Associate Manager of Product Communications & Strategic Initiatives |Hybrid| Reston, VA

About Ellucian Ellucian powers innovation for higher education, partnering with approximately 3,000 customers across 50 countries, serving more than 21 million students. Ellucian's AI-powered platform, trained on the richest dataset available in higher education, drives efficiency, personalized experiences, and strengthened engagement for all students, faculty and staff. Fueled by decades of experience with a singular focus on the unique needs of learning institutions, the Ellucian platform features best-in-class SaaS capabilities and delivers insights needed now and into the future. These solutions and services span the entire student lifecycle, including data-rich tools for student recruitment, enrollment, and retention to workforce analytics, fundraising, and alumni engagement. Ellucian's innovative solutions, vast ecosystem of partners and user community of more than 45,000 provides best practices leading to greater institutional success and achieving better student outcomes. About the Opportunity We are seeking a highly organized, proactive, and tech‑savvy Associate Manager of Product Communications & Strategic Initiatives within the Chief Product and Technology organization. This role is pivotal in driving operational excellence, scaling execution of strategic initiatives, streamlining communication, and leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity and collaboration across teams. The Associate Manager of Product Communications & Strategic Initiatives plays a critical role in supporting operational and strategic initiatives by driving coordination, follow‑through, and operational execution across cross‑functional work. Where you will make an impact Our teams build and support intelligent platforms that empower institutions to deliver personalized learning, streamline operations, and expand access to education globally. The Associate Manager of Product Communications & Strategic Initiatives will play a key role in scaling the execution of high‑priority work led by Product & Technology leadership helping ensure initiatives and communications are coordinated, tracked, and move forward effectively. Business Operations Efficiency & Execution The Product Communications & Strategic Initiatives Coordinator will play a key role in supporting leaders who drive this mission forward—connecting strategy, technology, and academic transformation. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance team productivity. Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration and communication between departments. Support project tracking and status updates across multiple initiatives. Support cross‑functional initiatives from concept to execution, ensuring alignment across product, go‑to‑market, finance, and operations. Track progress against strategic objectives and surface risks, trade‑offs, and early dependencies for Leadership team. Support leadership effectiveness by helping organize priorities, manage follow‑through, and ensure key workstreams are progressing as expected. Use AI to support organization, tracking, and communication workflows, and automate repetitive operational tasks so time is spent on higher‑value execution. AI & Technology Enablement & Decision Intelligence. Utilize AI tools to optimize workflows and improve execution efficiency. Champion the adoption of new technologies that improve team coordination, communication, and operational execution. What you will bring 2+ years of experience in communications, marketing, project coordination, business operations, agency environments, or similar roles within a fast‑paced organization. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, stakeholders, and deadlines simultaneously. Experience supporting cross‑functional initiatives and collaborating effectively across teams to drive execution and operational excellence. Proficiency with productivity and collaboration tools such as Microsoft 365, Copilot, Concur, and related workplace technologies. Strong attention to detail, problem‑solving capabilities, and a proactive, customer‑focused mindset. Interest in technology, product development, and helping communicate product strategy, innovation, and organizational priorities. Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment while supporting executive‑level communications, strategic initiatives, and special projects. Extra Credit Experience in product marketing, corporate communications, public relations, customer communications, agency environments, or related fields. Familiarity with SaaS, technology, higher education, or software organizations. Understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC), Agile methodologies, or product development processes is a plus. What makes #Ellucianlife Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, and vision Flexible time off Thrive Flex Lifestyle Account (LSA) that allows you to contribute towards your health, financial or learning interests 401k w/ match & BrightPlan - to help you save for the future Parental Leave 5 charitable days to support the community that supports us Telemedicine Wellness Headspace Care (mental health) Wellbeats (virtual fitness classes) RethinkCare & Wellthy– caregiver support Diversity and inclusion programs which provide access to internal employee resource groups Employee referral bonuses to encourage the addition of great new people to the team We Foster a learning culture with: Education Assistance Program Professional development opportunities LinkedIn Learning #LI-JG1 #LI-Hybrid #J-18808-Ljbffr