Director of Planning and Strategy

Applications Close: Nov 11, 2026

Colby College

4000 Mayflower Hill Dr, Waterville, ME 04901, USA

Salary: $94,000 – $110,000per year

53Views

Job Description
Department:
Vice President of Planning and Strategy
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:

The Director of Planning and Strategy advances the institution's strategic priorities and supports the Office of the President. Reporting to the Vice President of Planning and Strategy, the Director partners closely with the Vice President and Chief of Staff, the President, senior leaders, and colleagues across the College to lead complex, cross-functional projects and institutional planning processes.

The Director helps translate institutional priorities into action, moving initiatives from concept through execution. This includes conducting research and complex analyses; developing high-quality written and visual materials to support institutional planning and decision-making; and leading the development and pursuit of external funding opportunities, including foundation and government support, for core College priorities. The position requires the ability to work independently, navigate complex institutional issues, and lead through collaboration and influence across multiple areas of the College.

The hiring range for this position is: $94,000 - $110,000.

Essential Functions

To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Strategic Planning and Institutional Initiatives

In consultation with the President, Vice President of Planning and Strategy, Vice President and Chief of Staff, lead College-wide strategic initiatives, including developing work plans, coordinating stakeholders, establishing timelines and deliverables, tracking progress, and helping drive projects through to completion.

Serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership on initiatives and projects, providing analysis, recommendations, and regular updates to help advance institutional priorities.
Conduct research, benchmarking, analysis, and planning studies to inform institutional priorities, evaluate opportunities, and support decision making.

External Funding Development and Institutional Research

Lead the development and pursuit of external funding opportunities, including foundation and government support, in partnership with Advancement, the Office of Sponsored Programs & Scholarship, the President and senior leadership, and other stakeholders.
Research and assess external funding opportunities, develop proposals and supporting materials, coordinate internal input, support relationships with external funding partners, and manage related timelines and follow up.

Executive Communications and Collaboration

Draft, edit, design, and curate reports, presentations, briefing materials, decision documents, and other written and visual materials for the President, senior leadership, and Board of Trustees.
Facilitate and participate in meetings, committees, and planning processes; represent the Office of the President and other senior leadership on assigned matters at campus meetings and with external organizations and agencies.
Develop and maintain productive and effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, external partners, and other members of the College community.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, higher education administration, project or program management, institutional strategy, external funding development, consulting, public policy, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading complex projects or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and organizational units.
Demonstrated experience conducting research and analysis and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
Experience developing high level written materials, presentations, proposals, or executive communications.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced Degree preferred.
Experience working in higher education or another complex, mission driven organization.
Experience developing successful foundation, government, or other external funding proposals.
Experience supporting senior executives, governing boards, or institutional strategic planning processes.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem solving skills.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives through collaboration and influence rather than direct authority.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high priority initiatives simultaneously.
Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate clear recommendations to senior level audiences.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build effective relationships across organizational levels and functional areas.
Ability to exercise a high degree of discretion, judgment, diplomacy, and professionalism when handling sensitive institutional matters.

Physical/Mental Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
Daily work will involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse
Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds.
Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills..
The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.

Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

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To Be AnnouncedUnited States

Director of Planning and Strategy

Applications Close: Nov 11, 2026

Colby College

4000 Mayflower Hill Dr, Waterville, ME 04901, USA

Salary: $94,000 – $110,000per year

53Views

In consultation with the President, Vice President of Planning and Strategy, Vice President and Chief of Staff, lead College-wide strategic initiatives, including developing work plans, coordinating stakeholders, establishing timelines and deliverables, tracking progress, and helping drive projects through to completion.

Serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership on initiatives and projects, providing analysis, recommendations, and regular updates to help advance institutional priorities.
Conduct research, benchmarking, analysis, and planning studies to inform institutional priorities, evaluate opportunities, and support decision making.

External Funding Development and Institutional Research

Lead the development and pursuit of external funding opportunities, including foundation and government support, in partnership with Advancement, the Office of Sponsored Programs & Scholarship, the President and senior leadership, and other stakeholders.
Research and assess external funding opportunities, develop proposals and supporting materials, coordinate internal input, support relationships with external funding partners, and manage related timelines and follow up.

Executive Communications and Collaboration

Draft, edit, design, and curate reports, presentations, briefing materials, decision documents, and other written and visual materials for the President, senior leadership, and Board of Trustees.
Facilitate and participate in meetings, committees, and planning processes; represent the Office of the President and other senior leadership on assigned matters at campus meetings and with external organizations and agencies.
Develop and maintain productive and effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, external partners, and other members of the College community.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, higher education administration, project or program management, institutional strategy, external funding development, consulting, public policy, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading complex projects or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and organizational units.
Demonstrated experience conducting research and analysis and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
Experience developing high level written materials, presentations, proposals, or executive communications.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced Degree preferred.
Experience working in higher education or another complex, mission driven organization.
Experience developing successful foundation, government, or other external funding proposals.
Experience supporting senior executives, governing boards, or institutional strategic planning processes.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem solving skills.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives through collaboration and influence rather than direct authority.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high priority initiatives simultaneously.
Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate clear recommendations to senior level audiences.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build effective relationships across organizational levels and functional areas.
Ability to exercise a high degree of discretion, judgment, diplomacy, and professionalism when handling sensitive institutional matters.

To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
Daily work will involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse
Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds.
Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills..
The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.

This is a Preview Listing…

You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.

Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.

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Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!

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Related Jobs

September 17, 2026

View All Jobs

Escanaba, Michigan53

View all research grants →

Related Conferences

To Be AnnouncedUnited States

Director of Planning and Strategy

Applications Close: Nov 11, 2026

Colby College

4000 Mayflower Hill Dr, Waterville, ME 04901, USA

Salary: $94,000 – $110,000per year

53Views

In consultation with the President, Vice President of Planning and Strategy, Vice President and Chief of Staff, lead College-wide strategic initiatives, including developing work plans, coordinating stakeholders, establishing timelines and deliverables, tracking progress, and helping drive projects through to completion.

Serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership on initiatives and projects, providing analysis, recommendations, and regular updates to help advance institutional priorities.
Conduct research, benchmarking, analysis, and planning studies to inform institutional priorities, evaluate opportunities, and support decision making.

External Funding Development and Institutional Research

Lead the development and pursuit of external funding opportunities, including foundation and government support, in partnership with Advancement, the Office of Sponsored Programs & Scholarship, the President and senior leadership, and other stakeholders.
Research and assess external funding opportunities, develop proposals and supporting materials, coordinate internal input, support relationships with external funding partners, and manage related timelines and follow up.

Executive Communications and Collaboration

Draft, edit, design, and curate reports, presentations, briefing materials, decision documents, and other written and visual materials for the President, senior leadership, and Board of Trustees.
Facilitate and participate in meetings, committees, and planning processes; represent the Office of the President and other senior leadership on assigned matters at campus meetings and with external organizations and agencies.
Develop and maintain productive and effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, external partners, and other members of the College community.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, higher education administration, project or program management, institutional strategy, external funding development, consulting, public policy, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading complex projects or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and organizational units.
Demonstrated experience conducting research and analysis and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
Experience developing high level written materials, presentations, proposals, or executive communications.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced Degree preferred.
Experience working in higher education or another complex, mission driven organization.
Experience developing successful foundation, government, or other external funding proposals.
Experience supporting senior executives, governing boards, or institutional strategic planning processes.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem solving skills.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives through collaboration and influence rather than direct authority.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high priority initiatives simultaneously.
Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate clear recommendations to senior level audiences.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build effective relationships across organizational levels and functional areas.
Ability to exercise a high degree of discretion, judgment, diplomacy, and professionalism when handling sensitive institutional matters.

To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
Daily work will involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse
Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds.
Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills..
The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.

This is a Preview Listing…

You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.

Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.

Find Your Best Opportunity

Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!

Your Network at Work… Higher Ed Candidate Connect

Share roles with colleagues you trust. Higher Ed Candidate Connect helps higher ed talent find their next opportunity.

Higher Ed Candidate Connect

Academic Roles… Create a Job Alert

Get notified when new academic vacancies are posted on Academic Jobs.

Related Jobs

September 17, 2026

View All Jobs

Escanaba, Michigan53

View all research grants →

Related Conferences

To Be AnnouncedUnited States

Director of Planning and Strategy

Applications Close: Nov 11, 2026

Colby College

4000 Mayflower Hill Dr, Waterville, ME 04901, USA

Salary: $94,000 – $110,000per year

53Views

In consultation with the President, Vice President of Planning and Strategy, Vice President and Chief of Staff, lead College-wide strategic initiatives, including developing work plans, coordinating stakeholders, establishing timelines and deliverables, tracking progress, and helping drive projects through to completion.

Serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership on initiatives and projects, providing analysis, recommendations, and regular updates to help advance institutional priorities.
Conduct research, benchmarking, analysis, and planning studies to inform institutional priorities, evaluate opportunities, and support decision making.

External Funding Development and Institutional Research

Lead the development and pursuit of external funding opportunities, including foundation and government support, in partnership with Advancement, the Office of Sponsored Programs & Scholarship, the President and senior leadership, and other stakeholders.
Research and assess external funding opportunities, develop proposals and supporting materials, coordinate internal input, support relationships with external funding partners, and manage related timelines and follow up.

Executive Communications and Collaboration

Draft, edit, design, and curate reports, presentations, briefing materials, decision documents, and other written and visual materials for the President, senior leadership, and Board of Trustees.
Facilitate and participate in meetings, committees, and planning processes; represent the Office of the President and other senior leadership on assigned matters at campus meetings and with external organizations and agencies.
Develop and maintain productive and effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, external partners, and other members of the College community.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, higher education administration, project or program management, institutional strategy, external funding development, consulting, public policy, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading complex projects or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and organizational units.
Demonstrated experience conducting research and analysis and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
Experience developing high level written materials, presentations, proposals, or executive communications.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced Degree preferred.
Experience working in higher education or another complex, mission driven organization.
Experience developing successful foundation, government, or other external funding proposals.
Experience supporting senior executives, governing boards, or institutional strategic planning processes.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem solving skills.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives through collaboration and influence rather than direct authority.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high priority initiatives simultaneously.
Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate clear recommendations to senior level audiences.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build effective relationships across organizational levels and functional areas.
Ability to exercise a high degree of discretion, judgment, diplomacy, and professionalism when handling sensitive institutional matters.

To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
Daily work will involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse
Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds.
Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills..
The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.

This is a Preview Listing…

You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.

Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.

Find Your Best Opportunity

Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!

Your Network at Work… Higher Ed Candidate Connect

Share roles with colleagues you trust. Higher Ed Candidate Connect helps higher ed talent find their next opportunity.

Higher Ed Candidate Connect

Academic Roles… Create a Job Alert

Get notified when new academic vacancies are posted on Academic Jobs.

Related Jobs

September 17, 2026

View All Jobs

Escanaba, Michigan53

View all research grants →

Related Conferences

To Be AnnouncedUnited States

Director of Planning and Strategy

Colby College

4000 Mayflower Hill Dr, Waterville, ME 04901, USA

This is a Preview Listing…

Your Network at Work… Higher Ed Candidate Connect

Academic Roles… Create a Job Alert

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Director of Planning and Strategy

Colby College

4000 Mayflower Hill Dr, Waterville, ME 04901, USA

This is a Preview Listing…

Your Network at Work… Higher Ed Candidate Connect

Academic Roles… Create a Job Alert

Related Jobs

Related Research Grants

Competition for USA Individuals and Entities for Innovation in Visual Function Assesssment

Grants to USA IHEs for Transformative Computing and Information Science Research

Competition for USA Individuals and Entities for Visual Acuity Assessment Tech Innovation

Competition for USA Individuals and Entities for Innovative Kidney Disease Research Tech

Competition for USA Individuals and Entities for Generic Drug Repurposing Projects

Scholarship to a USA Doctoral Research Student for Research in Occupational Therapy

Fellowships to USA Postdoctoral Researchers to Conduct Foundational OT Research Studies

Fellowships to USA Minority Postdoc Researchers for OT Research Training

Related Conferences

2026 AAA Annual Meeting: On the Verge

87th Annual Meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology

AABA Annual Meeting 2027

75th Annual Highway Geology Symposium

GSA Annual Meeting 2026

AGU Fall Meeting 2026

Southeastern Section Meeting 2027

APS Division of Nuclear Physics Meeting (DNP 2026)

68th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Plasma Physics (DPP 2026)

Joint March Meeting and April Meeting — Global Physics Summit 2027

Director of Planning and Strategy

Colby College

4000 Mayflower Hill Dr, Waterville, ME 04901, USA

This is a Preview Listing…

Your Network at Work… Higher Ed Candidate Connect

Academic Roles… Create a Job Alert

Related Jobs

Related Research Grants

Competition for USA Individuals and Entities for Innovation in Visual Function Assesssment

Grants to USA IHEs for Transformative Computing and Information Science Research

Competition for USA Individuals and Entities for Visual Acuity Assessment Tech Innovation

Competition for USA Individuals and Entities for Innovative Kidney Disease Research Tech

Competition for USA Individuals and Entities for Generic Drug Repurposing Projects

Scholarship to a USA Doctoral Research Student for Research in Occupational Therapy

Fellowships to USA Postdoctoral Researchers to Conduct Foundational OT Research Studies

Fellowships to USA Minority Postdoc Researchers for OT Research Training

Related Conferences

2026 AAA Annual Meeting: On the Verge

87th Annual Meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology

AABA Annual Meeting 2027

75th Annual Highway Geology Symposium

GSA Annual Meeting 2026

AGU Fall Meeting 2026

Southeastern Section Meeting 2027

APS Division of Nuclear Physics Meeting (DNP 2026)

68th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Plasma Physics (DPP 2026)