Director, Strategic Initiatives

ServiceNow•Chicago, IL

2h•$173,200 - $303,100•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Strategic Initiatives is a cross-functional role responsible for driving the team’s most high-visibility engagement programs. This role serves as the operational and strategic engine behind the ServiceNow.org Strategic Advisory Board, marquee ServiceNow.org events/programs and select Corporate Affairs engagements. The ideal candidate combines executive-level presence, exceptional project management discipline, and the ability to innovate and translate strategic intent into flawless execution. The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter who thrives in ambiguity, drives alignment across diverse stakeholders, and leads through influence in a fast-paced global environment. Success in this role requires strategic acumen, exceptional program leadership, executive communications expertise, operational excellence, and a consistent focus on delivering measurable impact. Direct program scope includes: Strategic Advisory Board membership management and governance, 5–8 major annual events across ServiceNow.org portfolio, and Cross-functional team coordination spanning ServiceNow.org, Strategic Relations, Communications, Government Affairs, Global Impact, and Marketing.

Requirements

12+ years of progressive experience in strategic programs, corporate affairs, events, or executive communications.
Demonstrated track record managing complex, cross-functional programs at a global scale.
Experience supporting or engaging with C-suite executives and external senior stakeholders (board members, policymakers, NGO leaders).
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to develop executive-grade content.
Strong command of project management methodologies; proficiency with project tracking tools.
High emotional intelligence with the ability to influence without authority across functions and geographies.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an engagement related role within a Fortune 500 technology company.
Experience with Dynamics or equivalent CRM; understanding of lead management and marketing ops workflows.
Background in nonprofit or social impact programming a plus.

Responsibilities

Serve as the executive program lead for the ServiceNow.org Strategic Advisory Board, ensuring it operates as a high-impact governance and thought leadership body.
Lead end-to-end recruitment of 2+ new Board members, including candidate identification, executive vetting, and contracting.
Manage the relationship with current board members, keeping engaged and serving as main point of contact.
Develop and maintain onboarding collateral; ensure materials reflect current organizational strategy and priorities.
Own the Board meeting calendar, send pre-read packages, and manage logistics for in-person convenings including venue and facilities coordination.
Curate meeting agendas, commission content, and brief facilitators to ensure sessions drive strategic value.
Design and manage the Executive Dinner series tied to Board engagement and executive relationship-building.
Lead high-complexity, high-visibility strategic initiatives that span multiple business units, requiring executive stakeholder management and disciplined delivery.
Serve as Program Director for enterprise-wide strategic projects (e.g., World Works Initiative), aligning cross-functional teams to shared milestones.
Develop project charters, RACI frameworks, workstream plans, and executive status reporting.
Proactively identify risks, resolve blockers, and escalate appropriately to ensure on-time delivery.
Own post-event engagement tracking and ROI measurement frameworks; present results to senior leadership.
Act as the senior project lead for ServiceNow.org's event portfolio, ensuring cohesive execution, brand consistency, and measurable business outcomes.
Own end-to-end project management for key events including Knowledge, NetHope, World Forums, select Summits, and GovForum.
Drive bi-weekly project meetings, kick-off calls, KBYG sessions, and workstream check-ins with full accountability for action items and deadlines.
Manage sponsorship package timelines and ensure deliverables are met across internal and external partners.
Identify and develop key customer narratives and messaging for keynotes and sessions; source and prepare internal and external speakers.
Create executive-ready slides and talk tracks, lead speaker preparation and rehearsal processes.
Keep senior leadership informed with metrics dashboards and accountability frameworks.
Ensure CRM hygiene in Dynamics; activate post-event lead follow-up process in partnership with marketing.