Director of Strategic Initiatives

Purpose:

The Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives is responsible for supporting the implementation of various strategic initiatives across the University. The successful candidate will work closely with the University President, the Chief of Staff, the President's Advisory Council (PAC) and key stakeholders to develop and execute initiatives that align with the University's strategic priorities. This includes working on key institutional priorities and supporting areas such as DEI, Auxiliary Services, Conference and Guest Services, Title III, and others as required. Additionally, this position drives, identifies, and implements high-impact projects and fosters cross-departmental collaboration and communication. The Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives will also monitor and report on progress towards these initiatives and recommend course corrections as necessary. The candidate will have a demonstrated track record of strategic thinking, project management, and leadership.

Essential Job Functions:

The Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives will work closely with the Chief of Staff and serve as a primary liaison for this office and the other divisions across the University, focusing on implementing key strategic initiatives of the institution through.

• Strategy Development - Partner in the development of strategic initiatives that align with the University's priorities, analyze relevant data and trends to inform decision-making, and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Project Management - Lead and manage cross-functional project teams to ensure the successful execution of strategic initiatives, including setting goals, developing work plans, tracking progress, and reporting on results.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration - Collaborate with stakeholders across the University, including faculty, staff, and student leaders, to build consensus around strategic priorities. Foster cross-departmental communication and coordination and build a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Performance Management - Develop and maintain a system for tracking progress toward strategic goals, monitoring performance, reporting results to stakeholders, identifying areas for improvement, and making recommendations for course corrections as needed.
• Leadership - Provide strategic direction and leadership to cross-functional project teams, inspire and motivate team members, and build a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Communication - Develop and implement effective communication strategies, as needed, to ensure stakeholders are informed of strategic initiatives, progress towards goals, and key milestones.
• Innovation - Foster a culture of innovation by seeking new ideas and approaches, encouraging research and implementation of research-based programs/initiatives, and promoting continuous learning and improvement.

University employee's job responsibilities will continue to expand in scope and depth as the University grows in size and complexity in its programs.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in education, business, management, or a related field; doctoral degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience in strategic planning, project management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects.
• Strong team player who understands the value of collaboration and partnership in a higher education setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Familiarity with higher education environments and trends.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:

• Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Have a strong capacity to utilize administrative computer systems and personal computer applications and possess specific skills in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to manage staff with diverse skills is required.
• Must be able to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment, develop communication strategies and work with internal and external stakeholders.
• Must understand the many facets of marketing a dynamic university.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work within a culturally diverse environment.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to perform duties with a high level of accuracy.
• High degree of organization, ability to engage in a variety of tasks simultaneously, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with and maintain confidential University information.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations: None

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit at a workstation for extended periods.
• Thorough knowledge and Proficient in use of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to manage staff with diverse skills is required.
• Must be able to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment, develop communication strategies and work with internal and external stakeholders.
• Must understand the many facets of marketing a dynamic university.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work within a culturally diverse environment.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to perform duties with a high level of accuracy.
• High degree of organization, ability to engage in a variety of tasks simultaneously, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with and maintain confidential University information.
• Travel on occasion may be required as it related to position's responsibilities.
• The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which requires normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting, and training rooms.
• May require an availability for overtime hours during peak periods.

Current Openings for Director of Strategic Initiatives Jobs at Lincoln University of Missouri