What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP of Special Projects position at FIRST SERVICE CREDIT UNION?
Role:
Reporting to the EVP / In-House Counsel, the Vice President of Special Projects is responsible for leading and executing high-impact projects and operational improvements that support the strategic objectives of the Credit Union. This role requires strong leadership and people management skills, overseeing a small team to ensure projects are executed with precision, accountability, and a strong results-oriented approach while delivering the expected outcomes and strategic objectives established by the Credit Union. The Vice President of Special Projects must demonstrate strong interpersonal awareness, emotional intelligence, and professional judgment, with the ability to effectively navigate complex organizational dynamics and communicate appropriately with executives, senior management, and employees at all levels of the organization. This position requires professionalism, executive presence, accountability, and the ability to influence, collaborate with, and hold others accountable in support of successful project execution and organizational goals.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
Lead, plan, and execute high-impact projects that drive operational efficiency and deliver measurable business results. Utilize technology platforms, including Smartsheet and other project management tools, to track progress, manage accountability, and ensure timely project completion. Apply PMI standards, project governance principles, and industry best practices to ensure structured, effective, and results-oriented project execution.
Manage department staff by providing clear direction, mentorship, development, and accountability to ensure high performance and successful project execution. Foster a results-driven, “get-it-done” project culture throughout the Credit Union, ensuring projects remain on track and deliver measurable impact. Delegate responsibilities effectively, champion team development, and provide leadership during periods of ambiguity or organizational change. Ensure departmental tools, including Flight Sheets, are maintained, optimized, and operating effectively to support accountability, communication, and project execution.
Communicate clearly and consistently with internal teams, executive leadership, and external vendors to ensure alignment on project objectives, timelines, risks, and deliverables. Provide timely and accurate updates to leadership regarding project status, milestones, budget performance, and potential risks while effectively managing vendor relationships to support successful project outcomes and fiscal responsibility.
Ensure all projects remain aligned with organizational goals, established timelines, budget expectations, and operational priorities. Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks while effectively managing project scope and preventing scope creep to support successful project outcomes.
Leverage technology, automation, and process improvement methodologies to enhance operational efficiency and streamline workflows. Optimize processes, systems, and resources through continuous improvement initiatives while driving innovation through the application of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and evolving project management methodologies.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Performance Measurements:
- Project Delivery – Successful completion of projects on time, within scope, within budget, and aligned with organizational objectives while minimizing delays and scope creep.
- Stakeholder Satisfaction – Demonstrates effective leadership, collaboration, professionalism, and responsiveness as reflected in feedback from executives, employees, departments, and external vendors.
- Operational Impact – Drives measurable improvements in operational efficiency, workflows, processes, and successful implementation of systems, technology, and process enhancements.
- Risk & Issue Management – Proactively identifies, communicates, and resolves project risks and issues to minimize operational disruptions, project delays, and financial impact.
- Communication & Executive Reporting – Maintains clear, timely, and consistent communication with leadership, stakeholders, and project teams regarding project status, priorities, risks, milestones, and deliverables.
Knowledge and Skills:
Experience: Eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in project management, operational leadership, strategic project execution, or related roles. Experience leading cross-functional projects, managing organizational change, and working within complex or regulated environments preferred.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, project management, operations, finance, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, certifications, and relevant experience may be considered. Professional project management certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and other industry-recognized credentials, are strongly preferred.
Interpersonal Skills: The VP of Special Projects must demonstrate strong negotiation, influence, and relationship-management skills to align stakeholders, drive accountability, and achieve successful business outcomes. Critical thinking, sound judgment, problem-solving, and adaptability are essential in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Strong emotional intelligence, interpersonal awareness, and conflict resolution skills are required to effectively navigate organizational dynamics, foster collaboration, and support productive team and stakeholder relationships.
Other Skills: Proficiency in Smartsheet, Microsoft Office Suite, and project management platforms required. Strong organizational, analytical, presentation, and time management skills necessary. Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.