Senior Strategic Advisor

Position: SPMO Senior Strategic Advisor (Organizational Consultant 5) at the University of California Office of the President.

Position Summary

The Senior Strategic Advisor will independently lead and facilitate highly complex, strategic engagements involving multiple organizations and stakeholders. The role requires advising university executives and senior leaders, developing goal‑achieving solutions, and providing expert project leadership and mentorship within the SPMO.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead large‑scale initiatives (40%) by assessing complex situations, mobilizing cross‑functional teams, and developing innovative solutions.
• Lead and facilitate strategic planning with executives (25%) to develop mid‑ to long‑term goals, analyze market trends, and create implementation plans.
• Advise executive and senior leaders across the university (25%) to address issues, provide recommendations, and implement solutions aligned with strategic objectives.
• Create repeatable frameworks and build relationships (10%) to enhance SPMO visibility, mentor staff, and develop team capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience leading and advising strategic initiatives, programs, or projects with senior leaders.

Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in the consulting process related to strategy and operations to lead high‑impact engagements.
• Deep understanding of the higher‑education and large‑research‑university environment.
• Superior analytical, problem‑solving, project planning, and implementation skills.
• Ability to translate quantitative data into actionable insights.
• Strong multitasking, stakeholder management, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Advanced strategy development and assessment at the enterprise level, including governance, policy, and financial implications.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills for influencing and facilitating sustained change.
• Rapid learning, sound judgment, and unbiased decision‑making.
• Strong prioritization and vision alignment while managing multiple assignments.
• Effective facilitation and influence across all levels and diverse constituencies.
• Persuasive communication using logic and positive motivations.
• Client‑service orientation to build and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in strategy and/or operations consulting leading high‑profile engagements.
• Experience connecting strategy to institutional priorities in a higher‑education environment.
• Experience leading strategic planning.

Education

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience/training.
• Preferred: Advanced degree.

Job Title

Organizational Consultant 5

Job Code

000563

Salary Grade

Grade 27

Payscale

$192,000 - $208,000

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package. For details, visit “Benefits of Belonging.”

Conditions of Employment

• Background check required.
• Smoke‑free workplace.
• Compliance with vaccination and related health policies.

EEO Statement

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected status under state or federal law.

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