Senior Director for Commonwealth Campuses - Operations and Strategy

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Senior Director reports directly to the Chief Director, Finance & Business and Commonwealth Campuses Operations, Strategy and Engagement and serves as a key strategic and functional liaison between Commonwealth Campus leadership and the University's Finance & Business units. This role serves as a thought partner and senior advisor to Commonwealth Campus Chancellors and supports key initiatives, provides guidance on design and project development to support university priorities. The position plays a critical role in connecting people, initiatives, and resources to drive effective decision‑making and operational outcomes. This position requires approximately 50% travel and operates in a hybrid work environment, with regular evening and overnight travel expected.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as the regional point of contact to the Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance & Business and campus chancellors for operational needs that fall outside central workstreams. Bridge gaps, foster collaboration, and strengthen partnerships across all locations. Liaise between centralized workstreams and campus to troubleshoot issues and facilitate remedies. Act as a project manager, aligned with the Chancellor's vision and needs, provide strategic input on campus initiatives and planning efforts, including prioritization of key actions, and offer guidance on funding sources and design, as appropriate. Facilitate alignment between campus leadership and project teams to advance initiatives and ensure coordinated execution. Cultivate strong relationships with campus leadership and key stakeholders to understand local needs and ensure responsive, high‑quality service delivery. Provide guidance on space utilization and facilities planning, ensuring alignment with university space management policies in collaboration with the Offices of Physical Plant and Planning, Design and Properties. Serve as central point of contact and connector to the Office of Emergency Management Planning for campus emergency planning exercises and related crisis communications to support preparedness. Serve as the records compliance campus point of contact for university records retention policies and regulatory requirements, promoting compliance and sound governance practices. Partner with finance to identify funding opportunities and with the Office of Physical Plant to plan and advance campus projects aligned with strategic priorities. Collaborate closely with campus leaders across Finance & Business units—including University Police and Public Safety, Auxiliary and Business Services, Information Technology, Budget and Finance, and the Office of Physical Plant—to coordinate efforts, align priorities, and support effective service delivery across campuses. Serve as a strategic thought partner to campus leadership to help shape decisions, connecting people, projects, and priorities, and solving complex problems while anticipating risks, identifying opportunities, and aligning initiatives with long‑term goals. In consultation with centralized offices, be responsible for managing logistics related to real estate processes, risk management, records retention, procurement—including vendor selection, negotiations, and contract performance. As needed and requested by campus leadership, represent campuses on committees and advisory boards; and act as a liaison and brand ambassador within local communities (e.g., local government, businesses, elected officials, school districts, and community groups).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Progressive experience in strategy, planning, operations, finance/business services, or a related administrative environment. Demonstrated ability to collaborate across multiple stakeholders and organizational levels, including senior leaders. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policies and processes for diverse audiences. Experience coordinating cross‑functional initiatives (e.g., compliance tracking, policy implementation, operational improvement). Ability to establish and foster relationships with key internal and external constituents to support campus goals and advance projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in business administration, public administration, higher education, planning, or related field. Experience in higher education administration, multi‑site operations, or regional campus environments. Knowledge of procurement, contracting, risk management, and/or real estate operations. Experience with space management and facilities planning. Experience supporting emergency management planning or crisis communications.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Work Arrangement: Combines remote and on‑campus work. This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on‑campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Travel: Approximately 50% travel, including evening and overnight, to regional campuses and community partner sites. Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday with some evening and occasional weekend work. Salary Range: $109,300.00 – $164,000.00.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Pennsylvania State University