Strategic Initiatives Specialist

Krause Group•Des Moines, IA

17h

About The Position

The Strategic Initiatives Specialist supports the execution of the Founder�s strategic priorities through research, analysis, executive materials, and cross-functional project coordination. Reporting to the Manager, Founder�s Office, this hands-on individual contributor independently drives assigned initiatives from planning through completion, proactively identifying gaps, risks, and issues requiring leadership direction. The role works through coordination and influence and does not have independent authority to direct portfolio businesses, commit resources, approve investments, or communicate on behalf of the Founder unless specifically authorized.

Requirements

2+ years of experience in strategic initiatives, project coordination, business analysis, consulting, executive-office support, or a related field.
Bachelor�s degree in business, finance, economics, communications, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to research unfamiliar topics and synthesize complex information.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise, executive-ready presentations and briefing materials.
Ability to translate ambiguous priorities into organized workplans, clear deliverables, and actionable next steps.
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders.
Proficiency with spreadsheets, presentation software, and project-tracking tools.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across organizational levels and functions.
Demonstrated initiative, ownership, resourcefulness, and consistent follow-through.
Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information.
Ability to work independently while recognizing when to seek direction or escalate risks.
Learning agility and adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving, multi-industry environment.
Strategic and enterprise-minded, with strong attention to detail and a practical bias toward execution.

Nice To Haves

2+ years of experience conducting research, developing executive-ready materials, and coordinating cross-functional projects preferred.
Experience supporting senior leaders or working on confidential, time-sensitive initiatives preferred.
Experience in a multi-business, investment, family-owned, or international organization preferred.

Responsibilities

Execute assigned Founder�s Office initiatives by translating priorities into clear workplans, deliverables, milestones, and next steps.
Coordinate cross-functional workstreams, track commitments, and follow up with stakeholders to maintain momentum.
Identify risks, dependencies, and stalled decisions; escalate matters requiring leadership direction to the Manager, Founder�s Office.
Drive initiatives through completion, closure, or transition to the appropriate business or functional owner.
Conduct targeted business, industry, market, competitor, and portfolio research.
Analyze and synthesize financial, operational, qualitative, and external information into concise, executive-ready insights.
Prepare decision briefs outlining key facts, options, assumptions, risks, tradeoffs, and recommended next steps.
Verify the accuracy and completeness of information presented to Founder�s Office and senior leadership.
Prepare presentations, briefings, dashboards, pre-reads, talking points, and other executive materials.
Gather and organize information from business and functional leaders for priority meetings and decisions.
Document decisions, action items, owners, deadlines, and follow-up requirements.
Provide research and drafting support for selected communications and stakeholder engagements in partnership with the appropriate functional owners.
Develop a working understanding of Krause Group businesses, priorities, leaders, and key developments.
Gather and organize portfolio information to support enterprise visibility and Founder�s Office priorities.
Coordinate information and follow-through across portfolio leaders, shared services, external partners, and advisors.
Identify cross-business connections, dependencies, opportunities, and matters requiring leadership awareness.
Maintain project plans, status dashboards, decision logs, action registers, and supporting documentation.
Monitor deadlines, deliverables, decisions, and outstanding commitments across assigned initiatives.
Prepare regular updates highlighting progress, upcoming priorities, risks, overdue actions, and decisions needed.
Develop templates and recommend process improvements that strengthen Founder�s Office execution and information flow.
Execute time-sensitive, confidential, or emerging assignments that may not fit within an established function.
Quickly build knowledge of unfamiliar topics and organize the research, stakeholders, and actions needed to advance the work.
Identify and elevate material operational, financial, legal, reputational, or stakeholder risks.
Handle sensitive information with discretion and follow applicable approval processes, records practices, and organizational boundaries.
Support selected Growth & Investments assignments through research and project coordination without duplicating that team�s investment or transaction responsibilities.