Chief Strategy Officer

Position Summary:

The Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) is a key member of the President & CEO’s executive leadership team (ELT). This role is instrumental in achieving the College Fund’s vision of thriving, prosperous tribal families and communities by supporting American Indian and Alaska Native student’s; college access and success and enhancing the capacity of TCUs to fulfill their cultural, workforce education, and community engagement missions. The CSO directly supports the President in the implementation of strategic and annual plans and budgeting and collaborates with the College Fund team, Board of Trustees, and partners to achieve the College Fund vision and its strategic priorities. The CSO serves as a thought partner, innovative strategist, and provides expert advice supporting problem identification and creative solutions that remove barriers to the College Fund success. At the request of the President, the CSO represents the College Fund and develops critical partnerships that build the College Fund’s network, increase Native students, TCUs, and College Fund capacity, visibility, and resource development.

Educational & Experience:

Graduate degree preferred. At least five years of leadership experience in a nonprofit, for-profit, government, or philanthropy, working on growth, program development, strategy, planning, or related issues. Knowledge and demonstrable prior experience working in the tribal college movement and/or with tribally controlled education. Demonstrated knowledge of tribal sovereignty and knowledge of tribal people including those served by the College Fund and TCUs. Additional Skills & Requirements: Demonstrated experience in program management and administration. Comprehensive working knowledge of organizational planning, organizational structure, budgeting, administrative operations, and fundraising. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to represent the organization externally across a wide range of stakeholders and constituencies. Strong relationship builder with the ability to find common ground, build consensus and strengthen the collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Ability to successfully navigate in a fast-paced and outcomes-driven environment while remaining grounded in cultural values and practices including promoting wellness and self-care among constituencies and colleagues. Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, inclusiveness, and empowerment. Demonstrated ability to use project management and planning tools.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Expand the College Fund's influence and partnerships with TCUs, education and policy organizations, institutions of higher education, and philanthropy. Foster an environment of capacity building, managed growth, and organizational development in collaboration with the ELT, ensuring efficient resource allocation and maximizing team members; skills and abilities. o Facilitate the use of planning and project management tools and relationships encouraging defined relationships and outcomes across the College Fund and with partners. In partnership with the President and ELT, motivate and inspire staff to work collaboratively towards the College Fund's vision and goals by providing expert advice, critical analysis and problem-solving, and supportive communications. Provide organizing support with strategic planning, annual planning, and budget development, and support team leaders with their processes. Strengthen and play an active role in management and governance culture and practices that reflect the College Fund’s core cultural and mission-oriented values.

$175,000-$180,000 annually