Director of Strategy

Department
Strategy

The Director of Strategy is responsible for facilitating the implementation of the university’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Chief Strategy Officer and fellow strategy team members to ensure identified objectives are measured, reviewed, and aligned with MSU Denver’s mission.

This position will support the CSO in assessing new and existing programs, partnerships, and projects by guiding strategic and data-informed decision making that optimizes opportunities with on- and off-campus partners. In addition, the Director of Strategy will be tasked with keeping internal and external stakeholders abreast of progress related to the strategic plan to ensure enterprise-wide alignment on the direction of the university.

The Director of Strategy will help to oversee the planning and financing of campus infrastructure. Knowledge of the steps and process of infrastructure building is necessary. Development knowledge within a higher education environment is also helpful.

In addition, the Director of Strategy will work with MSU Denver leaders at all levels to deploy organizational and analytical processes that uncover opportunities for adding value to the university community, and then evaluate the appropriateness and viability of these endeavors prior to recommending to the CSO the next course of action.

The ideal candidate is equipped to enrich a consultative, collaborative team environment and is prepared to navigate the complexities of a diverse organization with multiple layers, internal and external constituents, the cultural dynamics associated with higher education.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Manage coordinated implementation of university’s strategic plan, collaborating with strategy team to ensure university-wide alignment and progress on identified objectives.
• Ensure progress regarding the strategic plan is communicated consistently and effectively with on- and off-campus partners.
• Support CSO in advising the president on new opportunities by facilitating university decision-framing processes, including task forces, advisory councils, and working groups.
• Execute and deliver on key analyses, including market analysis, competitive analysis, internal financial analysis, financial modeling, and scenario planning.
• Collaborate with the Director of Infrastructure to analyze development opportunities, the financial plan to execute projects, and the public/private partnerships necessary to make infrastructure projects a reality.
• Analyze growth needs related to facilities, programs and infrastructure as it by using management strategies, pro formas, and modeling.
• Collaborate with Director of Analytics to assess the viability and effectiveness of the university’s current programs, processes, and activities, and their alignment with MSU Denver’s goals and strategic plan.
• Contribute to the development of coordinated and data-driven structures and processes for operationalizing and tracking the progress of MSU Denver’s strategic plan.
• In consultation with our Government Affairs team, support deployment of city, state, and federal legislative strategies in support of the university’s strategic objectives.
• Maintain and update strategic pillar plans and other tools to assess and drive high-quality execution of our overarching strategy.
• Represent MSU Denver in official functions when necessary.

Required Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree; however, a master’s degree or higher is preferred.
• We are looking for a Director of Strategy with five-plus years’ worth experience in strategic planning, business management, leadership, and/or financial decision-making.
• Applicants should have strong analytical skills, including data analysis and problem solving and be prepared to leverage their lateral leadership and management potential while working with and informing a diverse group of university stakeholders.
• The Director of Strategy should be prepared to develop a 360-degree view of the current state of the university by overseeing and conducting research, interviews, and fact-based quantitative and qualitative analyses.
• Public speaking, writing, and interpersonal communication will be an important part of this position and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate these strengths.
• Candidates must possess the potential to manage projects and have a general understanding of the key business and financial drivers that determine the institution’s success.
• Advanced aptitude in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as financial modeling, pro formas, and valuation is desired.
• Lastly, we are looking for candidates who are willing to challenge the standard thinking of higher education with new ideas, new approaches, and new solutions.

Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet all required qualifications.

Salary for Announcement
The salary range for this position is $113,700 - $151,700 .

Pay Grade: 24
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, training, and qualifications. MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please visit our Benefits section.
Work Hours/Type Subject to negotiation and approval.

Instructions to Apply

Complete applications received by May 5, 2023 at 11:59 PM MST will receive full consideration, but applications will be accepted after this date until the position is filled. All applications must be submitted through the university's online application system, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers/.

Please provide a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three professional references (at least one reference provided must be a supervisor, either current or former).
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting RepresentativeSophia J Montano

Posting Representative Emailsmontan7@msudenver.edu

Benefits

MSU Denver is pleased to offer our current and potential employees a wide array of benefit options. To learn more, please visit the following link:

Employee Benefits Offerings

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 50% first generation students and over 45% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.