Strategic Initiatives Manager

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

The Faculty Practice Plan is seeking a Strategic Initiatives Manager who serves as a key partner to the CEO and COO of the Faculty Practice Plan, supporting the execution of organizational priorities through coordination of strategic initiatives, special projects, and executive operations. This role works closely with executive and senior leaders to facilitate project planning, monitor progress toward goals, and ensure effective communication and follow-through across the organization.

In addition to managing strategic initiatives, the Strategic Initiatives Manager provides executive-level support to the CEO by coordinating activities, managing priorities, preparing materials for leadership meetings, and facilitating communication with internal and external stakeholders. The role requires strong organizational, analytical, and relationship management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic academic healthcare environment.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

This position may oversee an office coordinator.  

NATURE AND SCOPE: The Strategic Initiatives Manager supports the CEO in the coordination and execution of strategic initiatives and organizational priorities impacting the Faculty Practice Plan. Working across multiple departments and stakeholder groups, the position facilitates project planning, monitors progress toward key objectives, coordinates communications, and promotes alignment with executive priorities.

The role serves as a liaison between executive leadership, physician leaders, department administrators, and external partners to support organizational effectiveness and timely execution of strategic initiatives. Responsibilities include managing special projects, preparing executive analyses and presentations, coordinating leadership meetings, tracking performance metrics relative to projects and initiatives, follow-up on action plans, and supporting implementation of decisions arising from executive and governance activities.

While the position does not have direct operational authority over departments, it exercises significant influence through coordination, facilitation, project leadership, and executive support activities that advance the strategic goals of the organization.

Internal Contacts

• FPP Executive and Senior leadership team

• Coordination of CEO’s calendar for meetings and activities across Howard University.

• FPP Clinical Department Chairs and Division Chiefs

• Clinical operations teams.

External Contacts

• Vendors for any initiatives and projects that are undertaken by executive and senior leadership teams.

• Calendar coordination for CEO meetings with external parties for FPP related activities.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Strategic Initiative Coordination

Supports the planning, execution, and monitoring of strategic initiatives and special projects sponsored by the CEO. Develops project timelines, work plans, and tracking mechanisms to ensure timely completion of objectives. Coordinates project meetings, stakeholder communications, and follow-up activities. Tracks milestones, deliverables, risks, and action items and provides status updates to leadership. Assists with process improvement initiatives and organizational change efforts. Conducts research, gathers data, and prepares analyses to support strategic decision-making.

Executive Support

Provides high-level administrative and operational support to the CEO. Manages executive calendar, meetings, and scheduling priorities. Prepares agendas, presentations, reports, and briefing materials. Coordinates leadership meetings and tracks action items requiring follow-up. Facilitate communication between the CEO and organizational stakeholders. Supports Board and committee meeting preparation as needed.

Organizational Coordination

Serves as a liaison between clinical, operational, and administrative leaders on behalf of the CEO. Supports implementation of executive decisions and strategic priorities. Coordinates cross-functional activities and ensures accountability for assigned initiatives. Assists with executive communications and organizational presentations.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Project Coordination & Implementation

Ability to organize and manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities. Can develop timelines, Gantt charts, and track milestones, while monitoring status of deliverables. Demonstrated accountability and follow-through on commitments and action items. Ability to anticipate risks and facilitate timely resolution of issues to keep projects and initiatives on schedule.

Executive Support & Operations

Ability to manage and support CEO level priorities and organizational demands. Coordinates complex schedules, meetings, and executive communications. Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates sound judgment in handling sensitive matters. Anticipates executive needs and proactively addresses challenges. High level of professionalism appropriate for supporting the CEO.

Relationship Management

Builds effective working relationships with physicians, administrators, faculty, and external stakeholders. Facilitate collaboration across departments and functions. Demonstrates diplomacy and professionalism when navigating competing priorities.

Communication Skills

Communicates clearly and effectively with individuals at all organizational levels. Develops executive presentations, reports, meeting materials, and correspondence.

Organizational Agility

Adapts quickly to changing priorities and emerging organizational needs. Manages multiple deadlines in a fast-paced healthcare environment. Demonstrates resilience and effectiveness under pressure.

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

Can analyze issues and identify practical solutions independently. Exercises independent judgment while escalating issues appropriately. Uses data and information to support recommendations and decision-making.

Attention to Detail

Produces accurate, high-quality work products. Maintains organized records, project documentation, and tracking systems. Ensures follow-through on commitments and deadlines.

Influence Without Authority

Drives progress through collaboration and effective communication. Strong organizational and influence ability to coordinate efforts across teams without direct supervisory authority. Encourages accountability and engagement among stakeholders.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor's degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant work experience may be substituted. Candidates currently pursuing a degree and possessing demonstrated experience in executive support, project coordination, healthcare operations, or strategic initiatives will be considered.

• Minimum of 2-5 years of progressively responsible administrative, operations, project coordination, healthcare, or executive support experience.

• Experience supporting senior leaders, executives, physicians, or department leadership preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects, initiatives, or workstreams simultaneously.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Excel.

The successful candidate will have demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, initiative, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to influence outcomes through coordination and relationship-building. Formal project management certification is not required. However, experience leading or coordinating projects and driving initiatives to completion is highly desirable.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not construed as a contract for employment. 

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Compensation Range: $95,000 - $115,000