Director of Executive Projects

The Director of Executive Projects is a pivotal leadership role within the Office of the Chancellor and is responsible for driving strategic initiatives and managing a portfolio of high-priority executive projects. This role is responsible for ensuring that projects align with organizational goals set by the executive leadership, including the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, and the Board of Trustees. The Director leads projects and project teams, orchestrates project planning, execution, and delivery, develops staff, and maintains a high level of stakeholder engagement both internally and externally. This position reports directly to the Chief of Staff to the Chancellor.

 

The Office of the Chancellor at Vanderbilt University is committed to upholding the University's vision by excelling in management, strategic initiatives, and operational success. The unit embodies the core values and mission of the university, working closely with key stakeholders to address complex issues that span across the University and its affiliates as well as coordinating with the Board of Trustees on complex and cross-institutional issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and management for a portfolio of high-impact executive projects from conception to completion, ensuring alignment with university objectives and stakeholder expectations.
• Lead cross-functional projects and project teams and manage resources, scopes, risks, and changes effectively.
• Develop and build relationships with senior-level stakeholders, external partners, and vendors to ensure effective collaboration and project success.
• Ensure thorough tracking, analysis, and reporting of project progress against key performance metrics to inform executive decisions.
• Enhance project management capabilities across the organization through mentorship, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Produce and disseminate high-level project communications, ensuring clarity and alignment across all levels of the organization.
• Advocate for building a project management culture committed to excellence, collaboration, and agility.
• Maintain robust project governance, develop methodologies, and guide the execution of project activities within time, budget, and quality constraints
• Conduct research, and prepare reports, white papers, and documentation for executive review.
• Proactively identify, analyze, and resolve administrative, financial, and operational issues, adapting to a rapidly changing environment.
• Make informed decisions and judgments on complex tasks while prioritizing multiple, concurrent projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required. A master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Equivalent professional certification in project management, e.g. PMP, is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in a senior project management role is required, preferably within higher education is necessary.
• A proven record of managing large, complex initiatives in a leadership role is essential.
• Demonstrated ability in strategic planning, risk management, and organizational change management is necessary.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies, techniques, standards, and tools is necessary.
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience directing teams and influencing senior management is necessary.
• Outstanding communication skills; adept at engaging and aligning diverse stakeholder groups is necessary.
• Demonstrated acumen in decision-making under pressure, handling confidential information, and navigating complex organizational structures is necessary.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to utilize data effectively in project planning and execution is necessary.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

 

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.