Senior Director of Strategic Operations

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Operations

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

WAMU 88.5 is a public media station owned and operated by American University. WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since 1961, WAMU has been amplifying voices and sharing stories from the many neighborhoods and communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

The Senior Director of Strategic Operations serves as a strategic advisor and operational partner to the Chief Operating Officer, advancing the COO's strategic priorities by establishing the operating cadence, planning frameworks, and performance standards that guide execution across WAMU. Under the direction of the COO, the role works with senior leaders and their organizations to build alignment, implement consistent operating practices, and ensure enterprise initiatives are executed with accountability and measurable results.

Through influence, collaboration, and independent judgment, the Director strengthens organizational effectiveness without assuming operational ownership of functional departments.

Essential Functions:

1.) Drive Enterprise Initiatives

Lead development and execution of enterprise wide strategic initiatives tied to the Operating Plan, advising executive leadership on priorities, sequencing, organizational risks and resource requirements.(e.g., data framework development, technology modernization, enterprise onboarding).

Partner with executive leadership to translate organizational strategy into enterprise execution plans, defining priorities, success measures, governance, accountability, and organizational outcomes. Translate strategic goals into actionable plans.  Define scope, success metrics, sponsors, DRIs (directly responsible individuals), stakeholders, and contributors.

Partner with initiative sponsors and leaders to maintain focus, anticipate challenges, and ensure delivery milestones are met.

Recommend strategic solutions to complex organizational challenges and advise executive leadership on emerging risks, opportunities, and competing priorities.

2.) Establish a Unified Execution Framework

Design, implement, and continuously improve the enterprise framework governing strategic initiatives, organizational priorities, and interdependencies.

Establish enterprise standards and governance practices for defining, prioritizing, launching, and monitoring strategic initiatives.

Coach WAMU leaders and initiative sponsors in applying enterprise planning disciplines, risk management, and organizational accountability practices.

3.) Orchestrate the Operating Rhythm

Lead the organization’s operating rhythm, including enterprise planning, quarterly business reviews, annual planning, executive reporting, and strategic decision support.

Develop executive decision-support materials that synthesize organizational performance, risks, resource needs, and strategic opportunities.

Influence and align executive leaders across Finance, Technology, Advancement, People & Culture, and Content to ensure enterprise priorities are integrated, appropriately resourced, and aligned with organizational strategy.

4.) Enable Collaboration and Accountability

Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, influencing alignment across organizational priorities, governance, and strategic decision making.

Lead resolution of highly complex cross-functional issues requiring executive judgment, organizational consensus, and strategic tradeoff decisions.

Build organizational capability by coaching leaders in strategic execution, accountability, and enterprise collaboration.

5.) Measure and Improve Performance

Develop the organization's enterprise performance framework, recommending organizational metrics that inform executive decision making and long-term strategic planning.

Identify systemic organizational risks, emerging trends, operational opportunities, and recommend executive actions to improve organizational effectiveness.

Lead continuous improvement efforts that strengthen enterprise operating practices, organizational effectiveness, and strategic execution.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-time.

35 hours per week

Hybrid work modality (3 - 4 days per week in office).

Required Education and Experience:

​​Bachelor's degree or equivalent​.

​​8 - 10 years of relevant experience​.

Preferred Education and Experience:

​​Master's degree​.

​​10+ years of relevant experience​.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

10+ years of experience in operations, enterprise initiative management, or strategic project leadership.

Demonstrated success advising executive leadership and leading enterprise-wide strategic initiatives that require influence across multiple functions without direct authority.

Expertise in project and portfolio management tools (Asana, Smartsheet, Monday, or similar).

Strong analytical and synthesis skills; able to translate complexity into clear, actionable plans.

Exceptional communication, facilitation, and executive presentation abilities.

Adept at balancing strategic thinking with tactical execution.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.