Director, Strategic Initiatives

Access•Dearborn, MI

13h•Onsite

About The Position

Under limited supervision, the Director of Strategic Initiatives leads and coordinates organization-wide strategic priorities, and cross-functional initiatives. This role partners with executive leadership, department directors, internal teams, along with external stakeholders to turn strategic goals into actionable plans, track progress, improve operational alignment, and support organizational growth, sustainability, and impact. The Director uses strong project management, analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills to advance initiatives aligned with the organization�s mission, vision, and long-term objectives.

Requirements

Knowledge of strategic planning principles and practices
Knowledge of nonprofit organizations
Knowledge of project and change management
Knowledge of performance measurement and continuous improvement
Knowledge of budgeting and resource planning
Knowledge of stakeholder engagement
Knowledge of data-informed decision making
Knowledge of grant planning and reporting
Knowledge of organizational policies, procedures, and compliance expectations
Knowledge of operating standard office equipment and using required software applications for program area and other applications, including Microsoft Office
Skills in managing complex projects
Skills in analyzing information and developing recommendations
Skills in preparing clear written reports and presentations
Skills in facilitating meetings
Skills in building collaborative relationships
Skills in organizing priorities and timelines
Skills in communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders
Skills in exercising sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism
Ability to translate strategic goals into actionable work plans
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Ability to influence and coordinate across departments without direct authority
Ability to maintain attention to detail while keeping a broad organizational perspective
Ability to identify risks and develop practical solutions
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to demonstrate cultural competency and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels of the organization
Bachelor�s Degree
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, project management, nonprofit administration, operations, organizational development, program management, or a related field, including experience leading cross-functional projects and working with senior leadership.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree preferred
Supervisory or team leadership experience is preferred
Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred
Change Management preferred
Lean Six Sigma preferred
Nonprofit management preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of strategic initiatives that advance organizational priorities and long-term goals
Collaborate with executive leadership and department leaders to define project scope, objectives, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and measures of success
Coordinate cross-functional teams to implement initiatives effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational priorities
Monitor progress on strategic projects, identify risks or barriers, recommend solutions, and ensure timely follow-through on action items
Develop reports, presentations, dashboards, briefing materials, and updates for senior leadership, committees, funders, board members, and other stakeholders, as needed
Support organizational planning efforts, including strategic planning, annual planning, performance improvement, workforce planning, and change management initiatives
Analyze data, trends, performance measures, and operational information to support decision-making and continuous improvement
Facilitate meetings, workgroups, and planning sessions to gather input, align stakeholders, and advance initiatives
Strengthen internal communication and coordination across departments to promote collaboration, accountability, and shared understanding of strategic priorities
Assist with the development, review, and improvement of organizational processes, policies, workflows, and systems related to assigned initiatives
Build and maintain effective relationships with community partners, funders, consultants, vendors, and other external stakeholders
Support fundraising strategies and identify funding opportunities that promote organizational growth and program sustainability
Identify opportunities to expand program impact and sustainability through fee-for-service offerings, workshops, partnerships, and other revenue-generating strategies
Support grant-related planning, proposal development, reporting, and implementation activities connected to strategic priorities
Track budgets, resources, timelines, and deliverables for assigned initiatives in collaboration with Finance, program leadership, and other departments
Provide leadership, guidance, and support to assigned staff, project teams, or workgroups to foster a high-performing, collaborative, and mission-driven culture
Represent the organization with professionalism and support efforts that enhance visibility, advocacy, and community engagement
Ensure assigned initiatives comply with applicable legal, regulatory, ethical, and organizational standards
Maintain current knowledge of nonprofit sector trends, community needs, best practices, and emerging opportunities relevant to strategic initiatives
Operate standard office equipment and use required software applications proficiently
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned