Job Description
Overview and Responsibilities The Strategic Project Partner is central in the College’s continuous improvement efforts. Reporting to the VP of Administration and Chief Strategy Officer, this position develops and manages identified high-impact projects from concept through implementation, ensuring accountability, progress tracking, and successful execution while monitoring outcomes and adjusting as needed to ensure improvements deliver intended results and align with institutional goals, managing risk and effectively communicating across teams. Additionally, this position, in collaboration with IT will develop standardized project planning, manage assigned project scope, timelines, and project budgets, and ensure effective change management strategies are applied throughout project lifecycles. Responsibilities Manage identified high-impact projects from concept through implementation, ensuring accountability, progress tracking, and successful execution while monitoring outcomes and adjusting as needed to ensure improvements deliver intended results and align with institutional goals, managing risk and effectively communicating across teams. Lead the identification and scaling of operational improvement efforts through data-informed analysis, stakeholder engagement, and evaluation of workflows, systems, and structures that constrain institutional performance. Serve as a facilitator and collaborator in problem-solving with a department or departments to design practical, sustainable solutions, not just recommendations, that could involve realignment of processes, systems, positions and/or structures throughout the college and ensure implementation. Develop and lead cross-functional operational excellence projects, including planning, organizing, and executing or assigning the task needed to enhance efficiency, reduce friction, and improve outcomes for students and employees. Project examples: Realigning K-12 processes from contract development to student onboarding, redesigning event rentals from interest to production. Translate strategic priorities into actionable projects with clear scope, timelines, and measurable results. Communicate project goals, status, and outcomes clearly to executive leadership, and stakeholders to maintain alignment and transparency. Standardize and document improved processes to ensure consistency, scalability, and long-term sustainability of changes. Lead with compassion, empathy, and integrity. In collaboration with appropriate managers, direct work of teams and individuals assign to projects. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong analytical, technical, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills. Exhibits curiosity and adaptability, with a strong commitment to continuously learning in order to solve complex organizational challenges. Ability to model integrity through self-awareness, personal accountability, ethical behavior, quality standards, and sustainable practices. Ability to think critically by applying problem solving practices, acquiring relevant information, using technology and other resources appropriately, and evaluating alternatives. Ability to communicate effectively by speaking and writing clearly, concisely, and professionally; practicing active listening; reading critically and adapting communication for audience. Ability to recognize personal biases, adapt to different cultural situations, and demonstrate a commitment to respectful interactions with persons of various ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, or educational backgrounds. Advanced knowledge of project management tools such as Microsoft Project/Planner, Jira, or similar tool as well as Visio or similar tools and project management methodology. Advanced knowledge of and skills with technology including software programs for communication, data collection, and decision making including, but not limited to, Office 365 Suite. Qualifications: Associate degree in IT, Business, Project Management or related field with seven years of experience in a similar function at a large organization or a closely related administrative function; or bachelor’s degree in a related field with four years of experience in a similar function at a large organization or a closely related administrative function. Experience with Banner (ERP/SIS software) or similar technology preferred. Experience with Copilot and other generative and agentic AI tools in operational environment preferred. Certification in Lean, Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies preferred. Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred. In evaluating candidates for this position, the College may consider a combination