Executive Director, YSU Steubenville

As an administrative officer of the university, maintains management responsibilities for the Youngstown State University (YSU) Steubenville location, including day-to-day operations and supervision of staff. Serves as an integral part of the university's leadership team that is responsible for the overall direction of the institution. Serves as the primary advisor for YSU Steubenville; in conjunction with the rest of the YSU leadership team, plans, develops, and implements organizational initiatives with significant operational scope and complexity. Coordinates with the rest of the YSU leadership team to ensure the successful implementation of all operational components including academic programming, student success initiatives, and community partnerships. Executive directors are responsible for a major administrative unit; develops and articulates a clear vision for the assigned area, aligning with the university's overall strategic goals.

Oversees operations and provides leadership, including supervision of staff and implementation and administration of all programs and/or services. Works under general or administrative direction and develops guidelines and processes in accordance with policies and procedures for lower-level employees. Interprets and develops regulations, policies, etc. for the guidance of other employees or the public. Supervision from above the executive director-level classification may be received in the form of memos, staff conferences, or other periodic communications. Works closely with the YSU leadership team to solve complex problems, drive marketing efforts, and adapt to evolving needs to ensure the location's growth and alignment with YSU's mission. Exhibits a deep passion for YSU and the success of the Steubenville location. May serve as designee of supervisor (e.g., Associate Vice President, Associate Provost, etc.) as needed and as assigned.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: The scope of these responsibilities is commensurate with current Steubenville location operations and will be reviewed and updated as programs and services expand.

In direct collaboration with and under the oversight of the YSU leadership team, provides the onsite YSU face to the public and provides leadership and management for the YSU Steubenville location, including oversight of staff, budget, facilities, to ensure efficient and effective daily operations.

Provides strategic direction and oversight for all programs and initiatives. Ensures programs align with the organization's strategic goals and objectives. Evaluates program effectiveness and enacts changes for improvement.

Develops and implements the assigned area's long-term strategic goals and objectives. Leads the unit in achieving its mission and vision through strategic planning and execution.

Oversees the development and implementation of organizational policies and procedures. Leads initiatives to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Identifies and pursues opportunities for organizational growth and expansion. Leads efforts to innovate and improve services and programs. Monitors industry trends and adapt strategies accordingly.

Leads the comprehensive YSU Steubenville site to include multiple work units/departments and/or performs a functional university-wide service.

Acts as the location ambassador, representing YSU in community events and/or partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, and stakeholders to build relationships and enhance visibility.

Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence in fostering a collaborative environment, mentoring staff and students, and addressing conflicts with empathy and fairness.

Applies strategic skills to recommend and implement long-term plans for site growth, including program expansion, resource allocation, and alignment with university goals. Participates directly in the strategic planning process for the location. Recommends long-range plans, goals, and objectives for assigned areas aligned with broader organizational strategy.

In collaboration with the YSU leadership team, provides general oversight and administration of any assigned program, initiative, or objective, including supervision of staff. Assigns and reviews work; establishes timeframes for the completion of assigned tasks; trains and orients new employees; approves/disapproves requests for paid leaves; participates in interviews of candidates for employment and makes recommendations for hire; evaluates employee work performance; receives and responds (in collaboration with the YSU leadership team) to grievances; recommends work procedures and policies.

Utilizes reports and other information/documentation in strategic and day-to-day planning and operation of the location; prepares reports, recommendations, and other information/documentation to assist in strategic planning of the location to ensure its seamless integration into the total university.

Provides insight and recommendations for needed academic programs specific to Jefferson County and surrounding areas; leverages specialized knowledge to evaluate, enhance, and promote educational offerings, ensuring they meet regional needs and maintain high standards of quality. Engages in problem-solving to identify challenges, analyze root causes, and implement innovative solutions for operational, academic, or student-related issues.

In collaboration with the YSU leadership team, develops and implements marketing initiatives, including the creation of promotional materials, social media campaigns, and outreach events to attract students, partners, and funding opportunities.

Prioritizes student success by coordinating support services, advising programs, and retention strategies to help students achieve their academic and career goals. Exhibits adaptability in responding to changing educational landscapes, regulatory requirements, and community dynamics while maintaining a passion for advancing YSU's presence and impact in Steubenville.

Collaborates with the YSU leadership team and university departments to integrate site activities with broader YSU initiatives, including, but not limited to, recruitment, enrollment, and alumni engagement. Monitors and reports on site performance metrics, gathers data, and prepares reports to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.

Identifies and recommends funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support site development and programming.

In collaboration with the YSU leadership team, recommends, implements, and evaluates policies and procedures. Interprets and adapts broader organizational policies to meet the specific needs of the department. Implements new policies and procedures that have been approved by the YSU leadership team and that align with university-wide strategic goals.

Leads initiatives that span multiple departments, serves as a primary overseer for cross-functional projects that have been approved by university leadership that impact areas beyond the position's direct oversight.

Provides oversight and strategic oversight for multiple programs, initiatives, or objectives, including supervision of managers. Recommends to YSU leadership team priorities and goals for assigned areas; staffing plans; and work plans developed by lower-level managers; and implements approved unit-wide policies and procedures.

Participates with the YSU leadership team in overall location planning, and implements and evaluates multiple program areas or a major department/division function with significant operational complexity and resource requirements.

Other Functions and Responsibilities: Trains new hires. Performs other duties as assigned and/or required that are within the level of responsibility for this classification at the discretion of the supervisor.

Equipment Operated: Computer and all other standard office equipment.

Work Schedule: Typically, Monday through Friday. May require some evening and weekend work.

Primary Location: Steubenville

Supervision Exercised: Supervision is exercised over staff and student employees.

Reports to: Vice President, Strategic Communications & Chief of Staff

Required Certifications, Training, and/or Licensures: None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of: higher education administration and regional campus and/or multiple location operations; strategic planning process; policy administration; process improvement; supervisory techniques; university policies and procedures*; office practices and procedures; department/division goals and objectives*; department/division policies and procedures*; workplace safety practices and procedures*; English grammar and spelling; records management; office management; project management.

Skill in: leadership and management; ambassadorship and public representation; interpersonal skills; emotional intelligence; strategic planning and execution; academic program development and evaluation; problem-solving; marketing and outreach; student success strategies; adaptability in dynamic environments; use of office equipment; typing, data entry; computer operation; use of computer software and other programs applicable to the assigned department/division*.

Ability to: inspire and motivate teams; build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders; empathize and respond effectively to individual needs; think strategically and implement visionary plans; draw on academic expertise to enhance programming; analyze and resolve complex issues creatively; promote the site through targeted marketing; support student achievement and retention; adapt quickly to changes while maintaining focus; demonstrate passion for YSU and Steubenville's success; collaborate across departments; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; prepare accurate documentation; maintain records according to established procedures; effectively interact with personnel and public to answer routine questions; train or instruct others; move quickly and effectively from one task to another; work independently and in a team environment; develop and maintain effective working relationships.

(*) Developed after employment.

Minimum Qualifications: At least a bachelor's degree and at least six years of related experience. Prior supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications: A master's degree in education, higher education administration, or a related field; at least five years of experience in leadership roles within higher education related to regional or satellite campus and/or multiple location management, including experience with academic programming, student services, and/or community engagement. Demonstrated experience in marketing and fundraising for educational initiatives; prior experience in a similar site/location focused director role; demonstrated ties to the Steubenville or Ohio Valley region.