Senior Associate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Transformation

Job Summary The Senior Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives & Process Excellence serves as a senior advisor to the Chief Financial Officer and provides leadership for strategic initiatives, organizational effectiveness, business process improvement, compliance sustainability, enterprise performance management, and administrative transformation activities across Texas Southern University (TSU). The successful candidate will have responsibility for risk identification, monitoring of corrective actions, administrative process improvement, and enabling the sustainability of institutional commitments. This role will utilize significant discretion and will influence efforts outside of direct lines of control. The Senior Associate Vice President will champion opportunities for continuous process improvement, accountability and operational excellence. This role is unique from traditional operational leadership as it will lead initiatives and drive results through collaboration, influence, project leadership, and performance management and oversight versus traditional ownership of administrative operations. The Senior Associate Vice President will aggressively look for opportunities to identify potential risks, processes in need of improvement, control breakdowns, and compliance gaps. This leader will work with TSU leadership to identify sustainable improvements that will strengthen administrative operations and TSU controls. Essential Duties Summary Strategic Initiatives and Execution Oversee development, monitoring and reporting of strategic initiatives as required by executive leadership. Ensure projects are successful in meeting their goals, completed on time and provide measurable value to TSU. Establish accountability and define performance metrics/governance around execution and continuous improvement opportunities. Consistently inform executive leadership on status of projects including risks, obstacles, and recommended solutions. Process Excellence and Administrative Effectiveness Lead and facilitate improvement projects that have cross-functional impact on operational effectiveness, service delivery, internal controls, and administrative processes. Proactively identify process and control gaps, operational inefficiencies, redundancies and associated risks. Recommend and implement sustainable process improvements and act as a champion for continuous process improvement through process standardization and performance metrics. Compliance Sustainability and Control Monitoring Develop and manage a continuous control monitoring program that supports the validation of corrective actions, internal controls and compliance activities. Coordinate continuous monitoring activities for audit findings, management action plans, and regulatory requirements. Actively identify potential compliance risks and recommend actions to minimize exposure. Performance Management and Accountability Create executive dashboards, scorecards, and key performance indicators to keep executive leadership aware and informed on performance and compliance. Observe performance against goals and Escalate areas that need management attention. Facilitate regular operational, strategic initiatives, and compliance reviews. Risk Mitigation and Administrative Operational Transformation Participate in University wide efforts to enhance governance, risk management, and internal control practices. Lead efforts to transform and improve administrative operations that reduce risk and increase accountability. Work cross-functionally to promote collaboration and ensure follow-through and sustainable implementation of improvements. Performs other duties as assigned. Scope of Responsibilities The Senior Associate Vice President has leadership responsibility and oversight for university-wide issues that impact administrative and financial services. This role requires the use of independent judgment and discretion in planning, organizing, prioritizing, and carrying out programs and projects related to strategic efforts and initiatives that lead to organizational improvement. This position interacts with the senior administration, team, university leaders, external partners and/or boards. The Associate Vice President may manage professional, project management, analytic, and administrative personnel. Education Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Organizational Leadership, Industrial Engineering, Accounting, or a related field. Required Licensing/Certification No specific license or certification is required. Candidates may possess professional certifications or credentials that demonstrate expertise in project management, process improvement, organizational effectiveness, compliance, internal controls, strategic planning, performance management, or business transformation. Preferred Project Management Professional (PMP) Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or Master Black Belt Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: Strategic planning and organizational effectiveness principles Business process improvement methodologies Internal controls, compliance, and risk management practices Project management and change management methodologies Performance management systems and analytics Higher education administrative and financial operations Continuous improvement principles and organizational development Skill in: Strategic analysis and problem solving Project management and implementation Process mapping and process redesign Executive communication and presentation Facilitation and stakeholder engagement Data analysis and performance measurement Building consensus and influencing organizational outcomes Ability to: Lead complex cross-functional initiatives Manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously Develop productive relationships across organizational boundaries Analyze operational and organizational challenges and recommend practical solutions Communicate effectively with executive leadership, governing boards, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders Exercise judgment and maintain confidentiality Promote accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement Work Experience Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, project management, consulting, business transformation, process improvement, compliance, audit, operational leadership, or related fields. Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment or water treatment system. Working/Environmental Conditions Work is performed in a standard office environment. The position may require extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer use, and attendance at meetings and events. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support institutional priorities, board meetings, strategic initiatives, audits, and special projects. EEO Statement It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.