Project Manager, Strategic Plan

Overview:

Quinnipiac University seeks an experienced, hands-on project management professional to support execution of the University's multi-year strategic plan and approximately $120 million in strategic operating and capital investments. This three-year term position is intended for someone who can work with leadership to translate strategic priorities into practical workplans, milestones, budget tracking, and clear accountability.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff with a dotted line to the President, the Project Manager will serve as the University's central coordinator for implementation. This individual will work closely with the President, Management Committee, Strategy Team sponsors, Finance, and other institutional partners to keep initiatives moving, decisions organized, and implementation work coordinated across academic and administrative areas.

The Project Manager, Strategic Plan will coordinate Strategy Teams, maintain implementation dashboards and reporting systems, identify risks and barriers, and support cross-functional collaboration across the University. This individual will help ensure strategic initiatives remain aligned, on schedule, within budget constraints, and focused on delivering measurable institutional results.

The ideal candidate will bring a track record of partnership to manage complex projects in large, matrixed organizations and the ability to become effective quickly in an academic environment. The role requires both sound project management judgment and a willingness to roll up one's sleeves to manage schedules, follow up on deliverables, and organize information.

About Quinnipiac:

Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university currently has an enrollment of 9,700 students in more than 100-degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Computing & Engineering, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing and the College of Arts & Sciences. Our 22 Division I teams have achieved remarkable success, boasting national and conference titles - including a 2023 NCAA national championship win in men's ice hockey, a trip to the Sweet 16 for our women's basketball team and NCAA Tournament appearances by many of our programs. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognized as a leader in public opinion research, and the university is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review. The Wall Street Journal ranked Quinnipiac #51 among the best colleges in the nation, and second in Connecticut, for our exceptional graduation rate, salary impact, learning facilities, career preparation and learning opportunities.

The university is in the midst of program expansion and renewal for both traditional and adult learners, the development of innovative strategic partnerships, and recently opened South Quad with three state-of-the-art buildings.

As Quinnipiac grows, the university remains guided by the core values that define our community and shapes the experience of every student and employee.

• We are fiercely committed to ensuring every Bobcat thrives. We are a lifelong partner for every learner.

• We passionately care about our community. Everyone should feel welcome and valued.

• We boldly shape our university's future. We will forge a path of impact together.

These values are the foundation of who we are and reflect the Quinnipiac spirit found across our campuses. For more information, please visit qu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Plan Execution & Governance

• Support implementation of the University's strategic plan and strategic investments through disciplined project management and follow-through

• Develop and maintain implementation plans, timelines, milestone trackers, decision logs, and accountability measures

• Support Management Committee strategic reviews and decision-making by preparing concise updates and documenting next steps

• Identify risks, barriers, delays, and dependencies and recommend practical corrective actions

Strategic Portfolio Leadership

• Track and report on a portfolio of approximately $120 million in strategic operating and capital investments, with attention to sequencing, resources, milestones, and budgets

• With the Finance Office, monitor budgets and alignment with institutional priorities

• Facilitate collaboration across divisions and manage cross-functional dependencies

Performance Measurement & Reporting

• With the Office of Institutional Research, develop and maintain practical dashboards and performance reporting tools

• Track progress against Board-level KPIs, strategic goals, milestones, and investment outcomes

• Support measurement and communication of the impact and return on strategic investments

• Prepare regular, concise implementation updates and clear options to support senior leadership decisions for the President, Management Committee, and Board of Trustees

• Gather and organize institutional performance information in areas such as student success, enrollment, reputation, philanthropy, technology, and financial sustainability

Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Identify implementation risks, resource constraints, organizational barriers, scheduling challenges, and budget pressures

• Develop practical mitigation strategies and escalation plans

• Facilitate regular progress reviews with initiative leaders and executive sponsors, ensuring action items are captured and advanced

• Recommend improvements that strengthen execution, accountability, communication, and organizational effectiveness

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required

• Master's degree preferred

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in project management, strategic implementation, consulting, higher education administration, organizational effectiveness, or senior operational support in a complex organization

• Experience supporting or managing large-scale strategic initiatives

• Experience developing project plans, milestone trackers, executive updates, KPI reporting, and accountability tools

• Strong financial awareness, analytical ability, communication, facilitation, organization, scheduling, and follow-through skills

• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into actionable workplans and measurable outcomes

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with a consulting, public-sector, nonprofit, or higher education advisory environment

• Professional certifications such as PMP, PgMP, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent

Special Instructions to Applicants:

TO APPLY:

Quinnipiac University is considering only those applicants who have valid authorization to work in the United States. Quinnipiac University does not sponsor employment-based visas for this position.

Applications must be submitted electronically and include a resume, a cover letter detailing how your experience aligns with the position requirements, demonstrated commitment to intentional leadership that values individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and contact information for three references.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $140,000-$160,000. At the time of offer, the final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, including relevant education, experience, skills, and competencies, as well as internal equity and market considerations. Quinnipiac University offers eligible full-time faculty and staff a comprehensive benefits package that may include health insurance, life insurance, paid time off, education benefits, and retirement benefits.

Quinnipiac University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and experience a strong sense of belonging.