How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration and must be included as the first page of your resume.

The University of Michigan Development Community is committed to growing and retaining a diverse and thriving workforce, demonstrating respect and inclusivity for all.

To be considered you must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring university sponsorship for continued employment.

Note: While work arrangements are flexible, all new employees are expected to be within commutable distance to the Ann Arbor campus.

Summary

As the Senior Executive Director, Organizational Strategy, you will develop and direct the strategic and long-range goals of the Office of University Development (OUD) to support fundraising success for the University of Michigan Development Community. You will be a convener of culture, DEI, annual planning, internal communications and special initiatives. You will lead change management efforts for OUD and help position us for long-term success.

You will be a member of the OUD Leadership Team and report directly to the Chief Operating Officer serving as an important partner in helping achieve the strategic goals and vision for philanthropy at the University of Michigan. The Senior Executive Director will use the principles of positive organizational scholarship to lead and develop direct reports and team members to promote a culture of engagement and belonging.

You will supervise: Director of Annual Planning & Strategy; Strategic Resource Management Project Manager

Click here to review the full job description.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Responsibilities*

OUD Annual Planning and Strategic Planning 40%

• Partner with other senior level leaders to help determine appropriate organizational staffing plans, annual goals, visions, and strategic plans for OUD and the resources needed to achieve them
• Provide leadership for annual and strategic planning for OUD.  Involve schools/colleges/units in the planning process to ensure community awareness.
• Ensure tracking and reporting of progress toward OUD goals and plans
• Oversight of OUD-wide projects and coordination of efforts
• Partner with the Sr. Executive Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to ensure DEI progress and strategy is integrated in organizational plans
• Collaborate with the People & Culture team to advance strategic workforce planning efforts
• Provide leadership to the Organizational Strategy team and associated processes that help inform and prioritize the work of the organization and OUD's annual and strategic plan

Change Management and Internal Communications (40%)

• Partner with OUD Marketing and Communications team to design and implement a comprehensive internal communications strategy
• Develop strategy and lead planning for organization-wide internal meetings, retreats and gatherings that inform, engage, and promote the goals of OUD and the Development Community  
• Evaluate potential risks for organizational change and create applicable strategies to reduce those risks.
• Collaborate with team leaders to support communication and change management in a manner that ensures clarity, consistency and transparency
• Ensure organizational and internal communications strategies are aligned and integrated with DEI/culture work

Special initiatives (10%)

• Implementation and ongoing review of operating model and core operations portfolio to support development community success
• Partner with other leaders to anticipate and develop resourcing plans to support university priorities.
• Help navigate and assess ongoing growth and resourcing requests within OUD and the development community overall.
• Support Chief Operating Officer & Chief of Staff and the VP for Development on other special projects

Leadership & Additional Duties (10%)

• Represent and participate with the OUD Leadership Team
• Serve on and lead University and OUD task forces and planning committees
• Be the OUD Leadership Team Liaison for schools, colleges, and units as assigned
• Provide leadership to a team of professionals to promote high levels of job effectiveness, engagement and retention
• Promote DEI values and a positive culture
• Complete other projects as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• 7+ years of experience in the following areas: organizational strategy, strategic planning, internal communications, change management or other related fields.
• Demonstrated management skills and success leading a team toward a common goal, providing mentoring, inspiring innovation and promoting a positive culture where staff can be their best selves while doing their best work
• Deep commitment to discussing, integrating, and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion throughout a complex and dynamic organization
• Design and implement internal communications strategies and articulate messages, information and ideas to a diverse audience of people, leading to shared understanding
• Project management skills, including a commitment to and track record in leading cross-organizational projects. 
• Develop and implement long and short-term strategies and change management initiatives.
• A commitment to open communication, transparency and relationship building
• Handle confidential materials and situations with sensitivity and discretion.
• Working knowledge of personal computers, Office Suite, Google Suite, and database software.
• Experience navigating a complex and decentralized organization while influencing across teams and reporting lines.

Application Deadline

Although the posting end date may indicate otherwise, this job may be filled and closed anytime after a posting duration and seven calendar days.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.