Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives

Salary: $17,455.95 - $18,328.75 Monthly
Location : 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 10301
Department: President's Office
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 6/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Probationary Period: None. At-Will Employment.
Work Shift: Manager / Supervisory Schedule
Salary Schedule/Range: Contract Management

Under general supervision of the President/Superintendent, this position serves as a senior strategic advisor and executive liaison responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and managing a wide variety of advanced, specialized, and sensitive administrative planning, organization, and direction of duties in support of the President/Superintendent and the District's strategic priorities.

The position is responsible for project oversight, process improvement, and management of complex and high-level special projects for the District, with particular emphasis on cross-divisional initiatives aligned with institutional goals, long-term planning, and Board priorities. The position requires thorough knowledge of the President's Office, regulatory legislation, District policies and procedures, accreditation standards, and operational details in order to provide sound executive guidance, policy analysis, and strategic coordination.

As a member of the President's executive leadership team, the Executive Director provides strategic analysis and coordination related to public policy matters, intergovernmental initiatives, institutional partnerships, and special projects that advance the District's mission and public standing. The position provides strategic coordination and advisory support to members of the Executive Leadership Team and College Vice Presidents on cross-divisional initiatives, institutional priorities, policy analysis, and executive-level projects to promote alignment and shared accountability across divisions.

The position provides executive-level oversight of the District's public radio broadcasting license (KPCC), serving as the President's designee for license stewardship and compliance coordination consistent with applicable regulations and governing agreements. In this capacity, the position supports and coordinates fulfillment of the District's responsibilities as Licensee, including regulatory filings, license renewals, and public inspection requirements, while maintaining a collaborative and strategic partnership with Southern California Public Radio.

In the aftermath of the Eaton fires and other regional emergencies, the position plays a central leadership role in coordinating institutional recovery and resilience initiatives. The position works across divisions and with local, state, and federal agencies, community organizations, and philanthropic partners to support rebuilding efforts, strengthen student and employee support systems, advance workforce recovery strategies, and position the College as a regional anchor institution contributing to equitable recovery and long-term community stabilization.

Working closely with the Foundation's Executive Director, the position assists with fundraising efforts, donor cultivation and stewardship, and strategic communications, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and advancing the District's fundraising goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Strategic Leadership and Executive Support

1. Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of strategic initiatives aligned with institutional objectives, Board priorities, and long-term planning goals.
2. Provide high-level strategic analysis and executive support to the President and Board of Trustees, including preparation of briefings, reports, correspondence, and complex communications.
3. Provide strategic advisory support to the Executive Leadership Team and College Vice Presidents, facilitating cross-divisional coordination, executive communications, and implementation of institutional priorities.

Institutional Recovery and Regional Resilience

1. Lead and coordinate District-wide initiatives related to institutional recovery, stabilization, and long-term resilience following the Eaton fires and other regional emergencies.
2. Partner with local, state, and federal agencies, community organizations, and philanthropic entities to secure recovery resources, support rebuilding efforts, strengthen student and employee services, and advance equitable recovery and workforce revitalization strategies.

Public Radio License Oversight

1. Provide executive-level oversight of the District's public radio broadcasting license (KPCC), serving as the President's designee for license stewardship and compliance coordination in accordance with governing agreements and regulatory requirements.
2. Coordinate and support fulfillment of the District's responsibilities as Licensee, including license renewals, regulatory filings, public inspection requirements, and related compliance matters in collaboration with Southern California Public Radio.
3. Serve as the District's primary executive liaison to SCPR leadership regarding governance, strategic alignment, and partnership matters affecting KPCC.

Grants, Fundraising, and External Alignment

1. Identify, pursue, and oversee grant development opportunities aligned with institutional priorities, including disaster recovery, infrastructure restoration, workforce development, and student success initiatives.
2. Collaborate with the Foundation's Executive Director to support donor cultivation, stewardship, and strategic communications aligned with District goals.

Policy, Communications, and Organizational Effectiveness

1. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting the District and provide strategic analysis and coordinated engagement support as directed by the President/Superintendent.
2. Facilitate institutional effectiveness initiatives through assessment, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to improve programs, services, and student outcomes.
3. Provide leadership and oversight for assigned staff and project teams, including participation in recruitment, evaluation, professional development, and performance accountability processes in accordance with District policies and collective bargaining agreements.
4. Perform other related duties as assigned in support of institutional priorities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A master's degree from an accredited institution in Education, Public Administration, Business, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, executive-level administration, communications, governmental coordination, media, or related leadership roles, including three (3) to five (5) years of experience working in or alongside media, communications, journalism, or public broadcasting environments.
• Experience in higher education, the public sector, or similarly complex organizational environments.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An earned doctorate from an accredited institution in Education, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Senior-level leadership experience within a higher education institution.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Expertise in developing, implementing, and managing strategic initiatives aligned with institutional goals.
• Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to support executive decision-making.
• Ability to oversee complex partnership agreements while preserving institutional authority and alignment with District priorities.
• Experience leading institutional recovery, resilience, or disaster-related initiatives.
• Ability to coordinate high-level intergovernmental collaboration and community engagement.
• Advanced political acumen and sound judgment in navigating sensitive governance and executive-level matters.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through strategic initiatives and student-focused programs.
• Demonstrated experience working with communities traditionally underserved by higher education.
• Knowledge of media landscape dynamics, public broadcasting policy, and the ability to assess reputational, regulatory, and strategic implications of emerging media trends.
• Advanced skill in professional, technical, and grant writing, including the ability to develop executive-level reports, policy analyses, and competitive funding proposals.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORK ENVIRONMENT - Activities and environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands and environmental conditions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES

• The position continuously needs to exhibit mobility and communication skills to perform tasks related to production operations and managerial responsibility.
• Seeing to inspect written documents, communicate with District staff, sitting for extended periods of time; bending, kneeling, as well as to type on a computer keyboard.
• Standing and walking between work areas is required.
• Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information and equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

• Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, and controlled temperature conditions.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Core Competencies: The District has identified the following essential skills and attributes needed for success in this position.

• Strategic Leadership
• Program and Grant Management
• Collaboration and Partnership Building
• Communication Skills
• Operational and Financial Acumen
• Innovative Problem Solving
• Team Leadership and Development
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Policy Awareness and Institutional Accountability
• Organizational Leadership and Partnership Stewardship
• Crisis Leadership and Community Resilience
• Executive-Level Relationship Management
• Media, Communications, and Public Engagement Expertise

Salary Range:
$17,455.95 - $18,328.75 per month.


APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

Pasadena City College (PCC) utilizes an online application process. Hard copy, e-mailed, or faxed resumes are not accepted. Job postings will not be reopened due to failure to submit an application before the closing date for any reason . You can apply for a position from any computer with Internet access. Please keep in mind the following:

• If you do not follow the process or your application/resume is incomplete, your information will not be processed.
• If you need to update any submitted information, you will need to reapply in full. When HR sees duplicate applications, we archive the oldest and the most recent application and materials are considered.
• The selection advisory committee will review, evaluate, and consider applications and supporting materials received by the deadline. Meeting the minimum qualifications for a particular position does not assure the applicant an interview.
• While the acceptance of the application packet is done through PCC's Applicant Tracking System (ATS), all hiring decisions are made by a hiring committee.
• Once applications are submitted, they are final. Please carefully review your application and the documents which you are attaching to make sure that they are free from errors and complete. If you require assistance with your application, please refer to the application guide or you may contact NeoEd Customer Support at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Customer Support is available Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. (PST).

All materials listed below may be required for your application packet to be considered complete:

1. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter

After a review of applications received, the District may require the completion and submission of supplemental documents prior to the interview process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Successful applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of background check including Live Scan and Tuberculosis (TB) assessment/screening.
• Pasadena Area Community College District will not sponsor any visa applications.
• Applicants must be available for interviews at Pasadena City College at no cost to the District.
• Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Office of Human Resources directly at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
• The Pasadena Area Community College District does not discriminate in the educational programs and activities operated by the District or in employment procedures and practices of the District. The Policies of Title IX as developed to date are available for inspection during normal business hours at the District office at 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106.
• Crime awareness and campus security information are available from Campus Police. (Public Law 101-542).
• The Pasadena Area Community College District is an equal opportunity employer. The District encourages applications from underrepresented minorities and the disabled.
• An applicant, who attempts to contact individual Board members or members of the screening committee with the intent of influencing the decision of the committee or the Board, will be disqualified. General inquiries regarding the position and/or District employment should be directed to the Office of Human Resources.

PASADENA AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Equal Opportunity, Title IX, Section 504 Employer
At Pasadena City College, we are committed to supporting our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that enhances your life both inside and outside of work. Our benefits include a generous holiday schedule, ample sick time, and flexible vacation policies to ensure you have the time you need to rest and rejuvenate. For detailed information about our benefits, please view our
01


All applicants are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will provide information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the screening and selection process.Be concise yet specific and informative in your responses to these supplemental questions. "See resume," attachments or links will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to the questions in the following boxes. Incomplete responses will not be considered. Please indicate below that you have read and understand these instructions.

• Yes
• No

02


I understand that my application will be considered incomplete if any required sections of the application are not completed and/or if any documents that are required are not attached to my online application by the closing date.

• Yes
• No

03


Please specify your highest level of education.

• High School or equivalent (GED)
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Juris Doctor
• Doctorate Degree

04


Please indicate the field in which you have earned your degree in:
05


Indicate the full-time equivalent years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, executive-level administration, communications, governmental coordination, media, or related leadership roles

• 0 - 3 Years
• 4 - 6 Years
• 7 - 9 Years
• 10 Years or more

06


Indicate where you have worked to obtain progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, executive-level administration, communications, governmental coordination, media, or related leadership roles.What was the time frame?What was the employer's name?Describe the work performed. This section is required.
07


Please indicate the number of full-time equivalent years of experience working in or alongside media, communications, journalism, or public broadcasting environments

• No experience
• Less than 1 Year
• 1 Year
• 2 Years
• 3 Years
• 4 Years
• 5 Years or more

08


Indicate where you have worked to obtain experience working in or alongside media, communications, journalism, or public broadcasting environments.What was the time frame?What was the employer's name?Describe the work performed. This section is required.
09


Do you have work experience in higher education, the public sector, or similarly complex organizational environments?

• Yes
• No

10


Indicate your level of senior-level leadership experience within a higher education institution.

• None
• Low
• Moderate
• High
• Very high

11


Please describe your experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to support organizational planning and executive decision-making.

• I have no experience collecting or analyzing data for decision-making purposes.
• I have collected basic data and prepared routine reports under the direction of others.
• I have independently analyzed data, identified trends, and provided recommendations to supervisors or managers.
• I have regularly used qualitative and quantitative data to develop reports, dashboards, presentations, or recommendations for senior leadership.
• I have extensive experience leading complex data analysis efforts, integrating multiple data sources, evaluating organizational effectiveness, and providing strategic recommendations to executives, governing boards, or senior leadership teams.

12


Please describe your experience developing, implementing, and managing strategic initiatives that align with organizational or institutional goals.

• I have no experience developing or managing strategic initiatives.
• I have participated as a team member in implementing strategic initiatives developed by others.
• I have led one or more strategic initiatives within a department or division, including implementation and progress monitoring.
• I have led organization-wide strategic initiatives, developed implementation plans, established performance measures, and reported outcomes to executive leadership.
• I have extensive executive-level experience leading multiple complex strategic initiatives across an institution or organization, aligning efforts with strategic plans, managing cross-functional stakeholders, and reporting directly to governing boards, executives, or senior leadership teams.

13


Please describe your experience developing, negotiating, and overseeing partnerships, contracts, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), or other collaborative agreements.

• I have no experience managing partnership agreements or collaborative relationships.
• I have participated in partnerships or agreements but had limited responsibility for oversight or management.
• I have managed partnerships or agreements and monitored compliance with established requirements.
• I have negotiated and overseen complex partnerships involving multiple stakeholders while ensuring organizational goals and priorities were maintained.
• I have extensive executive-level experience establishing, negotiating, and managing high-profile partnerships, contracts, or interagency agreements, balancing stakeholder interests while preserving institutional authority, governance requirements, and strategic priorities.

14


Describe how you have demonstrated sensitivity and understanding in delivery of services and support to a diverse workforce and student population (diverse in terms of socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic background). This section is required.
15


I have completed all sections of the application including references. (Statements such as "see resume" will not be acceptable.)

• Yes
• No

Required Question