Assistant Secretary and Director of Policy Management

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks:Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

We have started a search for our Assistant Secretary and Director of Policy Management for Howard University. The incumbent serves as a trusted advisor within the Office of the Secretary, reporting to the Senior Vice President and Secretary to the Board of Trustees (Secretary) and providing high-level strategic, policy, governance, and operational support. This role requires an exceptional writer and communicator who exercises sound judgment, demonstrates discretion, and operates with agility in complex, high-stakes environments.

The Assistant Secretary faces challenging situations with poise and insight, and communicates effectively with internal and external senior leaders, bringing intellectual rigor, an impeccable work ethic, and a sense of humor to a fast-paced, mission-driven workplace.

DIMENSIONS:

At the direction of the Secretary, manage internal and external projects for the Office of the Secretary that span the University, organize priority projects, initiatives, workflow, and other projects, as assigned.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The incumbent works in partnership with the Senior Associate Secretary. Internal contacts include the Board of Trustees, President’s Office, university leadership, policy designees, deans and directors, administrators, faculty, students, and staff. External contacts include alumni and other stakeholders, consultants, representatives of other colleges and universities, and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Strategic Policy Leadership

• Convene and manage the University Policy Working Group, ensuring thoughtful analysis, consensus‑building, and timely outcomes across portfolios.
• Staff the Secretary, as Chair of the University Policy Council, in preparing agendas, briefing materials, issue tracking, and follow‑through on policy decisions.
• Draft, edit, and finalize high‑level reports, policy memoranda, white papers, and briefing documents for senior leadership and governing bodies.
• Conduct data analysis and research and prepare reports to support policy development and executive decision‑making.
• Manage the online, public-facing policy presentation and the user interface for the University’s policy management process, including website content and format development.

Representation and Executive Support:

• Provide executive‑level support to the Secretary, serving as a trusted advisor on policy formulation and related operational and governance matters to ensure informed decision‑making.
• Represent the Office of the Secretary in high‑level internal and external meetings as a credible and informed voice on institutional priorities.
• Support trustee recruitment, ensuring confidentiality, discretion, and procedural integrity.
• Strengthen and adapt the Office's administrative infrastructure to effectively and efficiently support the Secretary and the Senior Associate Secretary.
• Manage highly privileged and confidential data, communications, and projects.
• Demonstrate fidelity to the mission, legacy, and future of Howard University in the execution of duties.

Project Management and Operations:

• Assist the Secretary with project management across multiple concurrent initiatives, balancing strategic priorities with operational demands.
• Ensure timely execution of deliverables while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and quality.
• Provide ongoing operational support for Board and governance functions, including the official board record, resolutions, citations, and related documents.
• Support Board operations and related institutional processes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management:

• Develop and sustain productive relationships with internal stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees, senior administrators, faculty leadership, students, and staff.
• Build and manage external relationships with trustees, search firms, peer institutions, and other key partners.
• Foster a collaborative, trust‑based team environment that promotes shared accountability.

Other:

• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned to efficiently and effectively support the Secretary.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to quickly develop subject-matter familiarity with University archival materials and institutional records to inform analysis of policies and practices for consideration by the Board and the Policy Committee, along with advanced research skills to gather and synthesize relevant external information.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive, executive‑level materials.
• Strong presentation skills across platforms, including written, in‑person, and virtual environments.
• Sound judgment and high discretion, particularly in sensitive and confidential matters.
• Strategic thinking and intellectual agility, with the ability to quickly learn new subject areas and adapt to changing priorities.
• Professional presence and demeanor that commands credibility and respect across the institution.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities, with the ability to manage complexity, competing priorities, and deadlines.
• High interpersonal intelligence, including the ability to work effectively with senior leadership, peers, and external audiences.
• Perspective and resilience, including a sense of humor that contributes to a collegial and effective team culture.
• Highest level of integrity and professionalism in managing confidential information.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s degree in project management, business or public administration, public policy, policy analytics, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of direct relevant experience or an equivalent combination of 10 years of combined relevant training and experience.  

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Compensation Range: $125,550 - $139,500