Director, Planning and Market Research

Position Description:

The Director of Planning and Market Research aligns annual plans and strategic initiatives with the University’s multi-year strategic plan. Assigns projects and provides direction and consultation across MCW’s strategic initiative portfolio. The Director develops and conducts national research and analysis related to the strategic positioning of universities and Academic Health Systems, leads multidisciplinary project teams, coordinates and leads external market research to support strategic planning and initiatives and new program development through project leadership, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and other activities.

• Manages and/or oversees management of institutional level projects that are complex in nature and involve external partners and stakeholders across the organization.
• Responsible for executing the planning, development, and implementation of multiple projects or programs to meet the strategic vision of MCW and each assigned project.
• Performs external market research and drafts assumptions, metrics and action plans to ensure achievement of annual strategic plan and development of new opportunities or programs.
• Effectively manages implementation schedules, priorities and risks for each project and delivers high quality solutions.
• Along with executive leadership for each assigned project, responsible for overall success of project.
• Provides the institution with thought leadership and guidance on project management best practices; develops programs to increase the project management capabilities within the organization.
• Hires, develops, mentors and manages a team of project managers and coordinators in order to meet the objectives and goals of the strategic projects. Establishes quality standards and project management processes for the team.
• Acts as a liaison between executive leadership, multiple project teams and operational departments. Manages stakeholder expectations across all groups. Facilitates meetings with executive and senior management.
• Manages multiple project budgets ensuring program sustainability and fiscal responsibility in the implementation and operational budget projections. Performs budget analysis and provides recommendations. Manages cash flow and works closely with Office of Development on integrating opportunities for philanthropy into planning. Ensures projects are completed within budget.
• Manages, identifies, and secures appropriate resources to provide deliverables across projects. Ensures all deliverables occur within the approved project scope and that outcomes meet approved project requirements including meeting all accreditation, privacy or other legal requirements.
• Develops effective communication plans that address all aspects of the project and comprehensively target appropriate audiences. Facilitates communication among projects, work groups and key stakeholders.
• Along with leadership, manages relationship with stakeholders and community partners. Maintains strong relationships with community partners.
• Composes and edits correspondence. Reports on overall project portfolio status.

Preferred Schedule:

Position Requirements:

• Demonstrated advanced project management skills
• Strong business acumen to thoughtfully consider impact of new initiatives on internal and external functions
• Ability to lead market research projects, including design, analysis of data and presentation to senior leadership
  • Demonstrated ability to use influence rather than authority.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, coordinate and direct multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Shows awareness of organizational culture and builds formal and informal networks to achieve goals, both within MCW and other partners. Builds and maintains long term relationships both within MCW and with key external partners and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and ability to navigate large, complex organization especially in health care and/or academics
• Sets ambitious goals and achieves results in the face of challenges and setbacks.
• Incorporates advanced communication skills in all discussions, including the use of persuasion, negotiation, and public speaking.
• Strong critical thinking, problem solving and attentiveness to detail required.
• Interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with senior management and staff within the institution.
• Independence, excellent organizational skills, detail focused and demonstrated ability to respond quickly to changing regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills with highly regarded people management skills.
  • Excellent demonstrated judgment and diplomacy in working with diverse groups to address complex issues.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint)

Specifications

Minimum Required Education: BA/BS required.

Minimum Required Experience: 10+ years of experiencing in project management and 5+ years of research, business and/or systems analysis experience.

Preferred Education: Master’s degree (MBA)

Preferred Experience: Experience in highly diverse, political landscape, working with higher education and healthcare executives at an academic institution is preferred.

Field: Administration, Project Management, Strategic Growth

Certification: PMP, PgMP, Six Sigma or other similar certification preferred

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual’s race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.

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