Director of Planning and Strategy

Colby College • Colby, KS

1d • $94,000 - $110,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Planning and Strategy advances the institution's strategic priorities and supports the Office of the President. Reporting to the Vice President of Planning and Strategy, the Director partners closely with the Vice President and Chief of Staff, the President, senior leaders, and colleagues across the College to lead complex, cross-functional projects and institutional planning processes. The Director helps translate institutional priorities into action, moving initiatives from concept through execution. This includes conducting research and complex analyses; developing high-quality written and visual materials to support institutional planning and decision-making; and leading the development and pursuit of external funding opportunities, including foundation and government support, for core College priorities. The position requires the ability to work independently, navigate complex institutional issues, and lead through collaboration and influence across multiple areas of the College.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, higher education administration, project or program management, institutional strategy, external funding development, consulting, public policy, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex projects or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and organizational units.
• Demonstrated experience conducting research and analysis and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Experience developing high level written materials, presentations, proposals, or executive communications.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced Degree preferred.
• Experience working in higher education or another complex, mission driven organization.
• Experience developing successful foundation, government, or other external funding proposals.
• Experience supporting senior executives, governing boards, or institutional strategic planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead College-wide strategic initiatives, including developing work plans, coordinating stakeholders, establishing timelines and deliverables, tracking progress, and helping drive projects through to completion.
• Serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership on initiatives and projects, providing analysis, recommendations, and regular updates to help advance institutional priorities.
• Conduct research, benchmarking, analysis, and planning studies to inform institutional priorities, evaluate opportunities, and support decision making.
• Lead the development and pursuit of external funding opportunities, including foundation and government support, in partnership with Advancement, the Office of Sponsored Programs & Scholarship, the President and senior leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Research and assess external funding opportunities, develop proposals and supporting materials, coordinate internal input, support relationships with external funding partners, and manage related timelines and follow up.
• Draft, edit, design, and curate reports, presentations, briefing materials, decision documents, and other written and visual materials for the President, senior leadership, and Board of Trustees.
• Facilitate and participate in meetings, committees, and planning processes; represent the Office of the President and other senior leadership on assigned matters at campus meetings and with external organizations and agencies.
• Develop and maintain productive and effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, external partners, and other members of the College community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director