Job Description
SVP & Chief Strategy Officer - Office of the President
Howard University
Washington, DC 20059
Howard University Mission
Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world.
Position Compensation
Salary commensurate with qualifications, education & University guidelines.
Position Information
BASIC FUNCTION:
The Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Strategy officer will be has the responsibility for implementation of the University’s strategic plan; Howard Forward. In addition, the position will provide oversight of External Affairs as it relates to the federal government and for real estate as it relates to our non-core assets. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for improving efficiency and implementing solution-oriented processes. S/he is a member of the Executive Team and Cabinet and reports to President. As a member of Executive Team, this position participates in the overall organizational strategy, management and policy formation.
The Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer is responsible for programs and communications that foster a greater understanding of the institution and its mission. The SVP is responsible for understanding federal/state funding and budgetary processes, the legislative process and the ability to effectively discuss complex issues and priorities with members of the public.
The position will be responsible for developing the overall strategy for implementing Howard Forward and leading the team to a successful implementation of same.
SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:
Supervises multiple functions and professional and administrative staff, with responsibility for effective operations, setting performance objectives and achieving measurable results.
NATURE AND SCOPE:
Internal contacts include University president, cabinet officers, deans and directors of the colleges/schools/institutes, other administrators, faculty, students and staff. External contacts include other university and college administrators, vendors, and representatives of national, community and neighborhood associations.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Work with cabinet officers, deans and other administrators to develop and implement a comprehensive outreach strategy to corporate philanthropy organizations
Track and report developments related to corporate giving and philanthropies to proactively identify and strategically engage for development purposes. Communicate regularly with the University community to inform on relevant national and community issues.
Apprise and update regularly University officials and staff on news and events related to the institution’s corporate relations activities and respond to requests for information.
Advance the University’s development and messaging across various stakeholder groups including chambers of commerce, trade associations, corporate affinity groups and foundations and their staffs to drive investment in the University’s academic, research and workforce development goals.
Communicate and advocate University priorities to relevant stakeholders.
Develop a wide range of materials in support of the University’s development and crisis communications agenda, such as talking points, case summaries, factsheets, public remarks, reports and letters.
Provide strategic guidance and assistance to University officers, administrators, faculty and other staff.
Supervise professional, administrative and technical support staff and independent contractors. Train and evaluate subordinate staff as necessary.
Performs other duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Strong analytical and technical skills, and familiarity with standard computer applications, database management and statistical analysis.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to interact with diverse groups of constituents.
Excellent planning, organizational, and management skills with demonstrated collaboration and team leadership.
Ability and willingness to delegate effectively and to hold direct reports accountable.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with University officials, administrators, faculty, other staff, corporate officials and their staff, and the general public.
Ability to work with individuals at all levels of the university to develop workable programs and provide outstanding services.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 10-15 years of progressively responsible experience is required. A master’s degree and experience in government is preferred and high level executive administrative experience in similar organizations.
Excellent written and communication skills including interfacing with the public, Board of Trustees and the broader Howard University community.
Experience with budget and contract development, management, administration, resource development, and working with Federal Agencies.
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 to be construed as a contract for employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280.