Presbyterian College
Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives
Presbyterian College, Clinton, South Carolina, United States, 29235
Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives
Position Overview
The Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives reports directly to the President and serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet. This senior leadership position is responsible for facilitating strategic planning processes, providing expert project management for critical institutional initiatives, and ensuring alignment of college-wide operations with Presbyterian College’s strategic objectives. The role serves as a trusted advisor and confidant to the President, providing comprehensive knowledge and status updates on institutional issues while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality. The Executive Director collaborates extensively across campus and with external constituents to drive strategic plan implementation and serves as a strong advocate for the essential value of premier residential liberal arts education in the broader higher education landscape. Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Implementation
Facilitate comprehensive strategic planning processes, providing expertise and project management for specific strategic initiatives critical to meeting institutional goals Partner with the President and Cabinet to actively drive strategic plan development, implementation, and assessment Interact and collaborate with colleagues across all campus divisions and external constituents to ensure institutional alignment and synergy with strategic objectives Monitor progress on strategic initiatives and provide regular status reports to the President and Cabinet Coordinate cross-functional teams to implement complex institutional priorities and initiatives Presidential Support and Advisory Functions
Assist the President with ongoing institutional functions, events, board relations, communications, special projects, and external requests Serve as a trusted advisor and confidant to the President, providing comprehensive knowledge and status updates on institutional issues Prepare briefing materials and position statements on behalf of the College for various constituencies and stakeholders Represent the President and College at internal and external meetings as assigned Maintain absolute confidentiality on sensitive institutional matters and all relationships with the President Research and Analysis
Gather, investigate, analyze, and synthesize information affecting college-wide operations and strategic decision-making Develop data-informed recommendations for institutional improvements and strategic directions Prepare analytical reports and presentations for senior leadership and Board of Trustees Monitor higher education trends and best practices to inform institutional planning Institutional Representation and Advocacy
Serve as a strong advocate for the essential value of premier residential liberal arts education in the broader higher education landscape Represent Presbyterian College at professional conferences, meetings, and higher education forums as needed Communicate the College’s mission, values, and strategic priorities to internal and external audiences Support the College’s reputation and brand through effective representation and communication Coordinate advocacy with government officials at local, state, and federal levels Cabinet Leadership and Collaboration
Provide leadership on cross-divisional projects and institutional priorities Collaborate with Cabinet members to ensure coordinated implementation of institutional initiatives Participate actively in Cabinet meetings and strategic decision-making processes Support the President in Cabinet communications and follow-up on strategic decisions Facilitate communication and alignment between the President’s office and various campus divisions Community Wellbeing and Institutional Excellence Leadership
Integrate principles of community wellbeing, belonging, and access into strategic planning and institutional initiatives Collaborate with Justice and Community Wellbeing initiatives to advance institutional goals and Presbyterian College’s mission Qualifications
Education and Experience
Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience with increasing responsibility Experience in higher education administration, strategic planning, or related field preferred Demonstrated experience in project management and organizational development Proven ability to facilitate strategic planning processes and manage complex institutional initiatives Demonstrated expertise in research, analysis, and data-driven decision making Experience working with senior leadership teams and governing boards Strong background in institutional assessment and continuous improvement processes Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Exemplary writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to produce high-quality communications for diverse audiences Exceptional listening skills and strong public speaking abilities Demonstrated ability to present information and respond to questions from various constituents effectively Proven capability to define problems, collect data, articulate facts, and draw valid conclusions Leadership and Personal Attributes
Collegial and calm temperament with strong interpersonal skills High level of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and appropriate sense of humor Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external constituencies Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and competing priorities simultaneously Absolute discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive institutional matters Technical and Analytical Skills
Proficiency with data analysis tools and institutional research methodologies Experience with project management software and strategic planning frameworks Advanced computer skills including presentation software, database management, and communication platforms Ability to synthesize complex information and present findings clearly to various audiences Working Conditions and Schedule
This position requires significant flexibility in scheduling to accommodate presidential priorities, Cabinet meetings, special events, and institutional needs. Regular evening and weekend commitments are expected for events, travel, and strategic initiatives. The role requires mobility across campus and the ability to travel for conferences, meetings, and institutional representation. Physical requirements include limited lifting (not exceeding 15 pounds), campus mobility, valid driver’s license, and ability to travel for professional obligations. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. To Apply
Send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references, including contact information to Presbyterian College Office of Human Resources, 503 S. Broad St, Clinton, SC 29324 or email materials to hr@presby.edu Presbyterian College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College seeks to hire the most qualified candidate and does not discriminate against any legally protected class.
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Position Overview
The Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives reports directly to the President and serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet. This senior leadership position is responsible for facilitating strategic planning processes, providing expert project management for critical institutional initiatives, and ensuring alignment of college-wide operations with Presbyterian College’s strategic objectives. The role serves as a trusted advisor and confidant to the President, providing comprehensive knowledge and status updates on institutional issues while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality. The Executive Director collaborates extensively across campus and with external constituents to drive strategic plan implementation and serves as a strong advocate for the essential value of premier residential liberal arts education in the broader higher education landscape. Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Implementation
Facilitate comprehensive strategic planning processes, providing expertise and project management for specific strategic initiatives critical to meeting institutional goals Partner with the President and Cabinet to actively drive strategic plan development, implementation, and assessment Interact and collaborate with colleagues across all campus divisions and external constituents to ensure institutional alignment and synergy with strategic objectives Monitor progress on strategic initiatives and provide regular status reports to the President and Cabinet Coordinate cross-functional teams to implement complex institutional priorities and initiatives Presidential Support and Advisory Functions
Assist the President with ongoing institutional functions, events, board relations, communications, special projects, and external requests Serve as a trusted advisor and confidant to the President, providing comprehensive knowledge and status updates on institutional issues Prepare briefing materials and position statements on behalf of the College for various constituencies and stakeholders Represent the President and College at internal and external meetings as assigned Maintain absolute confidentiality on sensitive institutional matters and all relationships with the President Research and Analysis
Gather, investigate, analyze, and synthesize information affecting college-wide operations and strategic decision-making Develop data-informed recommendations for institutional improvements and strategic directions Prepare analytical reports and presentations for senior leadership and Board of Trustees Monitor higher education trends and best practices to inform institutional planning Institutional Representation and Advocacy
Serve as a strong advocate for the essential value of premier residential liberal arts education in the broader higher education landscape Represent Presbyterian College at professional conferences, meetings, and higher education forums as needed Communicate the College’s mission, values, and strategic priorities to internal and external audiences Support the College’s reputation and brand through effective representation and communication Coordinate advocacy with government officials at local, state, and federal levels Cabinet Leadership and Collaboration
Provide leadership on cross-divisional projects and institutional priorities Collaborate with Cabinet members to ensure coordinated implementation of institutional initiatives Participate actively in Cabinet meetings and strategic decision-making processes Support the President in Cabinet communications and follow-up on strategic decisions Facilitate communication and alignment between the President’s office and various campus divisions Community Wellbeing and Institutional Excellence Leadership
Integrate principles of community wellbeing, belonging, and access into strategic planning and institutional initiatives Collaborate with Justice and Community Wellbeing initiatives to advance institutional goals and Presbyterian College’s mission Qualifications
Education and Experience
Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience with increasing responsibility Experience in higher education administration, strategic planning, or related field preferred Demonstrated experience in project management and organizational development Proven ability to facilitate strategic planning processes and manage complex institutional initiatives Demonstrated expertise in research, analysis, and data-driven decision making Experience working with senior leadership teams and governing boards Strong background in institutional assessment and continuous improvement processes Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Exemplary writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to produce high-quality communications for diverse audiences Exceptional listening skills and strong public speaking abilities Demonstrated ability to present information and respond to questions from various constituents effectively Proven capability to define problems, collect data, articulate facts, and draw valid conclusions Leadership and Personal Attributes
Collegial and calm temperament with strong interpersonal skills High level of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and appropriate sense of humor Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external constituencies Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and competing priorities simultaneously Absolute discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive institutional matters Technical and Analytical Skills
Proficiency with data analysis tools and institutional research methodologies Experience with project management software and strategic planning frameworks Advanced computer skills including presentation software, database management, and communication platforms Ability to synthesize complex information and present findings clearly to various audiences Working Conditions and Schedule
This position requires significant flexibility in scheduling to accommodate presidential priorities, Cabinet meetings, special events, and institutional needs. Regular evening and weekend commitments are expected for events, travel, and strategic initiatives. The role requires mobility across campus and the ability to travel for conferences, meetings, and institutional representation. Physical requirements include limited lifting (not exceeding 15 pounds), campus mobility, valid driver’s license, and ability to travel for professional obligations. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. To Apply
Send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references, including contact information to Presbyterian College Office of Human Resources, 503 S. Broad St, Clinton, SC 29324 or email materials to hr@presby.edu Presbyterian College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College seeks to hire the most qualified candidate and does not discriminate against any legally protected class.
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