Position Title: Executive Director of Optimization and Excellence for Northern Experiences
Department: Northern Student Experience
Term of Assignment: Continuing
Term End Date, If Applicable:
FLSA Status: Exempt = not eligible for overtime
Work Schedule: Traditionally Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with occasional weekend and evening work required.
Salary: Targeted Salary Range: $78,560-$88,300
Travel: 10-25%
Brief Statement of Duties
Brief Statement of Duties: The Executive Director of Optimization and Excellence for Northern Experiences plays a key role in ensuring priority projects and opportunities, especially those that are student-centered, are well-executed, meaningfully aligned, and effectively communicated within the university and to external stakeholders. A strong emphasis is placed on fostering a greater sense of belonging—ensuring that NMU’s experiences, programs, and partnerships create meaningful connections that help students and stakeholders feel valued and engaged.
Partnering with the Associate Vice President of Northern Student Experience and other key leadership, this role drives high-impact opportunities which enhance student engagement, strengthen community connections, and elevate NMU’s regional and national presence. The Executive Director also leads cross-campus projects, applying best practices in project and logistics management, resource optimization, and operational excellence which contribute to a more inclusive and connected campus culture.
Collaboration is central—working across university pillars to align initiatives with Our Compass, NMU’s strategic plan, while optimizing events, ticketing operations, and guest experiences to reinforce NMU’s brand and strengthen connections between students, the university, and the broader community.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Education: Bachelor's Degree
Discipline/Degree Area:
Required Specialized Training/Certifications:
Required Minimum Work Experience: Six years of experience in project management or event planning, with at least three years in a leadership role.
Previous experience in higher education.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, or Attributes Required for Satisfactory Performance of the Position Duties:
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational and project management expertise, including experience with project management software.
Proven ability to manage complex, high-profile events/experiences with attention to detail and quality.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Strategic thinker with the ability to align initiatives with institutional priorities.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.
Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.
Enthusiasm for representing NMU and its mission to internal and external audiences.
Additional Desirable Qualifications
Additional Desirable Qualifications:
Master's Degree.
Previous work in a variety of higher education units.
Previous experience in event planning in a higher education setting.
Strong connections to local and regional leaders and or community organizations.
Other
Special Instructions to Applicants: Please submit application, cover letter, resume and references.
Contact Information: Erica Nelson, Human Resources Generalist, 906-227-1087
Equal Employment Opportunity: NMU is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, and is strongly committed to increasing the diversity of its employees.