Director of Strategic Projects, Owen

The Director of Strategic Projects for Owen Graduate School of Management (Owen) plays a pivotal role as a thought partner to the Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and the Owen DAR senior leadership team. This position requires a visionary leader with the ability to oversee and guide complex, cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives that align with the school's mission and goals. The ideal candidate will exhibit innovative thinking, a collaborative spirit, and a strong commitment to enhancing development and alumni engagement efforts.

About the Work Unit:

The Department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) assists Vanderbilt University in securing the resources, both human and financial, that are required to achieve its mission and goals. The Department is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University's teaching and research programs. You can visit our website for more information: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Areas of Responsibility:

Strategic Leadership Support

• Executive Collaboration: Serve as a key member of the Associate Dean's senior leadership team as needed, providing specialized project management expertise and strategic insights that enhance decision-making processes.
• Operational Oversight: Offer strategic leadership and operational support to optimize

workflows, ensuring the Associate Dean's focus remains on high-level priorities.

• Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, including faculty, administrative leaders, and alumni, as well as external partners, to facilitate collaboration and resource sharing across departments.
• Administrative Leadership: Create and deliver administrative projects and communications across the team and organization.

Strategic Initiatives

• Project Development: Identify and support Owen's strategic fundraising and alumni engagement initiatives in partnership with the Associate Dean and Senior Leadership Team. Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, and metrics for success.

• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with the Owen Dean’s suite leaders to create and implement integrated development and alumni relations strategies, ensuring alignment with the overarching goals of the Owen Graduate School of Management and Vanderbilt University.

Performance Evaluation

• OKRs: Establish objectives and key results (OKRs) and evaluate the success of strategic initiatives, making data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Reporting: Prepare and present reports to the Dean, Associate Dean, and Senior Leadership Team on project progress, outcomes, and strategic recommendations, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Preference is for this position to be hybrid, working in the office approximately one day per week, or more depending on business needs and is located in the Nashville, TN area. However, we are open to consider remote opportunities.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Dean of Development, Owen.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.

Experience and Skills:

• Five years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary
• Project Management certification a plus.
• The ability to make independent decisions, be open to change, and exercise judgment.
• Demonstrated expertise in project management, strategic planning, and process optimization.
• Highest level of oral and written communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent strategic and creative-thinking skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy, as well as superior organizational skills.
• Proficiency in office software tools and experience with relevant project management tools.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate effectively, take initiative, and manage multiple projects simultaneously, problem solve, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to learn new concepts quickly and adeptly.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Approach each situation with a professional attitude by:

• Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results
• Maintaining composure and a calm demeanor during challenging situations
• Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors and colleagues

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.