Executive Director, Strategic Innovation

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for a Executive Director, Strategic Innovation in United States.

This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader passionate about transforming educational outcomes at scale through innovation, collaboration, and human-centered product development. In this role, you will lead strategic initiatives focused on improving community college transfer success and expanding access to higher education opportunities for underserved learners. Working within a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, you will guide cross-functional teams through the full innovation lifecycle—from discovery and ideation to pilot launch and scalable implementation. The position combines strategic leadership, operational execution, and product innovation, requiring both high-level thinking and hands-on problem solving. You will collaborate closely with product, engineering, design, and executive stakeholders while shaping solutions that create measurable impact across the education ecosystem. This fully remote role offers the chance to influence national education outcomes while working with a collaborative and purpose-driven team.

Accountabilities

• Lead the strategy, design, and execution of innovative initiatives aimed at improving student transfer success and educational equity across higher education systems.
• Oversee the full product development lifecycle, including discovery research, concept validation, roadmap creation, pilot implementation, and scalable launch planning.
• Manage and mentor cross-functional teams composed of product leaders, designers, engineers, and data-focused professionals, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Develop strategic plans, success metrics, operational frameworks, and timelines to guide innovation initiatives and evaluate performance outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, influencing alignment across leadership teams, educational institutions, and strategic partners.
• Drive user-centered design and data-informed decision-making to ensure solutions effectively address real learner and institutional challenges.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, experimentation, accountability, and inclusive leadership across all initiatives.
• Support organizational innovation efforts by serving as a strategic thought partner to executive leadership and contributing to broader transformation initiatives.
  
  

Requirements

• 12-15+ years of experience in product management, innovation, engineering, design, or related leadership roles with a strong track record in building new products or services from concept to scale.
• Minimum 5+ years leading high-performing cross-functional teams in fast-paced, ambiguous, or zero-to-one environments.
• Strong strategic thinking and operational leadership capabilities, with the ability to simplify complex challenges into actionable plans.
• Experience within education, higher education, student success, enrollment, or community college ecosystems is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading innovation initiatives, managing stakeholders, and driving organizational alignment across diverse teams.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and external partners.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for experimentation, iterative learning, and mission-driven impact.
• Proven ability to coach and develop talent while fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and growth.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with a user-centered approach to product and program development.
• Willingness to travel approximately two weeks per quarter for stakeholder engagement, research, and team collaboration.
• Authorization to work in the United States required.
  
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $176,000 - $245,000 based on experience, location, and qualifications.
• Fully remote work environment with optional hybrid flexibility for candidates near office locations.
• Annual bonus opportunities and merit-based compensation growth.
• Comprehensive healthcare and wellness benefits package.
• Retirement savings and financial planning support.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities within a mission-driven organization.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and innovation-focused work culture.
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful educational initiatives with national impact.
• Flexible and supportive remote-first workplace environment.
  
  

How Jobgether Works

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

Why Apply Through Jobgether?

Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.