Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Brandeis University • Waltham, MA

15h • Hybrid

About The Position

Brandeis University is seeking a highly organized, collaborative, and forward-thinking Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives to work directly with the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration (EVPFA). This unique role offers the opportunity to influence university-wide initiatives while serving as a trusted partner to one of the institution's senior leaders. This is more than a project management position. It is an opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of a leading research university, work across diverse academic and administrative functions, and help advance initiatives that have a lasting impact on the Brandeis community. If you enjoy managing complex projects, building relationships across organizations, and balancing strategic priorities with operational excellence, we encourage you to apply. The Office of Finance and Administration plays a critical role in supporting the University's mission and long-term success. As Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives, you will help move key priorities from concept to implementation by coordinating projects, facilitating collaboration, improving processes, and supporting executive decision-making. Working closely with the EVPFA, you will serve as a trusted thought partner and project leader, helping ensure that important initiatives remain organized, aligned, and successfully executed. This position offers exceptional visibility across the University and exposure to a broad range of strategic, operational, and administrative issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in project management, executive administration, program management, administrative leadership, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while partnering effectively with senior leadership.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project execution capabilities.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, Project Management, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience supporting executives at the Vice President level or above.
• Experience in higher education or another complex, mission-driven organization.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies, process improvement, and organizational change initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Initiatives: Manage high-priority projects and initiatives sponsored by the EVPFA. Develop project plans, timelines, milestones, and implementation strategies. Monitor progress, identify risks, and help remove barriers to success. Coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure alignment among stakeholders. Prepare executive updates, project reports, and implementation recommendations.
• Drive Process Improvement: Analyze existing workflows and identify opportunities for greater efficiency and effectiveness. Develop tools, dashboards, and tracking systems that improve visibility and accountability. Support policy development and implementation efforts. Research emerging practices and recommend innovative approaches to operational challenges.
• Partner with Leaders Across Campus: Build collaborative relationships with faculty, administrators, and staff across the University. Facilitate communication and coordination among project participants and leadership stakeholders. Prepare presentations, briefing materials, reports, and executive communications. Help foster alignment and engagement around institutional priorities.
• Support Executive Effectiveness: Coordinate executive scheduling, meetings, and travel logistics. Prepare agendas, presentations, briefing materials, and supporting documentation. Draft correspondence and communications on behalf of the EVPFA. Anticipate needs, manage priorities, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Handle confidential and sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Strengthen Office Operations: Coordinate leadership meetings, retreats, and special projects. Track action items and ensure follow-through on key initiatives. Support budget monitoring, record management, and operational reporting. Contribute to a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level