Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer

SUMMARY

The Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer of the Vermont State Colleges System is a key member of the executive team. Reporting to the Chancellor, this position serves as the driver of strategic decision-making and operational excellence across the System and will translate the System’s vision into actionable goals. By connecting executive leadership with operational implementation, the Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer significantly impacts our capacity to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing educational landscape, making substantial contributions to the success and sustainability of rural public higher education in Vermont. The incumbent will collaborate with academic leaders at the Vermont State University and the Community College of Vermont and others to enhance and support academic and operational excellence system-wide. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Chancellor, providing analyses, insights, and proactive solutions that mitigate System challenges and define and advance the System’s mission-driven objectives.
• Chair a senior management team responsible for the successful implementation of key System-wide strategic initiatives and projects, ensuring alignment with overall institutional goals for Vermont State University and the Community College of Vermont. Serve as the VSCS liaison with the Long-Range Planning and EPSL (Education, Personnel, and Student Life) Committees of the Board of Trustees.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders within the VSCS to translate strategic initiatives into actionable plans.
• Ensure VSCS operational goals are aligned with strategic initiatives, ensure that resources are allocated appropriately.
• Monitor progress against goals, adjusting strategies as necessary to respond to changes in the higher education landscape.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of operational strategies, recommending and making adjustments as needed.
• Utilize data analytics and institutional research to inform strategic decisions; identify trends, opportunities, and risks within the higher education sector.
• Help foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation across the VSCS.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position reports directly to the Chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges System.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in higher education administration, business administration, public policy or a related field, plus a minimum of 10 years of experience in complex organization(s) that can be demonstrably applicable to the duties outlined in this description OR a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired. Must have at least 5 years of progressively responsible experience working in higher education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Doctoral degree or other appropriate terminal degree. More than 5 years of progressively responsible experience working in higher education. Previous experience as a faculty administrator. Experience with accreditation processes and institutional effectiveness.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Experience leading complex problems from planning to design to implementation
• Experience organizing, inspiring, and leading teams using change management principles
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful strategic plans.
• Demonstrated financial acumen Ability to inspire and promote stakeholder engagement
• Thorough understanding of higher education landscape, including trends, challenges, and opportunities
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, managerial, communicative, and team-building skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills in working with a wide range of individuals and constituencies including highly collaborative working relationships with external leaders
• Ability to influence business decisions with internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to implement change in a matrix-style organization
• Experience with fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Location: The successful candidate will locate in Vermont. Some remote work from home possible.