Director of Strategic Projects and Operational Efficiency

Location:

Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Strategic Projects specializing in project development, coordination, planning, management, and implementation across various business activities while ensuring timely and on-budget processes. This director position will be responsible for the coordination of program development and enhancement, system implementation and adoption, operational project management, and other initiatives supporting the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The incumbent needs to have or be able to quickly develop a deep understanding of institutions of public land-grant higher education; in particular, the unique complexities of the College of Ag and Life Sciences three missions of research, education, and extension. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated understanding of change management and project implementation best practices.

This leadership position is also pivotal in steering the successful execution of multiple projects concurrently. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to adapt and excel in handling various project types to ensure strategic alignment, effective communication, and project success in a multi-departmental environment. The candidate should have a strong background in managing complex, agile projects in higher academia, facilitating needs analysis to address departmental or organizational challenges, gaps, or opportunities, and, ultimately, operationalization of project deliverables to ensure project acceptance and organizational excellence. As part of the evaluation of operational efficiency, the candidate should have an understanding of federal, state, and university regulations and policies. This role requires exceptional leadership, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills to oversee a large portfolio of projects.

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Project development, planning, and implementation - 70%

• Strategic direction, planning, coordinated implementation, training and continuous improvement of college operational tools such as CALS Online, CBO ServiceNow, Smartsheet automation tools, Personnel action requests, etc.
• Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining project budgets, demonstrating competency in compliance, organization, and accuracy.
• Provide analysis and assistance in developing new initiatives and capacities to meet strategic goals and provide management and oversight to project completion.
• Provides support in documenting complex processes.

Collaborative college and university partnership development - 20%

• Work with college partners as well as campus partners across NC State.
• Work collaboratively with the Dean's and Directors Committee, faculty, and staff to achieve college-wide results on various projects.
• Work with departments and colleges across NC State University on joint initiatives to create increased value and impact.
• Convene and participate in various work group meetings. Ensure that work group goals and activities are in sync with the College's goals and objectives, and that the execution of responsibilities is in compliance with division and university policies and regulations.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

Other Duties - 10%

• This position may include travel to off-site locations in order to manage logistics for events or meetings.
• Many of these locations are not readily accessible by public transportation (including Research Station, County Offices, etc.).

Minimum Experience/Education:

• Require post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor's degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.

Required Qualifications:

• PMP Certification.
• Experience using Smartsheet or other comparable software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in relevant discipline.
• Experience in implementing ServiceNow modules.
• Experience with process improvement in financial and HR transaction processing.
• Experience in a large land-grant university compliance environment.
• ProSci or other change management certification.

Required License or Certification:

• Valid driver's license required.
• A valid NC Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.

AA/EEO Statement:

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.