Chief Strategy Officer

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

8d•$120,016

About The Position

Work for Indiana Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. About the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD): Our mission is to develop a premier workforce that will allow Indiana employers to flourish and entice businesses from outside our state to relocate to Indiana. Everyone at DWD will be required to think outside-the-box; to determine metrics that will allow for measurement and improvement and efficiencies to be made along the way. Cutting edge technologies will be utilized to help assess Indiana’s employment future. If managed properly, Indiana’s workforce will be second to none and completely prepared for the next phase of the state and country’s economic growth. Role Overview: The Deputy Director/Commissioner serves as a senior executive leader responsible for driving agency-wide strategy, organizational effectiveness, and high‑impact initiatives by providing vision, direction, and oversight for programs central to the agency’s operational and public‑facing success. Acting as a key advisor to the Commissioner, the role translates executive priorities into actionable plans, ensures alignment with statewide workforce and economic development goals, and fosters strong relationships with internal leaders, government partners, and external stakeholders. This position oversees major strategic functions—including outreach, communications, legislative coordination, special projects, and cross‑agency initiatives—while building high‑performing teams and cultivating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The Deputy Director/Commissioner anticipates challenges, evaluates program outcomes, makes data‑informed decisions, and ensures resources, policies, and operations support long‑term goals, serving as a central connector across divisions and a key member of senior leadership.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of agency and/or organizational program(s) and business practices.
Thorough knowledge of State programs and resources, public policy, and program evaluation.
Ability to develop and/or measure program outcomes.
Ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with key public and private government and business leaders.
Ability to identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information, and use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations.
Ability to work with internal and external customers to assess needs, provide assistance, resolve problems, and satisfy expectations.
Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, establish credibility, and influence leaders at all levels.
Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions. perceives the impact and implications of decisions.
Ability to identify problems. determine accuracy and relevance of information. use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations.
Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

At least 15+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Responsibilities

Reviews and evaluates organizational effectiveness, goal determination, and strategic planning, etc., makes recommendations for improvement.
Develops and coordinates plans and policies, resources, and mission as well as goals, vision and expectations of agency or program.
Provides guidance to agencies and the public regarding applicable laws and rules.
Supervises subordinate personnel including hiring, determining workload, and delegating assignments, training, monitoring, and evaluating performance, and initiating corrective or disciplinary action.
Monitors agency or program budget including revenues, expenditures, and budget projections.
Communicates with news and other media and responds to media questions or requests in an appropriate public relations manner.
Coordinates with other government officials on planning issues (i.e. federal and/or state agency directors, etc.).
Coordinates, reviews and evaluates the use of appropriate controls and standards for the agency.
Recruits, selects, onboards, and trains employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
Sets expectations, measures progress, provides ongoing feedback, and evaluates the performance of employees. Ensures work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

Benefits

Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access