Strategic Initiatives Manager

Overview

The Manager, Strategic Initiatives is a highly visible and collaborative role that leads and supports major projects in the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Treasurer at Princeton University. Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Manager develops and maintains detailed project plans, monitors progress, and proactively manages changes to scope, schedule, and costs. The Manager also ensures that project performance is regularly evaluated against established goals and maintains comprehensive documentation to support project assessment and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Project Management 

• Project Management and Strategic Support
• Lead and support a portfolio of strategic and cross-departmental organizational excellence projects from initiation through implementation.
• Coordinate resources, timelines, and deliverables in collaboration with internal colleagues and external partners.
• Develop and maintain project plans and progress reports for senior leadership.

Data Analysis and Decision Support

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses to assess operational effectiveness, identify trends, and support decision-making.
• Translate data insights into actionable recommendations and present findings to senior leaders in a clear and compelling manner.
• Design clear and compelling infographics, charts, and data visualizations to effectively communicate key findings, trends, and strategic insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Change Management and Communication

• Collaborate with stakeholders across the Finance and Treasury division and the broader University community to implement process improvements and drive adoption of new initiatives.
• Support change management efforts by developing communication strategies and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the organization.

Administration 

• Executive-level Administrative Support
• Provides administrative support to the Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives
  • Schedules and coordinates meetings, prepares materials in advance of meetings, and provides follow-up materials.
  • Prepares and edits presentations, reports, memos, and correspondence.
  • Coordinates project meetings, workshops, and cross-functional initiatives; manages agendas, records minutes and notes, and follows up on action items.
• Serves as a backup administrative resource for the Vice President for Finance and Treasurer during periods of high volume or absence of the VP's Executive Assistant.
• Collaborates with the Office of the VP and Finance Administration teams to ensure continuity in executive-level support when needed.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, finance, data analytics, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in project management, strategy, business operations, or a related function.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and innovatively, with a track record of identifying opportunities for improvement and developing creative, practical solutions.
• Strong analytical skills with demonstrated experience in data interpretation and reporting.
• Proven success in managing complex projects and change management initiatives.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

Preferred:

• Experience in higher education or mission-driven organizations.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies, design thinking strategies, and/or other business process improvement tools.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP) a plus.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours36.25
Eligible for OvertimeNo
Benefits EligibleYes
Probationary Period180 days
Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)No
Physical Capacity Exam RequiredNo
Valid Driver's License RequiredNo
Experience LevelMid-Senior Level
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Salary Range$117,000 to $130,000

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