Director, Strategic Initiatives

Position description

The target hiring range for this position will be $120,000 -$129,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Job Summary:

The Director for Strategic Initiatives is a key member of the Office of the Provost’s Strategy and Policy team, which is responsible for a unique and dynamic portfolio comprising advancing strategic initiatives, addressing emergent issues and opportunities, and facilitating programmatic processes related to the academic core of the University. The Director for Strategic Initiatives position focuses on the development and execution of strategic initiatives for the Office and across the University. The Director provides strategic and tactical support for initiatives, utilizing strong analytical thinking and writing skills. Reporting to the Associate Provost for Strategy and Policy, the Director plays a key role in a number of strategic areas, leading University-wide strategic initiatives executed on behalf of the Provost and Vice Provost; assessing opportunities for institutional strategy; designing approaches to and facilitating solutions to organizational challenges; and partnering across functions to support implementation.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Works with the Associate Provost to develop and execute strategic initiatives, identify areas of opportunity, and strategize about how to bring optimal solutions to the University’s most pressing challenges.
• Engages effectively with diverse stakeholders, including, senior University leaders, Deans, and other school and unit leaders to conceptualize, design, implement, and sustain strategic initiatives.
• Leads projects through assessment, diagnosis, design, and implementation, including gathering and analyzing data, bringing together relevant stakeholders, and delivering recommendations.
• Collaborates closely with and supports core Office of the Provost leadership, providing strategic and tactical support to initiatives that advance University priorities.
• Develops analytical reports pertaining to initiatives. Presents findings and plans in written and verbal formats to University leaders, Deans, Directors, other unit managers, and work groups.
• Leads the development of plans of action for initiative implementation and provides active support and tracking through implementation.
• Develops goals and metrics for initiatives, working closely with stakeholders to measure and demonstrate progress and impact of the work.
• Researches and assesses the impact of organizational trends in higher education and other areas.
• Works effectively and collaboratively with other members of the team and delegates responsibilities as appropriate.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• At least five years of work experience in a higher education institution or similarly complex organizational environment.This experience should include project work in cross-functional teams that engaged individuals from numerous units within the organization to provide input into the analysis, conceptualization, and development of specific recommendations for change and action.

• Exceptionally strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills and the ability to collect, analyze, synthesize, and present data in ways that facilitate decision making and drive action.

• Exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills that translate to clear and compelling deliverables—ranging from long-form reports to succinct briefings and effective presentations—appropriate for stakeholders including University leaders, Deans, Directors, unit managers, and faculty.

• Demonstrated achievements in strategy development and execution and organizational change initiatives, including the ability to independently advance work in alignment with strategic priorities and based on agreed-upon objectives.

• Ability to work effectively across a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including faculty, students, administrators, alumni, and community members, supported by impeccable listening and facilitation skills.

• Ability to quickly learn and synthesize new information, cultures, and jargon.

• A diplomatic work style that is effective in a participatory environment where teamwork is valued highly in the daily accomplishment of work.

• Comfort working in an environment where initiatives will require a range of work modes including large, cross-functional project teams and individual projects.

• Strong organizational and time management skills with an ability to drive projects to the desired outcomes amid numerous competing priorities.

• High integrity and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information; good judgment in making decisions and awareness for when matters should be escalated to senior leaders vs. managed by the Director

• Candidates should possess a broad understanding of contemporary higher education issues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience.

• Candidates with post-baccalaureate degree work in the fields of higher education administration, change leadership, business, public administration, or policy.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us athttps://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.htmlto learn more.

Application instructions

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