Director - Strategic Initiatives

TDS Telecom

About The Position

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact? As the Director – Strategic Initiatives, you will lead high‑impact, cross‑functional programs that accelerate TDS Telecom's fiber deployment strategy and strengthen operational excellence across the organization. You will drive strategic planning, align stakeholders, and ensure disciplined project management and execution of flagship initiatives, including modernization of systems that support the full fiber build lifecycle. In this role, you will work closely with the Vice President – Growth & Transformation and senior leaders across the business to identify, incubate, and scale capabilities that enhance speed, efficiency, and overall performance. You will bring deep telecommunications expertise, experience in business transformation, and a strong understanding of investment strategy to advance initiatives that shape our operational future and fuel long‑term growth. This role requires consistent travel to Madison, WI, to collaborate with senior leaders and engage directly with key stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
8+ years’ experience in telecommunications or a related industry.
5+ years’ experience leading business transformation and operational excellence initiatives.
Proven experience in project or change management.
Innovative mindset with a passion for improving customer experience and operational excellence.
Excellent strategic thinking, financial acumen and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced dynamic environment and drive change with a sense of urgency.

Responsibilities

Strategic Initiatives Leadership & Project Management
Develop, evaluate and accelerate enterprise initiatives that support the company’s objectives to build fiber, grow penetration and provide great customer and associate experiences.
Deliver high-priority initiatives and drive excellence in project management and value delivery.
Systems Modernization & Operational Efficiency
Provide execution leadership for projects to modernize fiber-related systems to increase automation, improve reporting, and enhance decision‑making across the end-to-end fiber-build to install process.
Identify and implement process redesign opportunities.
Capability Incubation & Transformation
Identify and align stakeholders on operational processes suitable for transformation through a build, operate, transfer model
Build and incubate new operational capabilities and transition them into permanent functions.
Promote and support a culture that aligns with the transformational goals. Address any barriers to change and work to build a positive and supportive work environment which includes ensuring smooth adoption by applicable business unit leaders to new processes and systems, risk identification and management and creating appropriate mitigation plans around them.
Stakeholder & Executive Engagement
Influence senior leaders cross-functionally without relying on direct line authority.
Establish clear communication strategies, executive updates, and cross‑functional alignment mechanisms.
Engage with external stakeholders including outside service providers, and strategic vendors.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting
Monitor metrics and Key Performance Measures (KPMs) and analyze progress and impact of strategic initiatives against business case expectations.
Provide regular updates and reports to functional leadership on the status and outcomes of the initiatives.