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The Manager of Special Projects & Institutional Initiatives serves as a strategic advisor to the Vice President of Strategy, Innovation, and Institutional Initiatives by providing data analysis, market research, and benchmarking to inform decision-making. The position leads cross-functional project management for key college-wide initiatives, including the strategic planning process and special initiatives like EmersonTogether. Responsibilities include overseeing the execution of strategic goals, supporting the development of new programs, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to advance the institution's mission. Additionally, the role manages confidential reports and contributes to communication strategies and external partnerships.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Serves as a key VP team member, offering counsel and strategic advice based on data analysis, market research, benchmarking, report reviews, and other relevant inputs.
Provides project management support on key initiatives for the VP, including the Strategic Planning process, tracking progress milestones, facilitating plan execution, supporting the plan rollout, and measuring annual progress on goals and KPIs while preparing reports on these metrics.
Leads project management and cross-functional collaboration on special, college-wide initiatives such as EmersonTogether, ensuring smooth coordination among teams and overseeing the daily execution and deliverables of the initiative.
Contributes to developing new and innovative efforts aligned with the strategic plan, such as establishing new centers, offices, institutes, programs, or campus locations under the VP's or President's direction.
Conducts research and provides collaborative project management support on key college-wide initiatives, internal or external reviews, or special studies as assigned by the VP or President.
Analyzes data and themes related to both long-term and short-term cross-disciplinary initiatives, synthesizing insights into recommendations for the VP, President, and other senior leaders such as the President’s Council.
Assists in incubating new ideas and innovative approaches supporting the college’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.
As directed by the president or vice president, offers high-level support, strategy, and execution for external advisory boards or groups, such as the Board of Advisors or other groups aligned with the college’s strategy.
Works closely with the Director and Special Assistant to the President on key strategic engagement initiatives, including the President’s Student Advisory Group, the President’s Staff Advisory Group, and the President and Provost’s Advisory Committee, providing research and project management support.
Prepares confidential analyses, reports, presentations, and recommendations for the VP, often for review by the President, President’s Council, or other key stakeholders within the college.
Conducts preliminary research and outreach to external partners or vendors who may offer consulting services or expertise for leadership team development, organizational alignment, or college-wide initiatives.
Collaborates with the VP and Marketing Communications colleagues to assist in writing, communication planning, website updates, and content creation for divisional outputs.
Partners with the VP on researching and executing key external partnerships and collaborations, exploring potential alliances, and facilitating cross-institutional partnerships.
Provides research and innovative suggestions on best practices in higher education initiatives, including event processes, commencement planning, and organizational structure design, and assists with the development and execution of these ideas.
Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to perform the job effectively.

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and work experience required; Master’s degree preferred.
A minimum of 8 years of experience in project management or a combination of project management, client relations, and business systems analysis.
Strong preference for candidates with experience in higher education, healthcare, or large, complex nonprofit organizations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – This may be representative but not all-inclusive of the knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.

Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and maintain strong attention to detail.
Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Proven project management expertise with a keen focus on detail.
Strong research and analytical abilities.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis tools.
Ability to collaborate effectively across all levels within the college.
Demonstrated experience in exercising sound judgment, project planning, and achieving goals.
Capable of managing changing demands, frequent interruptions, and shifting schedules while staying organized and ensuring key projects are completed.
Maintains a high level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Ability to lift and move light objects as needed.
Occasional requirement to move materials or equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

Usual Office Conditions

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

Compensation: $70,400.00 - $86,300.00 annually, commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: 23-09E

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

Division:

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.