Director for Strategic Initiatives - Military Veterans

Position Overview

The Director for Strategic Initiatives (SI) is a critical member of the Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare's (MICW) team who works collaboratively to drive, facilitate and support strategic projects, directives and initiatives. The SI Director provides strategic advice and counsel, possesses a high level of technical knowledge, integrity, and demonstrates competency in cross cultural work. This position reports directly to MICW's Executive Director and works in partnership with the Associate Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) and the UMN Co-Director of the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA).

In addition, the SI Director provides consultation across the organization for diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion (DEIJ) strategic planning and capacity building. By working directly with the MICW's Executive Director, Associate Executive Director of CASCW, and the UMN Co-Director of MNCWTA, the SI Director strives to advance the priorities of the Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare and the missions of the School of Social Work, College of Education and Human Development, and the University of Minnesota.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities of an Ideal Candidate:
Demonstrated leadership ability and success in building a team, including working with and through others to accomplish goals
Ability to manage and maintain sensitive and confidential information
Knowledge of strategic management concepts, business practices, and principles
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated record of establishing effective working relationships with diverse populations and functions, both internal and external to the University
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, work efficiently, and meet deadlines

This is a 100%, 12-months annually renewable appointment in the academic and administrative personnel series. The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Advisor and Counsel to the Executive Director (60%)

• Lead area teams and MICW's organizations in regular strategic planning efforts â" refining and updating existing plans and initiating new areas of work as determined by the needs of the organization(s).
• Assess strategic growth opportunities and initiatives to plan and develop strategic objectives for the MICW across the field of state, national and international child welfare. Develop and monitor key organizational performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of strategic initiatives and programs.
• Assess a variety of data input to verify opportunities vs strategic goals. Lead the MICW team in analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
• Partner with the Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare's communication team in its liaison work on internal and external outreach and strategic communication. Develop strategic presentations, speeches, and other communications to internal and external stakeholders.
• Advise on the development and implementation of organizational policies, procedures, and practices in alignment with university policy.
• Identify and assess complex problems using integrative solutions including the intersections and interdependencies between staff, technology, processes, and resources.

• Identify, coordinate, and maintain strategic liaison relationships throughout the MICW in relation to the complimentary DIJE work within each sub-organization.
• Provide support and advice to the Executive Director and the senior leadership team (SLT) to drive DIJE strategy and capacity building efforts across its sub-organizations.
• Assist CASCW and MNCWTA leaders/supervisors, as well as SSW faculty and staff with DIJE strategic planning and action.
• Lead initiatives aimed at building capacity for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the university system.
• Foster collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance the Institute's DIJE goals and objectives.
• Support the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that support the Institute's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• BA/BS degree, plus six (6) years of relevant professional experience
• Ability to communicate effectively, succinctly, and persuasively in writing, orally, and interpersonally
• Demonstrated commitment and contribution to fostering and advancing diversity and inclusiveness

• Advanced degree in a related field
• Prior professional experience in strategic administrative positions
• Demonstrated effective leadership skills and excellent organizational and managerial abilities
• Knowledge of and experience with University of Minnesota policies, systems, and procedures, and a working understanding of different levels of the University governance system