Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Special Projects
About the Job
Position Overview:
The Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Special Projects plays a critical, high-level role in supporting the work and vision of the Dean of the Medical School. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this position provides comprehensive project management, change management, and executive support to advance the Medical School’s tripartite mission of training/education, research, and care delivery.
The Manager acts as a liaison and point of contact for the Dean’s Office, facilitating seamless communication and coordination across the University system, the Board of Regents, and external partners. This role requires an adaptable, highly organized professional capable of balancing strategic project execution with high-touch administrative diplomacy.
Job Duties/Responsibilities:
Strategic Project Management & Research (55%)
- Lead the planning, implementation, and execution of the Dean's key strategic priorities and the prioritized initiatives of the Medical School leadership team.
- Intake strategic project needs, build long-term implementation plans (ranging from months to years), manage project timelines/tasks, and track progress for stakeholders.
- Provide high-level research support, performing background analysis and creating detailed reports on trends, issues, and topics relevant to the Medical School and the broader healthcare landscape.
- Engage and collaborate with diverse functional stakeholders across the University, build relationships, and advance key initiatives.
- Report regularly on project milestones, data trends, and operational progress to the Chief of Staff and associated project stakeholders.
Executive Liaison, Operations & Dean Support (35%)
- Serve as a back up to the dean’s executive assistant as a point of contact and liaison for the Dean’s Office to internal audiences (senior leaders, faculty, staff, students) and external entities.
- Serve as backup to the management of the Dean’s complex and fluid calendar. As needed, evaluate and prioritize requests to ensure the Dean’s time is used strategically, ensuring appropriate parties are prepared for meetings, and redirecting inquiries to other experts when appropriate.
- In partnership with the dean’s executive assistant, manage and triage a large volume of complicated, time-sensitive, and sensitive inquiries, following up appropriately to maintain a high standard of service and discretion.
- Review, collate, and format high-profile documents, including executive presentations, official memos, and communications intended for internal and external senior leadership
Change Management & Process Improvement (10%)
- Partner with the Chief of Staff and administrative leaders to design and implement organizational and operational changes, contributing heavily to change management planning.
- Collaboratively formulate, lead, and execute process improvement initiatives to ensure effective, lean, and efficient support structures across the Medical School.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Requires BA/BS with at least 6 years of experience, with progressive professional experience, including work within higher education, non-profit, or public sectors.
- Exceptional research, writing, and oral communication skills; ability to synthesize complex data into executive summaries.
- Mature judgment and proven ability to work independently, exercise strict discretion with sensitive data, and manage competing priorities in a high-intensity environment.
- Strong critical thinking and diplomatic skills; a demonstrated track record of approachability, collegiality, and adaptability when dealing with individuals at all levels of an organization.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent).
- Formal training or demonstrated experience in strategic planning and change management methodologies.
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