Job Posting Title: Special Advisor for Strategic Initiatives
Job Description:
Overview:
The Special Advisor to the President for Strategic Initiatives provides a full range of support to the President to complement efficient delivery of a variety of strategic and executive initiatives including strategic planning, institutional relations, and other special initiatives. Responsible for leading, in conjunction with the President, the development of the institutional strategic plan, community relationships, and various initiatives aimed at the systemic transformation of the educational, operational, financial, and community engagement efforts of the institution.
As a member of KGI's University Leadership Council, the Special Advisor for Strategic Initiatives sets a high standard for integrity, demonstrates strategic leadership, provides innovative problem-solving, is an effective communicator, represents the institution professionally, and demonstrates respect for diversity and a strong commitment to customer service.
Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to education and research related to the applied life sciences. KGI offers innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates that integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, and genetics, focusing on industry projects, hands-on industry experiences, and team collaborations. KGI employs an entrepreneurial approach and industry connections that allow students to become leaders in healthcare and the applied life sciences.
Located in beautiful Claremont, California, KGI is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors, and personalized instruction. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money and U.S. News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.
Education and Experience:
A Master's degree in business administration, communications, or a related field and a minimum of five (5) years' experience working in administrative functions are required. A strategy development support role and/or administrative experience in academic institutions is preferred.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position successfully or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Strategic Plan. Lead the development and implementation of KGI strategic plan to transition the institution into its next phase of success through strategic focus, operational maturity, and financial stability.
Strategic Plan Development: Lead the process of identifying and articulating KGI's long and short-term vision and goals with internal and external constituencies. Lead the development of strategic and tactical institutional plans to achieve the set goals.
Strategic Plan Implementation and Delivery: Function as the logistics lead for the President, working across divisions to align the delivery of strategic initiatives, and support the tracking and reporting of KPIs. Represent the President in communicating strategy, goals, and progress to internal and external constituents. Supports the President's efforts and the institutional commitment to promoting equity and diversity on campus, and to continually enhance campus climate.
University Relations. Lead the development of presidential and institutional relationships with government officials and community leaders to expand KGI's role and opportunities in the local and global communities.
Government Relations: Develop and lead government relations strategy, including developing regular communications and collaborations with local, state, and federal officials to further the university's mission. Represent the university, as needed, locally and regionally.
Community Relations: Build a strong platform to connect and coordinate relationships across the different functional divisions with other Claremont colleges, universities, community organizations, and international delegations. Develop a robust and consistent procedure for building, maintaining, and growing external relations to add value to the institution, its students, and its faculty.
International Academic Relations: In collaboration with the Provost, build a strong platform to connect and coordinate relationships for KGI with international academic institutions to expand KGI's academic pathways and footprint.
Institutional Planning and Policy Development. In collaboration with the President's Cabinet, institutional planning, policy development, and problem resolution. Gather, investigate, conduct research, analyze, and/or study institutional information.
Strategic Advisor to the President. Serve as a senior advisor to the President and lead and coordinate special projects as assigned by the President. Coordinate special projects on behalf of the President.
Other Duties as assigned by the President.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position successfully, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Entrepreneurial spirit and support for innovation and change.
Strong interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills.
Broad administrative functional experience, knowledge and skills in all relevant areas, including organizational development, strategic planning, program development, and relationship building.
Experience investigating and analyzing information and drawing conclusions, gathering data, compile information, and prepare reports for executives.
Excellent management, human relations, budget management, and problem-solving skills, as well as a sophisticated understanding of current trends in enrollment in higher education.
Must be analytical, data-informed, and results-oriented.
Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
Demonstrates experience producing and detailed analyses related to strategic planning and development.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruiting plans and practices.
Proven track record of success in facilitating brand awareness, and deploying communication, and marketing strategies.
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire institutional constituencies.
Demonstrated collaboration skills to involve faculty, staff, and students.
A record of leading programs and initiatives that involve strong and diverse teams, including the ability to inspire, and mentor team members toward meeting aggressive institutional goals.
Ability to travel and work weekends as needed to represent the Institute at recruitment events.
Special Requirements
Keck Graduate Institute has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza Vaccination Program covering all employees and students. Employees must submit proof of vaccination or an Institute-approved exception or deferral to comply with the policy.
Hours, Classification, and Status:
This is a regular, full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position.
The regular hours of this position are Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Hours may vary due to the needs of the College or department.
Salary range: $140,000 -$170,000 annualized. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
Special Requirements: Keck Graduate Institute has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza Vaccination Program covering all employees and students. Employees must submit proof of vaccination, an Institute-approved exception, or deferral to comply with the policy.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans. Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity is required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example, to lift or move office supplies, files, books, and packages. Ability to drive locally. Occasionally, will be required to stand for prolonged periods of time at activities/events on and off-campus.
To Apply:
A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. To be ensured full consideration, please upload a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:
Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment. KGI strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
The Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and Claremont University Consortium, which provides shared institutional support services, is reminiscent of the Oxford-Cambridge model. The undergraduate colleges include Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, and Pitzer College. The two graduate institutions include Claremont Graduate University and Keck Graduate Institute.