Director of Strategic Operations- Management Analyst Supervisor 1
Working Title:
Director of Strategic Operations- Management Analyst Supervisor 1Institution:
St. Cloud State UniversityClassification Title:
Bargaining Unit / Union:
216: Middle Management AssociationCity:
St. CloudFLSA:
Job ExemptFull Time / Part Time:
Full timeEmployment Condition:
Classified - UnlimitedSalary Range:
$27.72 - $41.81Job Description
The Director of Strategic Operations (DSO) in the College of Business, Engineering, and Technology (CBET) at St. Cloud State University (SCSU) plays a key leadership role in advancing the college’s mission by managing resources, fostering a data-driven culture, and aligning operational practices with university goals. Reporting directly to the Dean and serving on the Dean's Advisory Council, the DSO is responsible for overseeing the college’s fiscal operations, including managing the budget, managing the schedules and work assignments of faculty and staff, tuition income (e.g., tuition, grants, donations), and program expenses (e.g., salaries and overhead), ensuring accountability, and maximizing the return on resources. In addition to these responsibilities, the DSO supervises staff, including three or more Office and Administrative Specialists, providing leadership, guidance, and oversight to ensure the successful implementation of strategic initiatives, effective resource management, and a collaborative, high-performance environment.
The DSO leads studies in areas with limited procedural precedent, such as systems analysis, policy development, fiscal analysis, and organizational structure, with significant implications for department, program, college, and university-wide policies. These efforts may involve major reorganizations and coordination with other university departments and units. The DSO drives high-priority initiatives to optimize the college’s effectiveness and operations, using data and technology to inform decision-making, strategic planning, and institutional growth. The role requires close collaboration with the Dean’s leadership team, chairs or program leads, and other service units to implement strategic initiatives, streamline processes, and support operational excellence, including technology initiatives and accreditation efforts. As a thought leader and advisor, the DSO recommends new initiatives, provides oversight on strategic planning, and offer expert guidance on complex organizational and systems matters, with a focus on continuous improvement and institutional effectiveness.
Minimum Qualifications
5 years of closely related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Doctorate degree may substitute for 2 years of experience, Master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience, Bachelor’s degree may substitute as 1 year of experience, and Associate’s degree may substitute for 6 months of experience.
Ability to analyze, interpret, conceptualize, and present financial data for data-driven management decisions.
Ability to identify, clarify, evaluate, innovate, and solve financial and operational challenges.
General knowledge of higher education laws and data security protocols.
Communication skills including listening, speaking, and writing for a variety of audiences.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office, PowerBI, Faculty Workload Management system (FWM), databases, queries, spreadsheets, and word processing.
Proficient with time management, project management, and the ability to establish goals and promote accountability while meeting goals.
Comfortability with making and communicating difficult decisions.
Preferred Qualification
Master's Degree with a minimum of 3 years of closely related experience or a bachelor's degree in business, organizational development, higher education.
Supervisory experience in a related field.
Knowledge and understanding of MinnState Board policies, system procedures, and management information systems.
Other Requirements
Please note that successful applicants must be eligible to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment. Eligibility includes being a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a foreign national authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship. Employees must maintain work authorization without sponsorship for the duration of their appointment.
Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)
8:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday
About
The successful candidate will share St. Cloud State’s commitment to our mission, and in particular, the value we place in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as outlined in SCSU’s It’s Time strategic framework. Notably, we uphold the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion and engage in intentional actions to address systemic inequities throughout the university and surrounding environment. DEI values, practices, and strategies are embedded into the fabric of our institution and campus community, and they align with the priorities expressed in the Minnesota State system’s Equity 2030 initiative. SCSU expects all of its employees to help advance these practices and to contribute to the development of an anti-racist, inclusive community.
Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Middle Management Association (MMA) which can be found: https://mmamn.org/
St. Cloud State University is committed to excellence and actively supports cultural diversity. To promote this endeavor, we invite individuals who contribute to such diversity to apply, including minorities, women, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities and veterans. St. Cloud State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regards to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or status as a U.S. veteran. The Interim Title IX coordinator at St. Cloud State University is Susan Woolf. For additional information, contact the Office of Institutional Equity & Access, (320) 308-5123, Admin. Services Bldg. Rm 121
Benefits Information:
At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.
To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.
Desired Start Date:
08-12-2026Position End Date:
Open Date:
07-15-2026Close Date:
07-23-2026Posting Contact Name:
Courtney Marie GraberPosting Contact Email:
[email protected]Skills Required
- Minimum 5 years of closely related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Ability to analyze, interpret, conceptualize, and present financial data for data-driven decisions
- Ability to identify, clarify, evaluate, innovate, and solve financial and operational challenges
- General knowledge of higher education laws and data security protocols
- Communication skills (listening, speaking, writing) for varied audiences
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office, Power BI, Faculty Workload Management (FWM), databases, queries, spreadsheets, and word processing
- Proficiency in time management and project management; ability to set goals and promote accountability
- Comfortability with making and communicating difficult decisions
- Eligibility to work in the United States on or before appointment without employer sponsorship
- Master's degree with minimum 3 years closely related experience or bachelor's degree in business, organizational development, or higher education
- Supervisory experience in a related field
- Knowledge and understanding of MinnState Board policies, system procedures, and management information systems
What We Do
Minnesota State is a public higher education system comprising 33 colleges and universities with 54 campuses across Minnesota. As the largest higher education system in the state and the third largest in the U.S., it serves over 300,000 students annually, focusing on providing high-quality, affordable education and preparing graduates for successful employment.
