Project Manager, Strategic Plan

Working at Quinnipiac University; Hamden (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Quinnipiac University seeks an experienced, hands-on project management professional to support execution of the University's multi-year strategic plan and investments. This three-year term role reports to the Chief of Staff and coordinates cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate translates strategy into workplans, tracks milestones and budgets, and keeps initiatives aligned and on schedule, delivering measurable institutional results.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in project management or strategic implementation in a large org.
• Experience managing cross-functional, complex initiatives.
• Ability to translate strategy into actionable workplans and milestones.
• Strong financial awareness and KPI reporting skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder facilitation.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of the university's strategic plan and investments with disciplined project management.
• Develop and maintain implementation plans, timelines, milestone trackers, and logs.
• Track a portfolio of ~ $120 million and monitor budgets with Finance Office.
• Prepare concise updates for senior leadership and board reporting.

Skills

Project management

Strategic planning

Cross-functional leadership

Financial acumen

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

PMP

PgMP

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

Overview

Quinnipiac University seeks an experienced, hands-on project management professional to support execution of the University's multi-year strategic plan and approximately $120 million in strategic operating and capital investments. This three-year term position is intended for someone who can work with leadership to translate strategic priorities into practical workplans, milestones, budget tracking, and clear accountability.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff with a dotted line to the President, the Project Manager will serve as the University's central coordinator for implementation. This individual will work closely with the President, Management Committee, Strategy Team sponsors, Finance, and other institutional partners to keep initiatives moving, decisions organized, and implementation work coordinated across academic and administrative areas.

The Project Manager, Strategic Plan will coordinate Strategy Teams, maintain implementation dashboards and reporting systems, identify risks and barriers, and support cross-functional collaboration across the University. This individual will help ensure strategic initiatives remain aligned, on schedule, within budget constraints, and focused on delivering measurable institutional results.

The ideal candidate will bring a track record of partnership to manage complex projects in large, matrixed organizations and the ability to become effective quickly in an academic environment. The role requires both sound project management judgment and a willingness to roll up one's sleeves to manage schedules, follow up on deliverables, and organize information.

About Quinnipiac

Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university currently has an enrollment of 9,700 students in more than 100-degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Computing & Engineering, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing and the College of Arts & Sciences. Our 22 Division I teams have achieved remarkable success, boasting national and conference titles - including a 2023 NCAA national championship win in men's ice hockey, a trip to the Sweet 16 for our women's basketball team and NCAA Tournament appearances by many of our programs. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognized as a leader in public opinion research, and the university is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review. The Wall Street Journal ranked Quinnipiac #51 among the best colleges in the nation, and second in Connecticut, for our exceptional graduation rate, salary impact, learning facilities, career preparation and learning opportunities.

The university is in the midst of program expansion and renewal for both traditional and adult learners, the development of innovative strategic partnerships, and recently opened South Quad with three state-of-the-art buildings.

As Quinnipiac grows, the university remains guided by the core values that define our community and shapes the experience of every student and employee.

• We are fiercely committed to ensuring every Bobcat thrives. We are a lifelong partner for every learner.
• We passionately care about our community. Everyone should feel welcome and valued.
• We boldly shape our university’s future. We will forge a path of impact together.

These values are the foundation of who we are and reflect the Quinnipiac spirit found across our campuses. For more information, please visit qu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X.

Responsibilities

Strategic Plan Execution & Governance

• Support implementation of the University’s strategic plan and strategic investments through disciplined project management and follow-through
• Develop and maintain implementation plans, timelines, milestone trackers, decision logs, and accountability measures
• Support Management Committee strategic reviews and decision-making by preparing concise updates and documenting next steps
• Identify risks, barriers, delays, and dependencies and recommend practical corrective actions

Strategic Portfolio Leadership

• Track and report on a portfolio of approximately $120 million in strategic operating and capital investments, with attention to sequencing, resources, milestones, and budgets
• With the Finance Office, monitor budgets and alignment with institutional priorities
• Facilitate collaboration across divisions and manage cross-functional dependencies

Performance Measurement & Reporting

• With the Office of Institutional Research, develop and maintain practical dashboards and performance reporting tools
• Track progress against Board-level KPIs, strategic goals, milestones, and investment outcomes
• Support measurement and communication of the impact and return on strategic investments
• Prepare regular, concise implementation updates and clear options to support senior leadership decisions for the President, Management Committee, and Board of Trustees
• Gather and organize institutional performance information in areas such as student success, enrollment, reputation, philanthropy, technology, and financial sustainability

Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Identify implementation risks, resource constraints, organizational barriers, scheduling challenges, and budget pressures
• Develop practical mitigation strategies and escalation plans
• Facilitate regular progress reviews with initiative leaders and executive sponsors, ensuring action items are captured and advanced
• Recommend improvements that strengthen execution, accountability, communication, and organizational effectiveness

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Master’s degree preferred

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in project management, strategic implementation, consulting, higher education administration, organizational effectiveness, or senior operational support in a complex organization
• Experience supporting or managing large-scale strategic initiatives
• Experience developing project plans, milestone trackers, executive updates, KPI reporting, and accountability tools
• Strong financial awareness, analytical ability, communication, facilitation, organization, scheduling, and follow-through skills
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into actionable workplans and measurable outcomes
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a consulting, public-sector, nonprofit, or higher education advisory environment
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PgMP, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent

Special Instructions to Applicants

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time faculty and staff which includes tuition remission and a culture that is inclusive and driven by excellence.

Quinnipiac University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful community.

Note to Faculty/Staff Applicants Only

If a final candidate is a current or previous Quinnipiac employee, the hiring manager must obtain a reference check from the candidate’s current or former manager before making an offer of employment. If the candidate's current or most-recent Quinnipiac supervisor is unavailable, the hiring manager should contact Talent Acquisition for assistance in determining the appropriate alternate contact:

Advertised: August 17, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close: