Are you excited about turning visions into reality and plans into action? Are you passionate about connecting strategy to outcomes and performance to metrics? If you want a leadership role in an organization dedicated to “inspiring all through the limitless possibilities of flight, sparked by a singular experience or a lifetime connection,” The Museum of Flight is looking for a Head of Strategic Initiatives.

Summary

The Head of Strategic Initiatives supports the mission of The Museum of Flight by providing oversight, leadership, and accountability for Museum-wide strategic initiatives. Part “owner” of organizational-wide projects and part trusted advisor to the President & CEO (“CEO”), this position is strategic, highly visible, and is critical to the growth and success of the Museum. As a member of the executive leadership team, this position consults with the team to help the CEO set priorities and develop initiatives that support the Museum’s strategic plan. In addition to providing insight and input into strategic ideas that support the Museum’s vision, mission, and commitment to diverse audiences and inclusive practices, the Head of Strategic Initiatives provides oversight for the implementation, management, monitoring, and reporting on Museum-wide projects. When needed, the Head of Strategic Initiatives liaises with a broad group of internal and external stakeholders and represents the Office of the CEO, especially as it relates to strategic planning, museum wide initiatives, or special projects.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Following is a summary of the essential functions for this job. Other duties may be performed both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

1. Partner with the CEO and executive leadership team to develop and execute annual operating plans that support the vision, mission, values, and strategic direction of the Museum.
2. Lead and oversee complex, strategic, museum-wide initiatives, projects, and programs, ensuring proper management of time, resources, collaboration, and communication.
3. Create, develop, and direct a small team of Project Management professionals including Project Director of Campus Planning, Project Managers, and Project Coordinators to be allocated depending on project needs.
4. Collaborate with executive sponsors to ensure initiative objectives and resources are strategically aligned with museum-wide operational plans.
5. Lead and conduct research and data analysis to support strategic decision-making and synthesize findings into clear recommendations and actionable plans.
6. Drive the internal communication of strategic and operational plans, ensuring relevant audiences are informed and engaged in the Museum’s mission and priorities.
7. Collaborate with executive leaders and senior staff to develop, monitor, track, and publish Key Performance Indicators and other metrics that help track progress on initiatives.
8. Prepare and facilitate strategic and operational planning discussions and sessions with executive and senior leadership teams.
9. Oversee tracking and reporting of goals, objectives, budgets, KPIs, and outcomes as related to strategic initiatives, projects, and programs.
10. Collaborate with senior leaders to understand, model, and enhance the Museum’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and ensure strategic initiatives and project planning are viewed through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
11. At times, serve as a liaison between the CEO and other key stakeholders, including trustees, donors, community members, senior leaders, and staff.
12. At times, represent the CEO in meetings, by email, and phone calls with internal and external stakeholders.
13. Maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure appropriate responsiveness and serve as a facilitator for matters requiring the attention of the CEO.
14. Meet individually and work collaboratively, as needed or as directed by the CEO, with members of the senior leadership team (and others) to monitor progress toward and attainment of assigned goals, milestones, measurements, and activities.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelors’ degree in business, non-profit management, operations, project management, or related field. Masters’ degree, preferred. Ten years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• 10 years’ relevant experience, with hands-on, progressive project management and oversight responsibility.
• 10 years’ progressive leadership and management experience, cultivating high-performing teams dedicated to mission impact.
• Proven experience in a similar role, preferably within a nonprofit or social impact organization.

Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge of budgets, operations, project management, talent management, and change management practices.
• Deep knowledge of data analytics, metrics, and Key Performance Indicators

Skills

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent project management skills, with a track record of successfully leading and implementing cross-departmental initiatives
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong data analytical skills including identifying relevant metrics and Key Performance Indicators.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office/365 and project management software applications, Smartsheet, preferred.

Abilities

• Ability to analyze complex issues and provide practical recommendations
• Demonstrated ability to work with Boards of Directors, elected officials, and various internal and external stakeholders with competing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work with confidential information and maintain a high level of professionalism and discretion.

License & Certification

• PMP, preferred

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position works primarily Monday through Friday with flexibility for evening and variable hours based on Museum need.
• Occasional local and out of area travel may be expected.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• On-site attendance is essential to perform some duties of this position.
• Works in a normal office environment, including prolonged periods of sitting and repetitive wrist and arm movement.

Benefits

The Museum of Flight offers full-time employees a generous and comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% match after 1 year of service, Employee Assistance Program, as well as company paid life insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and long-term disability.

Paid-Time Off

Our paid time-off plans include 3 weeks of accrued sick leave and vacation (120 hours) per year,10 paid holidays, and 2 floating holidays.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $143,000 to $228,000 depending on experience. 

Important Information

The Museum of Flight is committed to reflecting the diverse community around us. We continue to listen, learn, and implement change so that we can become a more inclusive organization that addresses bias and inequity, and better serves our communities. We highly encourage persons of color, members of marginalized communities, women, non-binary, and LGBTQIA individuals to apply.

Prior to hire and once an initial offer of employment has been made, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

The Museum of Flight is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

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