Director of Strategy & Engagement

Position Overview

The Director serves as a senior strategic advisor and execution partner to the Provost, helping to advance external relationships and communication and shepherd high-priority academic and student experience strategic initiatives. This role is a member of the Provost's Senior Leadership Team.

Working closely with the Provost, university leaders, and external stakeholders, this role focuses primarily on stakeholder engagement and communications, executive preparation, partnership development, and strategic project management that extend the reach and impact of the Provost's Office.

This role requires intellectual curiosity, excellent judgement, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage and coordinate complex initiatives effectively in fast-moving, high-visibility environments. This is a high-trust position that is ideal for someone who is strategic, entrepreneurial, mission-driven, energized by relationship-building, and eager to help shape the future of higher education.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic and Partnership Support

In close coordination with the Provost, the Provost's Senior Leadership team, key College Leaders, and Butler's cross-university Strategy Activation and External Engagement teams:

• Advance the Provost's high-priority strategic initiatives through internal and external partnership development, stakeholder engagement, project management, and cross-functional coordination

• Identify, cultivate, and steward external strategic partnerships aligned with institutional priorities, especially those supporting the university's academic and student experience goals

• Track priorities, milestones, outcomes, and opportunities, driving momentum and accountability across initiatives

• Support the development, launch, evaluation, and continuous improvement of new initiatives and partnerships

• Provide research, analysis, and strategic support related to emerging opportunities and partnerships

• Gather information and provide recommendations and strategic advice to support Provost decision-making

2. External Engagement & Relationship Management

In close coordination with University Advancement, External Relations, Strategic Communications, and the President's Office:

• Support the Provost's relationships with trustees, alumni, donors, parents, corporate partners, government leaders, and community stakeholders

• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, presentations, and strategic communications for external engagements

• Attend and support select strategic meetings, speeches, and high-profile engagements

• Draft and edit external-facing correspondence and communications, including social media posts, on behalf of the Provost

• Anticipate opportunities to thoughtfully "surprise and delight" external stakeholders through meaningful, personalized gestures (e.g., notes, small gifts) that strengthen relationships and reflect Butler's relationship-rich culture

3. Executive Preparation

• Help prepare the Provost for meetings, public appearances, and external engagements

• Attend select meetings to support strategic follow-through and relationship management

• Draft and refine meeting agendas in coordination with stakeholders

• Ensure timely follow-up and accountability across initiatives that span external and internal stakeholders

• Help structure engagements to maximize clarity, effectiveness, and strategic value

4. Cross-University Executive Coordination

In close coordination with senior staff from the Office of the President, Office of the Chief Strategy Officer, and Office of the Chief Operating Officer:

• Serve as the Provost's key liaison to the offices of the President, Chief Strategy Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, in order to collectively advance key university-wide priorities and initiatives, including regular sessions to align on priorities, surface interdependencies, coordinate on external outreach, and drive coordinated outcomes in support of the Executive Vice Presidents

• Serve as a connector across external partners, the Executive Vice Presidents, and university leadership teams

5. Executive Operations

In close coordination with the Executive Director of Academic Administration and the Provost's Executive Assistant:

• Routinely review the Provost's calendar to maintain awareness of upcoming priorities, meetings, and follow-up needs

• Help prioritize incoming meeting requests in alignment with strategic goals

• Coordinate preparation and follow-up for key external engagements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPP, JD, PhD) preferred

• 6-8 years of experience in strategy, operations, partnerships, government, higher education, nonprofit leadership, or related fields

• Exceptional writing, communication, and relationship-management skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex initiatives and high-level stakeholder relationships

• Strong strategic thinking and analytical capabilities

• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments requiring sound judgement and discretion

BU Benefits and Perks

• Please check out Butler's Total Rewards website to learn more about our benefit offerings, which include:

• Paid Time Off and Holidays:

• 28 days of paid time off (vacation and PTO days) per Fiscal year

• 8 Paid Holidays

• In addition, a paid Winter Break between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day

• Paid Parental Leave (after 1 year of full-time employment)

• Health:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans including disability and life insurance programs

• Retirement:

• 10% employer contribution after 1 year of full-time employment

• Tuition Assistance:

• Remission of tuition for classes taken at Butler for employees, spouses, and dependent children.

• Eligibility after 9 months of full-time employment

• Employees & spouses- undergraduate/graduate degrees

• Dependents (under age 26)- undergraduate degree

• Covers tuition only

• Tuition Exchange Program for Dependents at participating institutions

• Butler Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks:

• Access to Butler's on-site fitness facility and libraries for full-time staff and faculty

• LinkedIn Learning Courses

• Free premium subscription to the Calm App

• Free subscription to the WSJ, The Economist, and NYT

• Discount at the College Bookstore

• Discount on select Athletic and Arts/Events Center Performances

Butler University is a private, nationally recognized comprehensive university encompassing seven colleges: Arts, Business, Communication, Education, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Pharmacy & Health Sciences and Founder's College. Approximately 4,500 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and doctoral students are enrolled at Butler, representing 46 states and 24 countries.

Join us at the crossroads of tradition & transformation. A career at Butler University offers more than just a job-it's an opportunity to join a dedicated, innovative, and supportive community grounded in equity, academic excellence, and meaningful impact. Aligned with Boldly Butler, our strategic plan, faculty and staff play a vital role in delivering transformational learning experiences, enriching our campus and community, and ensuring a thriving Butler for generations to come.

Butler University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, color, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected category.