Senior Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Operations

Posting Details

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:The Division for Student Affairs (DSA) cultivates an inclusive community supporting connection, growth, and well-being for every student at The George Washington University. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students (VPSA), the Senior Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Operations leads high-impact projects that advance divisional priorities, the University’s Strategic Framework, and operational effectiveness.As a strategic operator and systems thinker, this position applies project management, change management, and data-driven decision-making to drive organizational excellence, align cross-functional resources, and support student success across the university.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Initiatives & Project LeadershipLead and execute a portfolio of high-impact, cross-functional strategic projects from inception through completion.Serve as primary project manager for Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) priorities, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, scope, and timelines.Apply standard project management and change management methodologies to structure deliverables, align stakeholders, mitigate risks, and track outcomes.Prepare executive briefings, decision materials, presentations, reports, and background documents for senior university leadership and external engagements.Strategic Planning & Organizational EffectivenessTranslate institutional strategic priorities into actionable operational plans and measurable targets for the division.Conduct environmental scans, benchmarking, and research to inform executive decision-making and operational improvements.Recommend and implement streamlined administrative processes and operational models to enhance service delivery.University Committee StaffingManage the administrative interface with the Board of Trustees, including serving as the Staff Liaison for the Committee on Student Affairs and coordinating reporting requirements, trustee meeting materials, and executive briefings.Provide operational support for the Joint Committee of Faculty and Students (JCFS), facilitating cross-functional communication, coordinating meeting schedules, and tracking action items across student leadership and faculty stakeholders.Advancement & Development SupportPartner with University Advancement and Family Engagement teams to identify divisional fundraising priorities and support stewardship efforts.Prepare executive briefings, proposals, donor impact reports, and presentation materials for leadership initiatives.Track divisional fundraising progress and donor engagement metrics.Monitor and manage divisional grants, tracking key deliverables, ensuring compliance with sponsor policies, and overseeing progress and impact reporting.Data, Assessment & Continuous ImprovementDefine, collect, and analyze quantitative and qualitative metrics to evaluate project efficacy and divisional health.Maintain divisional compliance with institutional policies, maintaining high confidentiality and discretion in administrative operations.The incumbent may perform other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.Minimum Qualifications:Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 5 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 3 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:Preferred Qualifications:• Five (5) or more years of progressive experience in higher education administration, strategic planning, project management, organizational development, management consulting or related areas.• Professional certification in project management (PMP, Agile, Lean) and/or formal training in change management methodologies.• Demonstrated proficiency with relevant technologies such as project management platforms, A.I. tools, and data reporting systems and dashboards (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau).Hiring Range$95,351.12 - $131,107.80GW Staff Approach to PayHow is pay for new employees determined at GW? Healthcare Benefits GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location: Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.College/School/Department: Division of Student AffairsFamilyFinance and BusinessSub-FamilyProject ManagementStreamIndividual ContributorLevelLevel 3Full-Time/Part-Time:Full-TimeHours Per Week:40+Work Schedule:Monday through Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm, with occasional nights and weekendsWill this job require the employee to work on site?YesEmployee Onsite StatusHybridTelework:YesRequired Background Check:Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry SearchSpecial Instructions to Applicants:Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa statusInternal Applicants Only? NoPosting Number:S014563Job Open Date:11/11/2026Job Close Date:If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:Background ScreeningSuccessful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.EEO Statement:The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.