Strategic Project Partner

Chippewa Valley Technical College; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation time

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Chippewa Valley Technical College is seeking a Strategic Project Partner to lead high-impact projects aimed at continuous improvement. This role involves managing project scope, timelines, and budgets, while collaborating with various departments to implement data-driven solutions. Candidates should have a degree in IT, Business, or related fields, along with considerable experience in project management. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Seven years experience in a similar function at a large organization, or four years with a Bachelor's degree.
• Experience with Banner or similar technology preferred.
• Certification in Lean, Six Sigma or similar methodologies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage high-impact projects ensuring accountability and monitoring outcomes.
• Facilitate problem-solving with departments to design practical solutions.
• Communicate project goals and outcomes to stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Project management tools

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in IT, Business, or Project Management

Tools

Microsoft Project/Planner

Jira

Visio

Job description

Overview and Responsibilities

The Strategic Project Partner is central in the College's 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 assigned 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.

Qualifications

• 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 bachelor's 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 College's strategic objectives.

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 college's non-discrimination policies: Tam Burgau, Vice President of Talent & Culture, 620 W. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701, 715-833-6334, WI Relay: 711

Benefits Summary

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 Year's 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 (1,080 hours)
• Paid bereavement time
• Paid volunteer time
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 annually (eligibility requirements apply)
• Health insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents with attached Health Savings Account (HSA); CVTC contributes $3,400 annually for a family plan or $1,700 annually for a single plan to your HSA
• Wellness incentive of up to $600 for employees enrolled in CVTC's health insurance
• $2,500 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
• Employee Assistance 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).