Job Description

The Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives is a key strategic leader responsible for the development, coordination, and execution of high-impact strategic initiatives that align with the mission and overarching goals of the organization. This position involves the strategic planning of initiatives across various sectors and requires a comprehensive understanding of current events, a proactive approach to program development, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to foster collaboration both internally and externally. Collaborating with senior leadership, this individual will manage strategic initiatives and oversee the entire lifecycle of initiatives from concept to key results analysis while driving improvements and ensuring that the university excels in its objectives. This position reports directly to the Senior Counselor to the Chancellor.

The Office of the Chancellor at Vanderbilt University is committed to upholding the University's vision by excelling in management, strategic initiatives, and operational success. The unit embodies the core values and mission of the university, working closely with key stakeholders to address complex issues that span across the University and its affiliates as well as coordinating with the Board of Trustees on complex and cross-institutional issues.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provide leadership and oversight for executive-level projects and strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and the successful achievement of project milestones.
• Develop and administer comprehensive project plans to facilitate targeted outcomes and timely completion of initiatives.
• Foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders, including accomplished VIPs, and manage a robust network of influential contacts to support the institution's objectives.
• Drive strategic planning and implementation, balancing multiple perspectives to encourage constructive conversation and civil discourse.
• Ensure clear communication of key issues and results organization-wide, maintaining strong advisory relationships with key administrative offices.
• Conduct program data and metrics tracking to evaluate and report on program impact.
• Engage with high-profile individuals and entities as a representative of the organization, managing information flow and enhancing organizational visibility.
• Lead the conception and execution of strategic priorities, ensuring they align with the university's goals, mission, and the Chancellor’s vision.
• Drive innovative educational programs, speaker series, and public events, orchestrating a dynamic roster that reflects diverse perspectives.
• Engage with prominent thought leaders, policymakers, educators, and industry professionals to enrich university initiatives.
• Act as an advisor on management issues and challenges and lead the execution and completion of executive-level projects.
• Oversee program management, including timelines, administration, and implementation with cross-functional teams.
• Evaluate program impact through data and metrics analysis, continually assessing and reporting on outcomes and institution progress.
• Develop processes to improve project flow and efficiency and establish best practices within the institution.
• Build and maintain relationships with a vast range of stakeholders, speakers, and leaders driving strategic mission-oriented partnerships.
• Represent the Chancellor’s Office in meetings and act as a catalyst for information flow, ensuring prompt execution of action items.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required. A master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a leadership role - preferably in higher education, strategic planning, program development, event management or public engagement is required.
• Proven track record in leading organizational change, managing complex projects, and navigating strategic priorities is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with high-level stakeholders and advance institutional priorities is required.
• Strong communication, management, and problem-solving skills are required.
• Experience in creating and managing high-profile events or programs with minimal supervision is required.
• Proficiency in data analysis and project management, with the ability to multitask in a dynamic environment, is required.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.