Director of Strategic Initiatives in Public Policy & Governance

This executive level role reports directly to the President and works in close collaboration with the provost. The Director will be responsible for designing and implementing the University’s academic, community engagement, and implementation support strategy in the areas of applied public policy, public governance and other related fields.

The Director will lead the creation and eventual development of a university space that may include some or all of the following: (a) academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate level in applied public policy, governance and related fields, (b) a research program in applied public policy, governance and related fields, (c) a community outreach program to communicate research findings, and educate and train on issues of public policy and governance, and (d) a technical assistance and implementation component to drive and/or support the analysis, development and implementation of public policy and governance initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and development of a university initiative focused on applied public policy and governance.
• Design and support academic programs at undergraduate and graduate
• Build and manage a research agenda and foster faculty collaboration in relevant
• Establish community outreach initiatives to communicate research, provide training, and engage key stakeholders.
• Develop a technical assistance and implementation component to support applied projects in public policy and governance.
• Secure funding through grants and fundraising efforts in alignment with the initiative’s
• Foster partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to expand impact and
• Ensure alignment with Sagrado’s mission of academic excellence, ethical formation, and social responsibility.

About Universidad del Sagrado Corazón: 

Founded by the Religious Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart and located in the heart of Santurce, San Juan, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón is a Catholic institution committed to fostering academic excellence, ethical formation, and social responsibility. Sagrado is a vibrant community that values creativity, solidarity, and the integral development of each person. With over 5,000 students and academic programs across the arts and design, communications, business, and health sciences, Sagrado is charting a bold course for growth and innovation in higher education.

For more information about Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, visit www.sagrado.edu.

Professional Requirements and Qualifications:

• Advanced degree, preferably a Ph.D., in public policy, governance, economics, political science, global affairs, or a related field.
• Significant academic experience in higher education, including curriculum development, teaching, and scholarly publication in public policy, governance, or related disciplines.
• At least five years of leadership-level professional experience in the development and/or implementation of initiatives in public policy, governance, or social impact, preferably across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing academic or foundation research grants; experience in fundraising and institutional advancement is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and lead interdisciplinary teams
• Strong familiarity with the Puerto Rican policy and governance landscape and a commitment to social responsibility in the local and regional context.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish with excellent oral and written communication
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate outcomes, transfer knowledge across contexts, set priorities, and resolve complex challenges independently
• Effective leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage and inspire diverse teams, build trust, and foster collaboration.
• Capacity to manage sensitive matters with discretion, professionalism, and
• Comfortable navigating dynamic, high-level environments and communicating across all levels within and outside the University.

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