfolio at NASPA. The DSII collaborates with cross-departmental teams (e.g., meetings, marketing, sponsorship, and other team members) to drive project outcomes and overall team success. Reporting to Assistant Vice President, Strategy and Impact, this position will also serve as a staff lead for functional area external reviews and other strategic initiatives within the NASPA Advisory Services team.

Essential Responsibilities

Education and Impact

• Collaborate with the Vice President of Strategy and Impact and the Assistant Vice President, Strategy and Impact, to implement Association-wide content strategy pertaining to the student affairs profession and aligned programs and services;
• Serve as the program lead in the planning, implementation, and development of content for various events both virtual and place-based;
• Initiate and set goals for programs according to the strategic objectives of the Association;
• Collaborate in developing evaluation strategies to monitor event goals and outcomes and determine needs for improvement;
• Develop all content aspects of conference collateral to include event websites, digital and print marketing, and social media/blog postings in collaboration with the NASPA marketing and communications team;
• Develop, monitor and reconcile program budgets;
• Ensure program operations and activities adhere to internal policies and processes;
• Engage with cross-functional teams responsible for marketing, customer service, logistical support, and sponsorship solicitation; and,
• Support the NASPA Annual Conference through means such as, but not limited to: oversee a conference subcommittee, contribute to program review and selection, and execute onsite duties as assigned.

NASPA Advisory Services

• Lead program review teams in conducting teleconference interviews, and individual and group interviews during institutional site visits;
• Oversee the development of project documents and resources, self-study processes and the collation of participant institutions’ documents and data;
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to create and present high-quality and comprehensive written reports based on all project activities;
• Assist in the identification, recruitment, training, and recognition of subject matter experts as participants of the NASPA Advisory Services reviewer pool;
• Under the guidance of AVP for Strategy and Impact, facilitate other service offerings including customized professional development and strategic planning support; and
• Support NASPA Advisory Services team initiatives, as needed including: writing and editing reports of student affairs external reviews, participation in Steering Committee meetings, and other project coordination.

Reports To: Assistant Vice President, Strategy and Impact

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree is required. Master’s Degree in higher education administration or related field, preferred.
• Minimum of seven years of relevant, full-time, experience in higher education or association management. Previous experience in higher education, event planning, and/or project management, preferred.
• Experience with program evaluation and assessment required. Experience with consulting is preferred.
• A proactive, flexible, and positive orientation to successfully work in an ambiguous, dynamic organization.
• Superior project management skills including the ability to manage many projects simultaneously is required.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to establish priorities, manage competing demands, and meet deadlines are required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities in the consideration of impacts and outcomes of a decision-making process.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to take initiative, use sound judgment, resolve problems diplomatically and discreetly, and work effectively, independently, and cooperatively with all levels of staff and constituents.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships inside and outside the organization with stakeholders, customers, and colleagues.
• Strong knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook required. Experience with Asana and event management platforms, preferred.

Employment Status:

Full-time Exempt: Exempt employees by definition are exempt from overtime compensation requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and are required to work as the job demands on a no time limit basis.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. NASPA does not initiate, extend or provide immigration or work visa sponsorship for employment.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $80,000-$85,000.

NASPA offers nationwide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible work schedule, and paid time-off including accrued PTO, family leave, community service leave, and holidays.

Office Location/Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Office Location

This position may be based anywhere in the contiguous 48 states.

It is the employee’s responsibility to provide reliable internet capabilities for any work location outside of the Washington, D.C. office.

Travel

Frequent overnight travel to represent NASPA at events, on college and university campuses, and in-person meetings is an essential function of this position. Locations vary and can include sites outside of taxi service from major airports. As a result, the position is required to have the ability to travel independently, including air travel, navigating ground transportation, and occasionally driving a rental car.

Physical Requirements

• This position is primarily office-based with primary work on a computer, including phone, email, and video conferencing.
• Responsibilities frequently may require an adjusted work schedule, overtime, and evening/weekend hours in order to meet deadlines and support events and programs.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination Statement

NASPA provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. NASPA does not discriminate on the basis of race; color, national origin; religion; sex; age; gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status; personal appearance; family responsibilities; genetic information; educational status; political affiliation; unemployment status; place of residence or business; source of income; caste; matriculation; credit information; status as a survivor or family member of a survivor of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking; reproductive health decision making; or any other basis protected by law in any of its policies, employment practices, or in any context in the workplace. When necessary, NASPA also makes reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following for consideration:

• Letter of Interest/Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three References

A complete set of materials should be submitted through this Asana form. Materials received by July 9, 2025 will receive priority consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled.