Director Of Strategic Initiatives Jobs in Massachusetts

Overview:

Tufts University’s School of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is seeking a Director of Strategy & Analysis to serve as a trusted strategic partner to the Executive Administrative Dean (EAD) and the Dean’s Office. This role leads strategic initiative planning, analysis, and decision-support efforts for Tufts’ largest and most complex school, supporting academic, administrative, and operational priorities across multiple campuses and entities.

The School of Arts and Sciences is Tufts University’s largest school, comprising undergraduate programs, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), and studio art programs through the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts (SMFA at Tufts). The A&S Dean’s Office oversees academic departments and programs, student services, administrative units, and facilities across two campuses.

Within the Dean’s Office, the Executive Administrative Dean’s (EAD) Office is responsible for financial oversight, strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources, and facilities planning across A&S, GSAS, SMFA at Tufts, and the AS&E Shared Division.

Please review the Application Instructions under “What We’re Looking For” for specific guidance on submitting your cover letter.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

The Director oversees high-impact, cross-unit initiatives; provides rigorous financial and strategic analysis; develops executive-level materials; and helps translate strategy into action. This is an ideal opportunity for a strategic, analytical leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven academic environment and enjoys working closely with senior leaders to shape outcomes.

Key Responsibilities include:

Strategic Initiative Leadership

• Lead and manage complex, cross-functional strategic initiatives in partnership with the Executive Administrative Dean, the Dean’s Office, and academic and administrative leadership.
• Own the full initiative lifecycle, including scoping, planning, analysis, stakeholder engagement, implementation strategy, and execution.
• Develop project plans, timelines, governance structures, and communication materials to support effective decision-making and implementation.

Strategic, Financial, and Business Analysis

• Lead and/or oversee strategic, financial, and business analyses to support recurring and ad hoc leadership decisions.
• Develop scopes and analytical frameworks, including key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboards, and decision-support reports.
• Provide strategic financial insight, business review, and budgetary decision support for a portfolio of programs and initiatives within the Dean’s Office.

Executive Decision Support & Communication

• Serve as a key advisor to the Executive Administrative Dean on strategy, operations, and business processes.
• Develop high-quality executive-level materials that synthesize complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Present analyses and recommendations to senior leaders and other executive audiences.

Stakeholder Engagement & Process Improvement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with academic leaders, administrators, and university partners.
• Represent the Dean’s Office on university-wide committees and initiatives, as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, workflows, and decision-making practices, supporting continuous improvement across the organization.

Team & Project Leadership

• Lead and coordinate teams supporting priority initiatives, including analysts and project staff, as applicable.
• Balance individual contribution with leadership of teams and workstreams in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

Application Instructions:

Please submit a resume and cover letter (two page max). In your cover letter, please address the following prompts using specific examples from your experience:

1.) Describe an initiative where you conducted high level analysis to inform decision making by senior leaders. What question were you addressing, and how did your work shape the outcome?

2.) Describe a complex, cross functional initiative you led or coordinated across multiple stakeholder groups, particularly in a setting with evolving priorities or structure.

We encourage concise, focused responses rather than general statements of interest.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge and experience typically acquired by: Bachelor’s degree
• At least 7 years of related professional experience, including demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and providing strategic analysis to senior leaders.
• Strong financial, business, and strategic analysis skills, including business case development, ROI analysis, and KPI development.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to synthesize data into clear, executive-ready written and verbal recommendations.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholders and senior leadership.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, empathy, and ability to handle confidential information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; experience with project management tools a plus.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in or with higher education institutions.
• Background in management consulting, strategy, or operations consulting.
• Experience with change management and project implementation.
• Prior experience managing teams or leading project-based staff.

SALARY RANGE: Minimum $141,000.00, Midpoint $176,300.00, Maximum $211,500.00