Director, Strategic Initiatives

Job Title: Director, Strategic Initiatives

Job Status: Full-time

Job Summary: Under limited supervision, the Director of Strategic Initiatives leads and coordinates organization-wide strategic priorities, and cross-functional initiatives. This role partners with executive leadership, department directors, internal teams, along with external stakeholders to turn strategic goals into actionable plans, track progress, improve operational alignment, and support organizational growth, sustainability, and impact. The Director uses strong project management, analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills to advance initiatives aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of strategic initiatives that advance organizational priorities and long-term goals
• Collaborate with executive leadership and department leaders to define project scope, objectives, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and measures of success
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to implement initiatives effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational priorities
• Monitor progress on strategic projects, identify risks or barriers, recommend solutions, and ensure timely follow-through on action items
• Develop reports, presentations, dashboards, briefing materials, and updates for senior leadership, committees, funders, board members, and other stakeholders, as needed
• Support organizational planning efforts, including strategic planning, annual planning, performance improvement, workforce planning, and change management initiatives
• Analyze data, trends, performance measures, and operational information to support decision-making and continuous improvement
• Facilitate meetings, workgroups, and planning sessions to gather input, align stakeholders, and advance initiatives
• Strengthen internal communication and coordination across departments to promote collaboration, accountability, and shared understanding of strategic priorities
• Assist with the development, review, and improvement of organizational processes, policies, workflows, and systems related to assigned initiatives
• Build and maintain effective relationships with community partners, funders, consultants, vendors, and other external stakeholders
• Support fundraising strategies and identify funding opportunities that promote organizational growth and program sustainability
• Identify opportunities to expand program impact and sustainability through fee-for-service offerings, workshops, partnerships, and other revenue-generating strategies
• Support grant-related planning, proposal development, reporting, and implementation activities connected to strategic priorities
• Track budgets, resources, timelines, and deliverables for assigned initiatives in collaboration with Finance, program leadership, and other departments
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to assigned staff, project teams, or workgroups to foster a high-performing, collaborative, and mission-driven culture
• Represent the organization with professionalism and support efforts that enhance visibility, advocacy, and community engagement
• Ensure assigned initiatives comply with applicable legal, regulatory, ethical, and organizational standards
• Maintain current knowledge of nonprofit sector trends, community needs, best practices, and emerging opportunities relevant to strategic initiatives
• Operate standard office equipment and use required software applications proficiently
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Strategic planning principles and practices
• Nonprofit organizations
• Project and change management

• Performance measurement and continuous improvement
• Budgeting and resource planning
• Stakeholder engagement
• Data-informed decision making
• Grant planning and reporting
• Organizational policies, procedures, and compliance expectations
• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications for program area and other applications, including Microsoft Office

Skills in:

• Managing complex projects
• Analyzing information and developing recommendations
• Preparing clear written reports and presentations
• Facilitating meetings
• Building collaborative relationships
• Organizing priorities and timelines
• Communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Exercising sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism

Ability to:

• Translate strategic goals into actionable work plans
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Influence and coordinate across departments without direct authority
• Maintain attention to detail while keeping a broad organizational perspective
• Identify risks and develop practical solutions
• Work independently and collaboratively
• Maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrate cultural competency and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Establish effective working relationships at all levels of the organization

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

• Minimum Degree Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degre preferred

• Required Disciplines:
  • Business administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Organizational Development, Social Work, Public Health, or Communications,

~and~

• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, project management, nonprofit administration, operations, organizational development, program management, or a related field, including experience leading cross-functional projects and working with senior leadership. Supervisory or team leadership experience is preferred. Any equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training approved by Human Resources

Licenses/Certifications:

• Licenses/Certifications Required at Date of Hire:
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred
  • Change Management preferred
  • Lean Six Sigma preferred
  • Nonprofit management preferred

Working Conditions:

Hours: Normal business hours, some additional hours may be required

Travel Required: Local, regional in-state, and occasional national travel, up to 10%

Working Environment: Climate controlled office