Vice President of Strategy & Operations

Position Vice President of Strategy & Operations Location Boston, MA Job Id 154 # of Openings 0 Vice President Of Strategy & Operations Department Executive Report to CEO Classification Full Time, Exempt Work hours 40 hours per week – Hybrid (Boston, MA) Salary & Compensation $150,000 - $170,000 plus, Employer contributes 13.2% of gross salary to a 401(a)-employee retirement plan. (Vested 100% on day 1 of hire) Who We Are Commonwealth Corporation i s a quasi-public workforce development agency that helps Massachusetts workers and employers thrive in a changing economy. We invest in and build partnerships among employers, education and training providers, workforce organizations, and government to expand access to skills, credentials, and career opportunities while helping businesses develop the talent they need. Our work focuses on: Connecting people to opportunity: Creating pathways to education, training, employment, and advancement, with a particular focus on youth and individuals who face barriers to economic opportunity. Building a stronger workforce: Helping workers gain the skills, credentials, and experience needed to succeed in high-demand careers and adapt to a changing economy. Supporting employers and industries: Partnering with employers and industry leaders to address talent needs, strengthen regional economies, and build a more competitive Massachusetts workforce. Strengthening the workforce development system: ringing together public and private partners, investing in innovative approaches, and using data and evidence to improve what works for Massachusetts workers and employers. CommCorp works towarda world wheremeaningful employment can lead to upward mobility for all. Position Overview The Commonwealth Corporation is seeking a Vice President of Strategy and Operations to serve as a key member of the leadership team and a close strategic partner to the President and CEO. The Vice President will help translate CommCorp’s priorities into action, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and ensure that important cross-functional initiatives move forward with clarity, accountability, and follow-through. This is a highly collaborative, hands‑on role for an experienced leader who enjoys solving complex organizational problems and making things happen. The Vice President will lead CommCorp’s internal strategic planning and performance management processes, coordinate major cross‑functional initiatives, support the effectiveness of the executive and leadership teams, and directly manage a team of at least five staff leaders across a portfolio of agency-wide functions, which may include Human Resources, Marketing, Community Engagement, Research, Data and Evaluation, Information Technology, and Innovation. The role will also contribute to business development, Board engagement, and external stakeholder relationships. The ideal candidate is a strong generalist and experienced people leader who can move comfortably between strategy and execution: someone who can analyze a complicated problem, develop a practical approach, bring the right people together, establish clear accountability, and stay engaged until the work is done. The Vice President will report directly to the President and CEO and will work closely with leaders across CommCorp to advance organizational priorities. This position offers an opportunity to have broad impact on a mission-driven organization at an important moment in its evolution, helping build the systems, processes, and organizational capabilities that will enable CommCorp to deliver greater impact for Massachusetts workers and employers. This position offers an opportunity to have broad impact on a mission-driven organization at an important moment in its evolution, helping build the systems, processes, and organizational capabilities that will enable CommCorp to deliver greater impact for Massachusetts workers and employers. Key Responsibilities Include Strategy and Enterprise Execution Partner with the CEO and executive leadership team to define, advance, and monitor CommCorp’s strategic priorities Lead the agency’s internal strategic planning process, including development of the strategic plan on an 18–24 month cycle and ongoing tracking of progress Establish clear systems for tracking major organizational priorities, decisions, commitments, owners, and deadlines, ensuring that important decisions translate into action Help lead effective executive, leadership, and internal operations meeting cadences, ensuring that meetings support decision‑making, accountability, and execution Coordinate complex cross‑functional initiatives that require collaboration across programs and corporate functions Provide the CEO and executive team with analysis, recommendations, and decision support on organizational priorities and emerging issues Organizational and Functional Leadership Directly manage at least five staff leaders and provide clear direction, coaching, performance management, and professional development to support a high‑performing team Provide leadership and oversight for a portfolio of agency‑wide functions, which could include Human Resources; Marketing; Community Engagement; Research, Data and Evaluation; Information Technology; and/or Innovation Work with functional leaders to establish priorities, align resources, address challenges, and ensure that their teams are effectively supporting CommCorp’s strategic and operational goals Foster strong coordination across corporate functions and between corporate and program teams, breaking down silos and ensuring that the organization operates as an integrated whole Identify opportunities to improve organizational processes, systems, and ways of working, and lead high‑priority improvement initiatives from diagnosis through implementation Lead enterprise‑wide projects such as strengthening professional development and performance management processes, improving people‑related processes, evaluating systems enhancements, and expanding automation and use of data Establish project plans, decision points, milestones, and accountability structures for major initiatives Promote a culture of continuous improvement, clear ownership, accountability, and follow‑through across the organization Business Development and External Engagement Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to develop and execute CommCorp’s business development strategy, including identifying opportunities with government, philanthropic, and other partners Coordinate CommCorp’s responses to strategic federal and philanthropic funding opportunities, working with program and corporate teams to develop strong proposals Help hold programs and departments accountable for business development goals and execution Develop relationships with prospective funders, partners, and other stakeholders and represent CommCorp in external meetings when appropriate Support the CEO in responding to inquiries from organizations and individuals seeking to understand or partner with CommCorp Board and Executive Support Support the CEO in preparing for and engaging with CommCorp’s Board of Directors and the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, including meeting preparation, materials, follow‑up, and execution of Board priorities Serve as a trusted thought partner to the CEO, bringing independent judgment, candor, analytical rigor, and a strong bias toward action Take on additional strategic and operational priorities as needed, particularly where senior‑level coordination and follow‑through can accelerate organizational progress Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies The successful candidate will bring a combination of strategic thinking, analytical ability, operational discipline, and strong interpersonal and leadership skills. We are looking for someone who is intellectually curious, highly organized, comfortable with ambiguity, and energized by solving complex problems and turning ideas into action. Strategic thinking and judgment: Ability to understand complex organizational issues, identify the most important questions and priorities, and develop practical recommendations. Exercises sound judgment and knows when to seek input, make a decision, or elevate an issue Execution and follow-through: Exceptional ability to turn priorities and decisions into action. Establishes clear owners, milestones, and deadlines; anticipates barriers; and persistently follows through to completion Project leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross‑functional projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and dependencies, from initial problem definition through implementation Analytical problem‑solving: Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills and the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources, identify patterns and implications, and communicate clear conclusions and recommendations Organizational effectiveness and collaboration: Strong understanding of how organizations, teams, processes, and systems work together. Builds trust across teams, navigates differing perspectives, creates alignment, and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness Communication and external presence: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex issues into clear, compelling messages and represent CommCorp with credibility and professionalism to executives, Board members, government leaders, funders, employers, and other stakeholders People leadership and adaptability: Demonstrated ability to manage, develop, and motivate a team of leaders while setting clear expectations, providing candid feedback, and fostering accountability and high performance. Thrives in a dynamic environment, moves comfortably between strategic and tactical work, and remains effective when priorities evolve or information is incomplete 10+ years of progressively responsible professional experience, including experience leading teams and managing complex, cross‑functional initiatives Experience managing and developing staff, including responsibility for setting priorities, providing feedback, and supporting performance Experience in strategy, operations, management consulting, organizational effectiveness, or a similarly complex, cross‑functional environment Strong interest in public service and a demonstrated commitment to advancing economic mobility, equity, and opportunity for Massachusetts residents Excellent benefits package, including medical insurance , HRA (Health Reimbursement Account) (Employer pays first 75% of participant deductible expenses), dental insurance (80% employer / 20% employee), vision insurance , 3 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday , 4 weeks accrued paid vacation per year , generous paid sick time , Short-Term Disability , Long-Term Disability and AD&D Insurance , life insurance up to $250K, pre‑tax parking and commuter benefits (debit card), and Health Flexible Spending Account (debit card). Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) . Commonwealth Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer Commonwealth Corporation is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Research shows that qualified candidates, particularly women and candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds, may be less likely to apply when they do not meet every qualification listed. If you are excited about this opportunity and believe you have the skills and experience to thrive at CommCorp, we encourage you to apply, even if your background does not align with every qualification. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging As a leader in workforce development, CommCorp is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). We strive to center DEIB in every facet of our work. This commitment requires us to identify and dismantle historical and existing barriers within systems, policies, and practices to create long‑term economic opportunities and access for all. The successful candidate is required to complete CORI background checks. #J-18808-Ljbffr Commonwealth Corporation