Strategic Initiatives Consultant

The Strategic Change Office (SCO) leads high-impact, cross-functional initiatives that drive strategic transformation across the organization. As a Consultant, you will serve as a trusted advisor and project leader, driving complex projects that shape the firm’s long-term success. This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to influence decisions at multiple levels of the organization.

SCO-led initiatives typically span multiple departments and business units, often involving sensitive or high-impact decisions. The Consultant delivers a neutral perspective to help stakeholders navigate complex challenges, align on solutions, and achieve outcomes that support the firm’s strategic goals.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule based on client needs.

SCO Engagement Offerings

• Program Management
• Project Management
• Change Management
• Process Improvement
• Internal Consulting
  
  

The Impact You'll Make

• Lead enterprise-level programs and high-complexity projects end-to-end with support from SCO Manager, from initiation through close.
• Serve as the point of contact and manage relationships with project stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Develop high-quality, error-free client deliverables and presentation materials tailored for diverse audiences, including senior executives.
• Independently create, manage, and execute project and change management plans, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives
• Independently draft project communications and templates, and executive updates for review and delivery by project teams, leadership, and firm stakeholders.
• Create and send out agendas and recaps for program and project meetings.
• Lead client-facing project meetings and workshops end-to-end for different audience levels.
• Proactively identify, assess, and resolve project risks by communicating risks clearly, early, and appropriately to management.
• Independently develop an approach to capture, analyze, and synthesize information and data to identify key themes and actionable insights to influence strategic decisions.
• Drive collaboration and influence decision-making without formal authority among project stakeholders through exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Lead small or special projects, ad-hoc or advisory requests, independently.
• Mentor departmental interns and analysts, coaching them on best practices.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of SCO methodologies and tools to enhance organizational effectiveness.
  
  

What You’ll Bring To Baird

• 5–9 years of relevant experience in project and change management, internal or external consulting experience highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as business, operations, strategy, or finance; advanced certifications (PMP, Prosci, CCMP) strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional activities on complex programs/projects.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Superior attention to detail, accuracy, and reliability with a drive for continuous improvement.
• Thrives in ambiguous environments and demonstrates agility in problem-solving.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Demonstrated business acumen and leadership qualities.
• Advanced conceptual, analytical, and quantitative problem-solving skills.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, Word, Outlook).