VP Strategic Programs & Partnerships

Job title: Vice President, Strategic Programs and Partnerships

Position Summary:

We are seeking a visionary and execution-focused Vice President of Strategic Programs and Partnerships to lead enterprise-level initiatives that drive our long-term growth, operational efficiency, and strategic transformation. In this high-impact role, you will oversee the development, planning, alignment, and execution of complex, cross-functional programs and strategic partnerships that are critical to achieving the company's mission and business objectives.

Acting as a strategic conductor across the organization, you will ensure programs, projects, and initiatives are prioritized, resourced, and delivered in alignment with corporate goals. You will work closely with senior leadership, external partners, and internal teams to translate strategy into action, accelerate innovation, and deliver measurable business value.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategy, Planning, & Alignment

• Develop strategy, business case, and program establishment for major cross enterprise transformation initiatives.
• Guide C-suite executives on evolution and pivots of organizational strategy that harmonizes a portfolio representing several major transformation priorities.
• Define and drive the execution of enterprise-wide strategic projects and prioritization that align with the company's long-term vision.
• Partner with C-suite executives to develop, prioritize, and execute key strategic initiatives and growth opportunities.
• Establish success metrics and ensure all programs and projects contribute to the broader strategic roadmap.
• Continuously assess market trends, business performance, and internal capabilities to identify high-impact strategic opportunities.

Program & Portfolio Management

• Oversee a portfolio of cross-functional programs, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and efficient execution.
• Set program governance, structure, and methodologies for strategic project delivery across departments.
• Ensure timely delivery of initiatives, monitoring progress against KPIs, budgets, milestones, and outcomes.
• Identify risks across the portfolio and implement mitigation and contingency plans at the executive level.

Partnership Development & Management

• Identify, evaluate, and lead strategic partnerships that enhance innovation, market reach, or operational capabilities.
• Guide and develop joint go to market strategies with execution discipline and rigor to drive collaboration both internally and externally.
• Collaborate with external partners and internal stakeholders to co-develop initiatives that align with business strategy.
• Lead negotiations, build partnership frameworks, and ensure ongoing value realization from strategic alliances.

Leadership & Organizational Influence

• Lead, mentor, and scale high-performing teams responsible for strategy execution and program delivery.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the executive team, providing insights and recommendations on enterprise transformation and strategic investment.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serve as a central point of alignment between business units, functional leads, and external stakeholders.
• Provide transparent, data-driven updates to executive leadership and the board on project health, impact, and strategic alignment.
• Cultivate internal buy-in and support for change initiatives and cross-functional collaboration.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Strategy, Engineering, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred).
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in program management, strategic initiatives, or corporate development, ideally in a high-growth or complex environment.
• Proven track record of successfully managing enterprise-scale projects and partnerships that delivered tangible business outcomes.
• Deep understanding of strategic planning, program governance, and portfolio management principles.
• Executive presence with exceptional communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with or presenting to C-level executives and Boards of Directors.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, PgMP, Lean Six Sigma, etc.) are a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working autonomously while collaborating across departments.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven growth environment.
• Requires analytical / problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.
• Hands on individual with strong work ethic combined with solid managerial skill set.
• The ability to meet aggressive deadlines.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Must be able to multi-task and think quickly.
• Ability to work in an environment with many interruptions.
• The ability to generate positive relationships with internal and external business associates as well as foster a team environment through excellent leadership and management skills.
• The ability to manage open requests and follow up when necessary without outside direction.
• Strong change management skills and ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.