Boston University's Strategy & Innovation (S&I) team works directly with the President and senior leadership team to translate institutional vision into clear strategy, effective partnerships, and tangible outcomes. The team supports primary university priorities by synthesizing information, convening stakeholders, developing frameworks, and helping execute across complex initiatives. The Strategic Project Manager plays a central role in enabling this work through a blend of project management, strategic operations, and selective executive and administrative support for a small, high-impact team. Unlike a traditional executive assistant role, this position is designed for someone interested in strategy, higher education leadership, and institutional transformation. The successful candidate will help organize and track complex initiatives, contribute to briefing materials, and ensure that the teams work moves forward with effect.
Examples of initiatives currently supported by the Strategy & Innovation team include:
- Advancing a university-wide strategy for community engagement.
- Developing and scaling a network of global engagement hubs.
- Supporting initiatives that strengthen institutional culture and shared values.
This role offers a unique vantage point into the strategic priorities of a major research university and provides an excellent opportunity for early-career professionals interested in strategy, policy, consulting, or higher education leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Coordination & Initiative Management
Support the planning and execution of priority Strategy & Innovation initiatives by:
- Tracking progress and managing related administrative tasks across multiple executive-level strategic initiatives.
- Coordinating meetings, working groups, and cross-unit collaborations.
- Maintaining project plans, timelines, and internal tracking tools.
- Following up on action items and ensuring alignment across stakeholders
- Supporting the preparation and organization of materials for leadership discussions.
Executive Communications & Materials
Support the development of materials for the President and senior leadership by:
- Preparing slides, briefing notes, and discussion documents.
- Coordinating the development of internal memos and reports.
- Ensuring materials are clear, concise, and aligned with institutional priorities.
Strategic Operations & Team Coordination
Serve as a key operational partner for the Strategy & Innovation team by:
- Managing internal workflows and coordination across team initiatives.
- Supporting planning and logistics for workshops, convenings, and partner meetings.
- Helping maintain documentation, frameworks, and shared resources across projects.
- Contributing to the teams culture of collaboration, agility, and accountability
Selective Executive Support
Provide limited executive support where needed to ensure effective coordination, including:
- Managing selected scheduling and logistics for key meetings or initiatives.
- Coordinating complex meeting arrangements involving multiple stakeholders.
- Supporting preparation for high-level engagements and external partnerships.
Required Skills
- Bachelors degree required.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to synthesize complex information clearly and concisely.
- High level of discretion and professionalism in working with senior leaders.
Preferred:
- 2-5 years of professional experience in strategy, consulting, project coordination, higher education administration, or a related field.
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Experience preparing presentations or briefing materials for leadership audiences. (experience with Microsoft Suite, SAP)
- Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Required Experience