Manager of Strategic Initiatives

Position Summary
The Manager of Strategic Initiatives leads the development and implementation of strategic projects and initiatives that advance the Gephardt Institute’s mission through project management, team coordination, and cultivation of stakeholder relationships. This position oversees strategic projects, project management for special events, and stakeholder outreach and engagement, with attention to collaborative planning, strategic goals and relationships, a university-wide lens on partnerships and audience engagement, and continuous improvement.

The Manager reports to the Director of Programs and Operations, coordinates frequently with the Executive Director, and facilitates synergistic and collaborative planning with program staff, Operations and event leads, Marketing and Communications, University Advancement, and other internal and external project partners.

This position requires a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This position also requires a strong commitment to non-partisanship and to engagement of all Washington University students and stakeholders regardless of their political positions.

Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Projects:
   Leads development and implementation of strategic projects and initiatives, such as pilot projects, site visits, and collaborative projects with other units or partners.
   Partners with Executive Director and Director of Programs and Operations to coordinate and implement plans for projects, events, and meetings that relate to fundraising, stewardship, and institute priorities.
   Manages advisory committees affiliated with the National Advisory Council to ensure key goals and milestones are met, through activities such as meeting coordination, meeting notes, drafting reports, and conducting or facilitating background work requested by the Chair, institute staff, or committee.
   Manages special initiatives such as Connections for Civic Impact (alumni-student mentoring), the Atkin Residency in the Art of Democracy, and Student Advisory Council recruitment and selection.
   Leads professional staff searches in collaboration with the hiring manager, Operations lead, and other institute staff and partners, through activities such as building detailed project plans, developing and implementing target marketing and outreach strategies, coordinating interviews, and communicating with candidates.
2. Project Management for Special Events:
   Leads development and project management for strategic and special events, complementing the event planning led by Operations. This includes student orientation and outreach in the fall and throughout the year, Civic Engagement Fair, ChangeMakers Dinner, Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Awards, celebration of graduating students, Reunion Weekend reception, Visiting Civic Fellows, major events, and ad hoc events.
   Coordinates with Executive Director, Director of Programs and Operations, Operations lead, Marketing and Communications, other Institute staff, and event partners in the development, implementation, and review of project plans.
   Manages project coordination from ideation through execution and evaluation, which includes coordinating collaborative teams, developing detailed project plans, overseeing implementation, and leading continuous improvement with attention to strategic goals and operational effectiveness.
   Collaborates with Associate Director for Civic Engagement to plan and implement Civic Action Week with attention to project management and team coordination.
3. Stakeholder Outreach and Engagement:
   Cultivates awareness and engagement among target audiences for Institute events and opportunities, complementing Marketing & Communications through customized outreach strategies, including digital engagement, presentations, information sessions, and other related and innovative strategies. Target audiences include students, student-facing faculty and staff, other campus partners, and community partners.
   Partners with Marketing & Communications to develop and execute comprehensive engagement strategies.
   Reviews audience engagement with the Institute to identify opportunities and strategies for strengthening engagement, with attention to diversity of audiences, equitable participation, new audiences, and audiences underrepresented in Gephardt Institute programs and events.
   Develops and sustains relationships with a broad range of campus stakeholders, including department and student leaders, maintaining a university-wide lens and visibility.
   Facilitates connections and mutually beneficial relationships between campus stakeholders and Gephardt Institute staff.
   Serves as the point of contact and Institute facilitator for campus stakeholders seeking partnership and/or promotion of their initiatives.
   Serves as an essential member of the Gephardt Institute team.
   Contributes to initiatives, meetings, and events of the Gephardt Institute, including donor cultivation and stewardship, developing strategy and vision for initiatives, planning processes, grant/proposal applications and reporting, student outreach, campus partner and community partner engagement, special projects, and special events.
   Collaborates with Institute leaders, program staff, Operations, Marketing & Communications, and relevant stakeholders to coordinate planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of all Gephardt Institute programs and services.
   Performs other duties as assigned.

Applicant Special Instructions:Please include a cover letter and resume with your submission.

Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions:Normal office environment
Alternative work schedule as regular part of job (on-call, shifts, evening, weekends)

Physical Effort:
Typically sitting at desk or table
Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement
Ability to move to on and off-campus locations

Equipment:Office equipment

Required Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.
Work Experience:
Relevant Experience (3 Years)

More About This Job:
The ideal candidate for this position will possess:
Excellent organizational, planning, problem-solving, project management, and event planning skills.
Master’s degree in Public Administration, Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, Student Affairs, Higher Education, or related field.
Five or more years of progressive responsibility leading project teams, operations, and/or events, preferably with professional experience working in higher education.
Substantive knowledge and passion for civic engagement, community engagement, civic learning, civic dialogue, community development, community partnerships, social change, the public purpose of higher education, and/or related areas.
Excellent interpersonal, written/verbal communication, and relationship management skills, including with diverse audiences and purposes. Perceptive and skilled with managing nuanced or sensitive relationships with sound judgement, a strategic orientation, tact, and diplomacy.
Strong ability and enthusiasm for developing systems, procedures, and detailed project plans; setting high standards of quality; and achieving results; Project management training and experience, and/or experience with project management and CRM software platforms.
Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative initiatives and manage accountabilities from a middle management position.
Enthusiasm and ability to work in a dynamic, highly collaborative environment with multiple functions, audiences, and priorities.
Commitment to the Gephardt Institute’s values of Inquiry, Empathy, Collaboration, Integrity, Equity, and Action.
Demonstrated ability to work in a non-partisan environment. Commitment to maintaining a non-partisan and inclusive approach to all educational, programming, outreach, and communication strategies.
Ability and willingness to work morning, evening, and weekend hours for events, meetings, special projects, and deadlines in service to students and the Institute’s mission.
Energy, vision, initiative, creativity, empathy, humility, tolerance for ambiguity, ability to embrace and navigate change, and sense of humor.

Preferred Qualifications:
Education:Master’s degree
Certifications:Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute (PMI)

Grade: G10
Salary Range: $49,700.00 – $82,100.00 / Annually

Questions:
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation:
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

EEO/AA Statement:
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups.

Diversity Statement:
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment.