Director of Strategic Projects

Director of Strategic Projects

Position Summary

The Director of Strategic Projects is responsible for providing senior-level leadership, oversight, and execution of complex, high-profile projects and organizational initiatives. This role oversees project strategy, operational execution, budgeting, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with organizational objectives. The Director of Strategic Projects serves as a key liaison between internal departments, executive leadership, clients, and external partners while driving operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Project Oversight

• Lead the planning, execution, and oversight of high-impact strategic initiatives across the organization, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and business objectives.
• Develop and implement comprehensive project plans, including scope, timelines, budgets, deliverables, staffing plans, and resource allocation.
• Partner with executive leadership to identify organizational priorities, drive cross-functional initiatives, and implement operational improvements.
• Lead and manage multiple strategic and high-profile projects simultaneously while ensuring successful delivery and measurable outcomes.
• Oversee project timelines, budgets, and performance metrics to ensure operational efficiency, accountability, and achievement of project objectives.
• Monitor project progress and financial performance, proactively addressing delays, budget variances, operational risks, and resource challenges.
• Develop and standardize processes, tools, workflows, and reporting structures to improve scalability, consistency, and operational effectiveness across the portfolio.
• Analyze operational data, project performance metrics, and business trends to support decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.

Operational & Portfolio Management

• Manage complex property transitions, acquisitions, and special projects, ensuring operational readiness, compliance, efficiency, and seamless execution.
• Coordinate cross-functional operational initiatives related to property management, regional operations, compliance, maintenance, and organizational growth.
• Ensure projects and initiatives comply with company policies, industry standards, regulatory requirements, and operational benchmarks.
• Conduct periodic project reviews, audits, and assessments to ensure documentation accuracy, operational consistency, and quality assurance.

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to project managers and cross-functional teams.
• Foster a collaborative, results-driven culture focused on accountability, innovation, communication, and continuous improvement.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings and strategic planning sessions to ensure alignment between departments and stakeholders.
• Supervise and provide oversight to the Senior Project Manager of Property Management and the Regional Initiatives Manager, ensuring effective execution of organizational initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Support team development through coaching, performance management, and professional growth opportunities.

Executive Collaboration & Strategic Development

• Work closely with the Sr. Vice President of Strategy and Enterprise Development on strategic operational initiatives, including the development and oversight of the 3rd Party Scorecard and PM Fee Calculator.
• Provide executive leadership with strategic recommendations, operational reporting, and project updates to support organizational decision-making.
• Assist in the evaluation and implementation of enterprise-wide initiatives designed to improve operational performance, client satisfaction, and portfolio growth.

Client, Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary liaison with national clients, executive leadership, vendors, consultants, and key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships while ensuring clear communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Negotiate vendor contracts, monitor vendor performance, and ensure services and deliverables meet organizational expectations and project requirements.
• Present project updates, operational reports, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and external stakeholders.

Risk Management & Change Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks that may impact timelines, budgets, operations, or organizational performance.
• Develop contingency plans and implement proactive solutions to maintain project momentum and organizational stability.
• Lead organizational change management efforts, including stakeholder communication, implementation planning, training, and operational transition support.
• Oversee the resolution of complex operational issues and project-related challenges in a timely and effective manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in project management, operations, property management, or strategic initiatives.
• Experience managing large-scale, multi-site, or national portfolio projects preferred.
• Strong understanding of operational processes, project lifecycle management, budgeting, and organizational strategy.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing property transitions, acquisitions, and operational improvement initiatives preferred.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting, reporting, and performance metrics.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and reporting tools.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management certification preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Planning & Execution
• Leadership & Team Development
• Budget & Financial Management
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
• Operational Excellence
• Stakeholder & Client Relations
• Vendor Management & Negotiation
• Communication & Presentation Skills
• Organizational & Time Management
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• May require occasional travel to project sites, client meetings, or organizational locations.
• Ability to sit, stand, and operate standard office equipment for extended periods.