Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration

Help Shape the Future of Brandeis University

Are you a strategic thinker who thrives on turning big ideas into action? Do you enjoy leading complex projects, solving organizational challenges, and partnering with senior leaders to drive meaningful change?

Brandeis University is seeking a highly organized, collaborative, and forward-thinking Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives to work directly with the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration (EVPFA). This unique role offers the opportunity to influence university-wide initiatives while serving as a trusted partner to one of the institution's senior leaders.

Why This Role Matters

The Office of Finance and Administration plays a critical role in supporting the University's mission and long-term success. As Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives, you will help move key priorities from concept to implementation by coordinating projects, facilitating collaboration, improving processes, and supporting executive decision-making.

What You Will Do

Lead Strategic Initiatives

• Manage high-priority projects and initiatives sponsored by the EVPFA.
• Develop project plans, timelines, milestones, and implementation strategies.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and help remove barriers to success.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure alignment among stakeholders.
• Prepare executive updates, project reports, and implementation recommendations.

Drive Process Improvement

• Analyze existing workflows and identify opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop tools, dashboards, and tracking systems that improve visibility and accountability.
• Support policy development and implementation efforts.
• Research emerging practices and recommend innovative approaches to operational challenges.

Partner with Leaders Across Campus

• Build collaborative relationships with faculty, administrators, and staff across the University.
• Facilitate communication and coordination among project participants and leadership stakeholders.
• Prepare presentations, briefing materials, reports, and executive communications.
• Help foster alignment and engagement around institutional priorities.

Support Executive Effectiveness

• Coordinate executive scheduling, meetings, and travel logistics.
• Prepare agendas, presentations, briefing materials, and supporting documentation.
• Draft correspondence and communications on behalf of the EVPFA.
• Anticipate needs, manage priorities, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Handle confidential and sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion.

Strengthen Office Operations

• Coordinate leadership meetings, retreats, and special projects.
• Track action items and ensure follow-through on key initiatives.
• Support budget monitoring, record management, and operational reporting.
• Contribute to a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.

What We Are Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in project management, executive administration, program management, administrative leadership, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while partnering effectively with senior leadership.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project execution capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, Project Management, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience supporting executives at the Vice President level or above.
• Experience in higher education or another complex, mission-driven organization.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies, process improvement, and organizational change initiatives.

Position Details

• Reports to: Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration
• Position Type: Part-time; 17.5 hours per week.
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid flexibility based on business needs
• Location: Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts