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Strada Education Foundation · 2 months ago

CredLens Director, Operations and Strategic Projects

Washington, DC

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$115K/yr - $130K/yr

8+ years exp

Strada Education Foundation is committed to advancing equitable pathways to opportunity through its initiative CredLens, a national data trust focused on verified outcomes for non-degree credentials. The Director of Operations and Strategic Projects will lead operational excellence, applied research, and strategic projects to enhance the organization's impact and efficiency.

Higher Education

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional initiatives that align with organizational priorities — including state data collaborations, workforce policy research, and operational improvement projects

Develop project plans, manage timelines, and ensure accountability across teams

Build and refine organizational processes and systems to improve efficiency and scalability

Support internal reporting, dashboards, and KPIs to track progress against strategic goals

Support leadership in developing strategic frameworks, business plans, and growth initiatives

Coordinate high-priority initiatives and partnerships — including philanthropic funders, state systems, and postsecondary institutions

Serve as a thought partner to senior leaders on research translation, communications, and stakeholder engagement

Conduct applied research on topics such as workforce Pell, credential quality, and outcomes measurement

Translate complex data into actionable insights and narratives for internal and external audiences

Partner with the research and data teams to design and execute studies that inform national credentialing policy and practice

Produce briefs, memos, and presentations synthesizing findings and policy implications

Represent CredLens in cross-sector conversations with education, workforce, and data partners

Draft high-quality materials for funders, partners, and executive communications

Facilitate collaboration across internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring consistent messaging and follow-through

Qualification

Applied researchData analysisStrategic planningProject managementGoogle WorkspaceData visualizationCommunication skillsCollaborationTime managementDetail-orientedProblem solving

Required

Bachelor's degree or equivalent progressively responsible experience

8+ years of experience in operations, or strategy in education, workforce development, or related sectors

Proven track record managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from conception to completion

Strong applied research skills: data interpretation, policy analysis, and translating findings into actionable insights

Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, startup or early-stage environment

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Analytical, detail-oriented, and intellectually curious

Strong time management, prioritization, and follow-through

Skilled in Google Workspace, Excel, data visualization, and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday, or Smartsheet)

Comfortable navigating ambiguity and building structure where none exists

Mission-driven, collaborative, and grounded in values of inclusion, learning, and innovation

Ability to effectively utilize a hypothesis-driven approach to problem solving, with effective quantitative and communication skills

Ability to take on broad-reaching and sometimes ambiguous questions while working collaboratively and cross-functionally with Strada team members across the organization

Ability to translate innovative, strategic ideas into tangible, actionable steps, as well as to effectively monitor progress and partner with others on identifying improvements during implementation to increase the likelihood of successful execution

Commitment and professional experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within an organization, including incorporating stakeholder perspectives in the design, implementation, and evaluation of strategic efforts

Demonstrated ability to cultivate, grow, and manage positive, mutually beneficial relationships at all levels of an organization and with partners outside the organization

Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship management skills—including identifying and working through challenges—underscored by strong judgment and emotional intelligence

Proven collaborator, able to work with colleagues at all levels in the organization