Strategic Project Partner

The Strategic Project Partner is central in the Colleges continuous improvement efforts. Reporting to the VP of Administration and Chief Strategy Officer this position develops and manages identified high-impact projects from concept through implementation ensuring accountability progress tracking and successful execution while monitoring outcomes and adjusting as needed to ensure improvements deliver intended results and align with institutional goals managing risk and effectively communicating across teams. Additionally this position in collaboration with IT will develop standardized project planning manage assigned project scope timelines and project budgets and ensure effective change management strategies are applied throughout project lifecycles.

Responsibilities:

• Manage identified high-impact projects from concept through implementation ensuring accountability progress tracking and successful execution while monitoring outcomes and adjusting as needed to ensure improvements deliver intended results and align with institutional goals managing risk and effectively communicating across teams.
• Lead the identification and scaling of operational improvement efforts through data-informed analysis stakeholder engagement and evaluation of workflows systems and structures that constrain institutional performance.
• Serve as a facilitator and collaborator in problem-solving with a department or departments to design practical sustainable solutions not just recommendations that could involve realignment of processes systems positions and/or structures throughout the college and ensure implementation.
• Develop and lead cross-functional operational excellence projects including planning organizing and executing or assigning the task needed to enhance efficiency reduce friction and improve outcomes for students and employees. Project examples: Realigning K-12 processes from contract development to student onboarding redesigning event rentals from interest to production.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable projects with clear scope timelines and measurable results.
• Communicate project goals status and outcomes clearly to executive leadership and stakeholders to maintain alignment and transparency.
• Standardize and document improved processes to ensure consistency scalability and long-term sustainability of changes.
• Lead with compassion empathy and integrity.
• In collaboration with appropriate managers direct work of teams and individuals assign to projects.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical technical problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication facilitation and presentation skills.
• Exhibits curiosity and adaptability with a strong commitment to continuously learning in order to solve complex organizational challenges.
• Ability to model integrity through self-awareness personal accountability ethical behavior quality standards and sustainable practices.
• Ability to think critically by applying problem solving practices acquiring relevant information using technology and other resources appropriately and evaluating alternatives.
• Ability to communicate effectively by speaking and writing clearly concisely and professionally; practicing active listening; reading critically and adapting communication for audience.
• Ability to recognize personal biases adapt to different cultural situations and demonstrate a commitment to respectful interactions with persons of various ethnic cultural socio-economic or educational backgrounds.
• Advanced knowledge of project management tools such as Microsoft Project/Planner Jira or similar tool as well as Visio or similar tools and project management methodology.
• Advanced knowledge of and skills with technology including software programs for communication data collection and decision making including but not limited to Office 365 Suite.

• Associate degree in IT Business Project Management or related field with seven years of experience in a similar function at a large organization or a closely related administrative function; or bachelors degree in a related field with four years of experience in a similar function at a large organization or a closely related administrative function.
• Experience with Banner (ERP/SIS software) or similar technology preferred.
• Experience with Copilot and other generative and agentic AI tools in operational environment preferred.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred.

In evaluating candidates for this position the College may consider a combination of education training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge skills and abilities to perform duties of position.

CVTC reserves the right to limit applicant consideration from specific geographic regions when differences in state-level policies laws or regulatory frameworks present conflicts with institutional standards and/or fiduciary responsibilities. This practice supports compliance operational integrity and alignment with the Colleges strategic objectives.

The College is seeking to attract diverse instructors and staff who can inspire our increasingly diverse student population. We believe every member on our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world identify challenges and to discover design and deliver solutions. We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages socioeconomic backgrounds genders abilities and orientations. Therefore we seek applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits of diversity in a higher education community. Consideration will be given to equity-minded individuals committed to collaborating with faculty staff administration students and community partners who are also committed to closing equity gaps.

2026 annual benefits include:

• 3 4 weeks of paid vacation time based on years of service
  
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid winter break - varies each year based on academic calendar and at a minimum includes days between Christmas and New Years holidays (some exceptions may apply for essential workers)
• Paid summer break - the week of July 4th
• 4 paid personal days
• 3 weeks (15 days) paid sick time annually for absences due to illness injury or doctor and dentist appointments of the employee dependent children spouse or parents of the employee or spouse; cumulative to 135 days (1080 hours)
• Paid bereavement time
• Paid volunteer time
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2500 annually (eligibility requirements apply)
• Health insurance for employee spouse and dependents with attached Health Savings Account (HSA); CVTC contributes $3400 annually for a family plan or $1700 annually for a single plan to your HSA
• Wellness incentive of up to $600 for employees enrolled in CVTCs health insurance
• $2500 cash-payment in lieu of CVTC health insurance coverage for employees who have credible coverage through another source
• Dental insurance for employee spouse and dependents
• Vision insurance for employee spouse and dependents
• Life and long-term disability insurance premiums paid by CVTC
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) CVTC matches 7.2% vested at 5 years of credible service
• 403(b) tax deferred annuity program
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan
• Section 125 flexible spending accounts
• EmployeeAssistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development
• Certified Gold Level Family Friendly Workplace (FFW)
• Access to expansive collection of college and public library resources for personal and professional use
• Free or low-cost services offered by CVTC program students such as computer repair automotive repair Shear Inspiration Salon and Spa aesthetician services and 620 West restaurant and culinary pop ups

Benefits begin on the first date of employment (i.e. there is no waiting period).

CVTC does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin sex disability or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the colleges non-discrimination policies: Tam Burgau Vice President of Talent & Culture 620 W. Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54701 WI Relay: 711