Strategic Engagement Director

Company: Arizona State University
Location: Tempe
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Job Profile: Outreach Manager 3 Job Family: Outreach Programs Time Type: Full time Max Pay – Depends on experience: $108,000.00 USD Annual Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including two (2) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Job Profile Summary: Manages program curriculum and communication plans, supervises day to day operations and outreach initiatives, and builds networks for outreach programming to promote a stable and productive relationships between the university and local community. Job Description: Under administrative direction, the Strategic Engagement Director leads the design and implementation of strategic outreach programming that advances Enterprise Technology priorities and strengthens relationships between the university, local and regional and international communities. This role manages program, curriculum and co-designs communication plans, supervises day-to-day operations and outreach initiatives, and builds sustainable networks that promote stable and productive community engagement. With a strong focus on program design and performance measurement, the Strategic Engagement Director ensures outreach initiatives are strategically aligned, data-informed, and continuously improving. The role provides supervisory leadership across outreach functions—including sponsor engagement, bespoke events and operations, relationship management, and strategic partnerships—while establishing measurable outcomes that demonstrate program impact and community value. Responsibilities include the development and delivery of program impact reports and executive summaries that translate program outcomes into measurable results, informing strategic decision-making and future outreach investments. While ensuring engagement efforts are cohesive, mission-driven, and responsive to Enterprise Technology and community needs. The role provides supervisory leadership across outreach functions, including sponsor engagements, bespoke events and operations, relationship management, and strategic partnerships. This role requires a confident, emotionally intelligent leader who thrives in complex, high-visibility environments and can skillfully navigate diverse stakeholders and competing priorities with clarity and composure. The Strategic Engagement Director must demonstrate sound judgment, strategic insight, and resilience—sustaining alignment and forward momentum while shaping experiences that reflect and elevate ET’s culture. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and visionary leader who pairs strategic thinking with disciplined execution. With exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities, this individual will design and steward meaningful engagements that embody ET’s values, strengthen community, and intentionally cultivate the culture we seek to advance. As with all members of the Enterprise Technology team, this role carries core responsibilities, including fostering a sense of belonging and cultivating a culture that is relational, visionary, and empowering. With a strong emphasis on authenticity and compassion, this position is dedicated to embodying and advancing our culture. Salary Range: $90,000 to $108,000; DOE Essential Duties: Program Design & Strategy Guided by executive leadership and sponsors to shape event programs, coordinate speakers, and develop briefing materials that support informed and effective executive engagement, including coordinating internal and external speakers in alignment with event goals and ASU values. Experience serving as a steady presence during high-pressure events and executive engagements, ensuring team alignment and composure Works closely with executive leadership to proactively identify event challenges and implement strategic solutions. Leads the development and refinement of outreach program curriculum, engagement frameworks, and communication strategies aligned with university and unit goals. Designs scalable outreach models that integrate sponsorship, partnerships, executive engagement, and community programming. Ensures program initiatives reflect ET priorities, department culture and strengthen long-term university-community relationships. Operational Leadership & Supervision Aligns team functions to ensure seamless integration across sponsorship strategy, event execution, relationship cultivation, and strategic partnerships. Works closely with CxC team for communication planning to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated engagement efforts. Supervises day-to-day outreach operations and initiatives, ensuring coordination, accountability, and program effectiveness. Provides leadership and direction to outreach team members, including: Sponsors and Executive Engagements, Events and Operations, Hackathons and Program Development, and Strategic Partnerships. The position balances strategic planning with day-to-day leadership of outreach initiatives and team members. Evaluates program performance using qualitative and quantitative measures to inform continuous improvement and strategic growth. Leverage AI in routine tasks and contribute ideas for using AI to improve the unit’s efficiency and overall performance. Take responsibility for fostering a positive culture, upholding organizational values, and championing engagement in all its forms. Collaborate across teams and actively participate in ET/ASU events and programs. Desired Qualifications: Experience coordinating events within a higher education or nonprofit setting. Experience working with diverse audiences and designing inclusive event strategies. Experience with leading through ambiguity, conflict, and organizational complexity. Familiarity with CRM platforms, event management systems, or campaign automation tools. Knowledge of program design, community engagement strategies, and partnership development. Knowledge of communication planning and outreach operations. Knowledge of project management and systems, including computer applications. Knowledge of budgets, finance and management principles and practices. Skill in supervising staff and coordinating cross-functional initiatives and organizing work of others and self Skill in building and sustaining strategic partnerships. Skill in written and verbal communication. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Skill in analyzing and developing effective solutions for logistical problems. Skill in using good organizational skills and attention to details. Ability to align outreach programming with institutional strategy and community needs. Ability to manage multiple initiatives while maintaining operational excellence. Demonstrated ability to model empathy, compassion, and emotional intelligence. Experience in a values-driven organization with a strong commitment to inclusion and belonging. Ability to cultivate a psychologically safe environment where all team members can thrive. Capacity to inspire and drive meaningful change in individual, institutional, and corporate behaviors to support a more sustainable environment. Commitment to leading by example through effective communication, active participation, and advocacy for the institution’s sustainability programs. Working Environment: Activities primarily take place in a standard, climate-controlled office environment and may involve extended periods of sitting, standing, or moving between office spaces. This role involves regular use of a computer (desktop and/or laptop), including a keyboard and mouse. Effective communication and proficiency with a variety of technologies are essential for collaboration with the broader team. Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work. Regular responsibilities may require the ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Please include a cover letter with your application that addresses the following: Event Planning and Production Experience: Please provide two examples of events you have designed, produced, or managed. For each example, briefly describe the event, including the approximate number of attendees, the target audience, and your specific role and responsibilities in planning and execution. Marketing and Promotion: Describe any marketing, communications, or promotional strategies you used to support these events. You are welcome to include links to event websites, promotional materials, or other relevant examples that demonstrate your work. Use of Artificial Intelligence: Please describe any experience you have using artificial intelligence (AI) tools in your work. Include examples of how you have used AI (e.g., for marketing, event planning, communications, data analysis, or other relevant tasks) and briefly explain how and why AI could be useful in this role. Department Statement: Enterprise Technology (ET) embraces its role as both an enabler and catalyst for advancing the vision and work of the New American University. We are a values-driven organization. Our commitments are reflected in all of the work we do in pursuit of operational excellence, the experience and delight of our community, and our strategic and innovation initiatives. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. Join the team that sparks human-centered innovation ET is a rapidly reconfigurable and entrepreneurial organization at ASU that prioritizes and executes to meet the needs of our community of learners, faculty, researchers and staff. Our work emphasizes autonomy, flexibility and distributed decision-making to leverage the strengths of individuals. Together, we embrace a culture that nurtures, engages and embraces many voices with a shared lens of positive community impact and expanded opportunities for collaboration. Why join us? Mission oriented. Everything we do is to advance ASU’s charter measuring who we include and how they succeed. We are staunch champions of learner success and put people first. Flexibility. Our flexible work environment allows employees to explore opportunities with their supervisor beyond the traditional work schedule. Opportunities include hybrid work where staff are in person three days per week. Culture forward. We embrace a Positive Core culture: Belonging, Relational, Authentic, Visionary and Empowered. Scale of impact. Our work changes the world. With 200k learners, faculty, researchers and staff, working with ET means you have the capacity to improve many lives and entire communities. World-class, low-cost education . Our professional development is built in! ET encourages staff to seek additional certificates and degrees via ASU’s top ranked programs with major tuition breaks. Exposure to industry giants. ET partners with Amazon, Apple, Arista, Cox, Verizon, Salesforce, Alteryx and a diversity of technology companies to enhance our innovations and deepen their impact. Driving Requirement: Driving is not required for this position. Location: Campus: Tempe Funding: No Federal Funding Instructions to Apply: Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub. Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on. https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$19569.htmld To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments: Cover letter Resume or CV Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name. Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered. Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact HR Talent Acquisition before the posting close date to request edits. Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience. Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete. ASU Statement: Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe. ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf . You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456. Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources . Employment Verification Statement: ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Background Check Statement: ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check. Fingerprint Check Statement: This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Keywords: Arizona State University, Tempe , Strategic Engagement Director, PR / Public Relations , Tempe, Arizona