Strategic National Advancement - Manager, Strategy and Planning

Responsible for overseeing and managing all Strategy and Planning Office aspects. Primary responsibilities include managing cross-sector partnerships and designing and implementing improved strategic and operational planning processes. These processes should enable progress against strategic and operational objectives to be measured, evaluated, effectively communicated to internal and external stakeholders, and used as the evidence base to develop further plans.

Strategy and Planning

• Define, plan and implement robust short- and long-term strategies for SNA programs and operations to align with new business and organizational strategy and objectives.
• Design and implement University-wide tools and platforms which facilitate increased In-Kingdom engagement and promote a structured and measured approach to national and global alignment
• Design and implement improved performance monitoring processes, evaluation, and reporting against strategic and operational plans that enable SNA to scrutinize, provide evidence for impact and effectiveness, and ensure its strategic decision-making is informed by evidence. Align monitoring and evaluation processes with ongoing organizational and national initiatives.
• Supporting VP SNA and departmental staff to build robust, measurable work plans through which delivery can be managed and achieved.
• Advise relevant stakeholders on opportunities pertinent to the department’s goals and operations; provide recommendations and innovative solutions that contribute to SNA goals, address business needs, and further its mission.
• Work with teams across the department to identify gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Establish the necessary project management processes and tools for achieving operational plans.
• Provide SNA with project management expertise to support the department with implementing performance monitoring tools, process changes, and other projects.

Strategic Relations and Development

• Work with Senior Management to align outreach and engagement strategies with business objectives.
• Establish, develop, and foster strategic contacts and associations with relevant partners and followup proactively on engagement ideas.
• Scan the environment for relevant partnership opportunities and determine how partnerships will meet strategic goals.
• Create a systemic, process-driven approach to partner outreach and relationship management.
• Design and organize events to further relations and collaborations with stakeholders and partners.
• Identify and pursue other relevant opportunities to promote KAUST and SNA programs within the Kingdom.

Oversight and Performance Evaluation

• Monitor timelines and progress of activities to ensure efficient, on-time delivery of work within the approved budget.
• Ensure all activities conducted support SNA’s mission and strategic priorities and foster continuous improvement and innovation.
• Monitor and report on outcomes of projects and initiatives
• Assess and address any issues or concerns that may impact the success of Strategic Initiatives.
• Provide transparent and timely reporting to all stakeholders and ensure they are regularly engaged for directives, consultation, and input.
• Any other responsibilities required by Senior Management.

Position Requirements
Competencies

• Strong skills in short- and long-range planning, program and project management, facilitation and collaboration.
• Sound strategic thinking and consulting skills in guiding the department toward workable strategies and solutions.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to initiate and drive improvements, while working under pressure and under strict deadlines.
• Proven ability to execute on strategy and make clear-eyed assessments
• Excellent managerial and interpersonal skills with ability to supervise, motivate, support, and collaborate with different teams.
• Excellent ability to delegate responsibilities while maintaining organizational control.
• Excellent budget, time management, and oversight skills.
• Flexibility to manage constantly changing priorities and timelines and adept at working crossfunctionally to implement programs and outreach.
• Excellent strategic, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to foster clear and goaloriented exchanges with various audiences.
• Ability to understand complex environments and work effectively in both informal and highly formal settings.
• Demonstrated political acumen and ability to work with the highest levels of leadership.
• Experience exercising judgment and discretion when dealing with sensitive information.
• Strong attention to detail and result-oriented.
• Fluency in English (oral and written); Arabic desirable.

Qualifications

• BSc/BA in Business Administration, Information Technology, Marketing, Finance or a related field; MSc/MA/MBA is a plus with a preference for Ph.D.

Experience

• Minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience in the sector of Corporate Strategic Planning, Management Consultancy or related field.
• Progressive experience in strategic relations and partnerships
• Extensive experience in managing large-scale, and transformative programs.
• Proven successful track record in program management.
• Proven track record in managing strategic decision-making.
• Experience managing teams.
• Experience in budget management and tracking.
• Experience working in a global or matrixed organization.
• Experience exercising judgment and discretion when dealing with sensitive information.