Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Position Summary

The Manager, Strategic Initiatives serves as a trusted partner, ensuring the effective functioning of the Deputy CEO's office through, strategic coordination, stakeholder engagement, project follow-up, and executive communication support.

The role requires exceptional organizational ability, discretion, business acumen, strong communication skills, and the capability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced university environment involving academic, administrative, regulatory, industry, government, and international stakeholders.

Act as an extension of the Deputy CEO's office, driving execution, ensuring accountability, and facilitating decision-making across the institution.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Coordination & Follow-Up

• Track key institutional initiatives, projects, and action items originating from the Deputy CEO's office.
• Monitor progress against timelines and deliverables.
• Follow up with Deans, Directors, Registrar, functional heads, and external stakeholders.
• Escalate delays, risks, and dependencies appropriately.
• Prepare project status dashboards and executive summaries.

Communication Management

• Draft professional emails, reports, speeches, presentations, and official communications.
• Review correspondence before submission to the Deputy CEO.
• Ensure timely responses to internal and external communications.
• Represent the Deputy CEO's office in coordination discussions when required.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a primary coordination point between the me and:
• Academic leadership
• Administrative departments
• Industry partners
• Government agencies
• International collaborators
• Facilitate smooth information flow across stakeholders.

Meeting Governance

• Prepare agendas, briefing packs, and background materials.
• Record key decisions and action points.
• Ensure closure of assigned action items.
• Maintain records of executive committee meetings and strategic reviews.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Develop executive dashboards and management reports.
• Analyze institutional performance data and present insights.
• Support preparation of Board, Governing Body, and leadership review presentations.
• Assist in institutional planning and monitoring activities.

Confidentiality & Governance

• Handle sensitive information with the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and governance protocols.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for executive decision-making.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master's degree in Management, Administration, Public Policy, Education Management, or related field preferred.

Experience

• About 5 years of experience supporting senior executives.
• Experience in higher education, professional services, or large organizations preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex stakeholder environments.

Skills & Competencies:

Business & Strategic Skills

• Project management
• Stakeholder management
• Data analysis and reporting
• Strategic planning support
• Process improvement

Communication

• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Professional presentation development
• Documentation and report preparation

Technology

• Advanced Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Google Workspace
• AI productivity tools

Behavioural Competencies

• Absolute integrity and confidentiality
• High ownership and accountability
• Strong execution orientation
• Ability to influence without authority
• Excellent judgment and discretion
• Detail orientation with strategic thinking capability
• Ability to work under pressure and manage ambiguity

Professional maturity in dealing with senior stakeholders