ALMOST 8 WEEKS OF PAID TIME OFF ANNUALLY! Plus: sick leave, Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), tuition reimbursement, health insurance with employer HSA contribution, dental and vision insurance, and more! See benefits summary below.

This position allows for a flex remote work capacity whereby time is spent in a remote setting as well as on-campus as needed to meet job responsibilities. Work placement, remote and on-site, is determined based upon the needs of the College and is subject to CVTC remote work policy and specific department workplace expectations.

The Project Strategist is a key role in the College's continuous improvement efforts. The project strategist, reporting to the VP of Administration and Chief Strategy Officer, leads cross-functional teams to identify, analyze, and implement process improvement opportunities that enhance the quality and efficiency of the college's operations and services using innovative and data-driven solutions including AI and other emerging technologies. The project strategist also develops standardized project plans, manages project timelines and budgets, and ensures effective change management strategies are applied throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities:

Lead the identification and prioritization of college-wide process improvement and enhancement opportunities across the college's departments and functions including leveraging existing systems, AI, and other emerging technologies.
• Facilitate process mapping, root cause analysis, and solution design workshops with stakeholders and subject matter experts.
• Develop project plans, scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria for process improvement and enhancement projects.
• In collaboration with appropriate managers, direct work of teams and individuals assigned to projects.
• Manage project resources (budgets, employee's work, and vendors), risks, issues, and dependencies, and escalate as needed.
• Monitor and report on project progress, performance, and outcomes.
• Coordinate and communicate with project sponsors, steering committees, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Apply change management methodologies and tools to ensure smooth and sustainable adoption of process changes using ADKAR or similar model.
• Evaluate and document the impact and benefits of process improvement projects.
• Share best practices and lessons learned with other project teams and the college community.
• Lead with compassion, empathy, and integrity.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical, technical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
• 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 value diversity by recognizing personal biases, adapting to culturally diverse situations, and demonstrating a commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful interactions with persons of diverse ethnic, cultural, social-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.
• Advanced knowledge of and skills with technology including software programs for communication, data collection, and decision making including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, and Excel.

• 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 three years of experience in a similar function at a large organization or a closely related administrative function.
• Experience with Copilot and other generative AI tools in operational environments.
• Experience with Banner (ERP/SIS software) or similar technology preferred but not required.
• Certification in Lean, Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies preferred but not required.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred but not required.

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.

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.

2024 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 6.9%, 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, 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 college's non-discrimination policies: Vice President of Talent & Culture, 620 W. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701, 715-833-6334, WI Relay: 711