Director - Higher Education Strategy

SHI International Corp.

4d•$125,000 - $225,000•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Higher Education Strategy will focus on cultivating a technically strategic business plan with set objectives that support the company’s overall business strategy and increase public sector revenue. The Director is a highly collaborative, analytical, and active role. They will work collaboratively with senior leadership to define and execute support strategies intended to grow business and profitability for education sales teams. They will coordinate K-12 and higher education strategist activities, attend industry events, represent the company as speakers and presenters, and meet with customers to facilitate strategic opportunities. The purpose of this position is to assess, develop, and maintain public sector business specific to higher education, increasing SHI’s brand awareness as a comprehensive technology solutions provider. The Director will coordinate, gather, and compile data of varying complexity, size, and scope, and will communicate the information to relevant stakeholders. They will promote the company as a leader in technology services and solutions to customers, as well as to procurement, government, and education officials. This position will direct and lead a staff of uniquely qualified individuals from higher education leadership backgrounds, aligning and allocating their time and skills in the development of strategic insights, perspectives, plans, etc. that assist SHI sales efforts across the U.S. in all aspects of education. Additionally, this position will develop criteria and processes for team members to engage with specific sales efforts that support the strategic directions from leadership. The Director of Education Strategy will report to the Senior Director: Government & Education Affairs. This is a remote position, and travel to headquarters, conferences, and customer/community meetings will be required in consultation with the Senior Director.

Requirements

Strategic Thinking: Can analyze complex situations, drive organizational transformation, and adapt strategies to changing market conditions.
Leadership: Can lead strategic team initiatives, inspire others to take leadership roles, and foster a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement.
Business Acumen: Can provide strategic guidance and insights to drive overall business success.
Communication: Can lead and model exceptional communication at all levels of the organization, develop and implement communication strategies, and coach others to improve their communication skills.
Collaboration: Can lead complex team projects, inspire others to collaborate effectively, and foster a culture of mutual respect and shared purpose.
Problem-Solving: Can lead strategic problem-solving initiatives, inspire others to improve their problem-solving skills, and foster a culture of proactive problem-solving.
Innovation: Can proactively lead organizational adaptability, inspire creativity, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Results Orientation: Can inspire a culture of results-orientation across the organization, setting high standards and holding everyone accountable for achieving results.
Adaptability: Can drive strategic transformations, inspire others to embrace change, and foster a culture of continuous adaptation.
Strategic Implementation: Can lead the development and execution of comprehensive strategic plans, inspire and guide teams, and drive organizational change to achieve strategic objectives.
Continuous Improvement: Can lead others in identifying and implementing major improvements and proactively drive continuous improvement across the organization.
Comprehension of the inner workings of a company, including its market positioning, competitive dynamics, and operational processes, to inform decision-making and drive sustainable growth. - Expert
Ability to oversee and direct projects to completion, ensuring goals are met, resources are utilized efficiently, and stakeholders are satisfied. - Expert
Ability to identify and mitigate risks, aligning with the responsibility of safeguarding the organization’s operations and reputation. - Expert
Proficiency in building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive strategic initiatives and organizational success. - Expert
Skilled in strategic planning and implementation. - Expert
Skilled in providing guidance and mentorship to teams to enhance their performance and support their professional development. - Expert
Completed Master's Degree in Education Leadership, Business or a related field, or relevant work experience required
Minimum 5+ years of experience working in an academic or research institution in a senior role, with Education Affairs experience preferred
4+ years of experience in a management position required
Ability to travel to SHI, Partner, and Customer Events
Ability to travel 50%
Technical experience and familiarity with education technology history, issues and marketplace.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement operational strategies that align with organizational objectives, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness across all business functions.
Lead and manage the business operations team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Oversee resource allocation and operational budgeting, ensuring optimal utilization of assets to achieve business goals.
Monitor and evaluate operational performance through data-driven metrics and analytics to drive improvements and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and enhance operational workflows, improving service delivery and customer satisfaction.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to support operational initiatives and drive organizational success.
Ensure compliance with operational policies, procedures, and standards, safeguarding the organization’s integrity and reputation.
Identify and mitigate operational risks through comprehensive risk management strategies and contingency planning.
Drive innovation in operational practices, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance productivity and performance.
Report on operational performance and strategic initiatives to senior leadership, providing insights and recommendations for future planning.