Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Position Available In Miami-Dade, Florida

Vice President for Strategic Initiatives St Thomas University Inc 16401 NW 37th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054 Are You Ready to Pursue Excellence? St. Thomas University (STU) seeks a full-time, exempt, cabinet-level position to serve as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. St. Thomas University offers competitive salaries and benefits along with a generous benefit package. We are looking for hard-working servant leaders ready to make a difference in the lives of our students. We look for Champions! St. Thomas University (STU), a private, Catholic, non-profit institution, is located on a vibrant, 144-acre residential campus in Miami Gardens, Florida. As one of only eight Archdiocesan universities in the United States, STU is a mission-driven institution on an extraordinary trajectory. Under the leadership of President David A. Armstrong, J.D., since 2018, the University is experiencing unprecedented growth, with six consecutive years of record enrollment (and heading toward a seventh), historic fundraising success, and more than 450,000 square feet of new academic and athletic facilities. STU boasts national championship athletic teams, record-setting bar exam results, and a 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation from SACSCOC. In Fall 2025, our students will benefit from a new 545-bed residence hall that will bring our on-campus residential population to more than 1,300 students. We are not just growing, we are transforming. With the support of the Board of Trustees and a 10-year contract extension for President Armstrong, STU is executing an ambitious new strategic vision grounded in one clear directive: Pursue Excellence.

Our plan is bold:

to become the Great Catholic University of the South, and to be counted among the Top 20 Catholic Universities in the nation. St. Thomas University offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including doctoral degrees and a Juris Doctor, available both on campus and through distance learning. We are home to 31 athletic teams, a thriving student life culture, and a robust commitment to academic, co-curricular, and faith-based enrichment. Ranked #1 in Social Mobility among regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, and classified by Carnegie as an Opportunity College and University, STU empowers students to dramatically improve their economic trajectory in just ten years dramatically. Come be part of our mission. Take part in our vision. Elevate students into ethical leaders.

POSITION SUMMARY

The incumbent serves as the Vice-President for Strategic Initiatives for the University and advises the President on matters pertaining to opportunities and engagement with community relations, events, grant development, and government relations. The incumbent is focused on ‘friend-raising’ and creating opportunities that advance the mission and vision of St. Thomas University and accelerate our drive to become one of the top 20 Catholic Universities and the Great Catholic University of the South. The Vice President of Strategic Initiatives also assists the President with developing and maintaining excellent government, corporate, and community relations. The Vice President works closely with the Board of Trustees, the President, faculty, staff, corporate partners, and others across the state to leverage St. Thomas University’s unique mission with legislators, elected officials and other influencers to seek out and increase support for STU so that we might improve the lives of our constituents and communities across the state of Florida. In partnership with the President, the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives seeks out and identifies opportunities for STU to grow and flourish while developing our role as a respected partner in improving the lives of others.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Vice President for Strategic Initiatives reports directly to the President, and serves two primary functions: Increases the capacity of the University to develop external partnerships, entrepreneurial activity, auxiliary revenues and government support through creation and activation of relationships – working with STU colleagues when this is the case – that can result in significant external partnerships, legislative, policy and strategic advocacy, and innovative ventures; and serving as the key representative to government agencies and elected officials around the state. The incumbent oversees strategic priorities for the President, including developing and maintaining excellent government relations, exploring legislative budget opportunities and any corresponding grant opportunities, developing new external relationships and corporate partnerships, and identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for capital facility advancement. Significant travel to Tallahassee and elsewhere is required. Serves on University committees as requested. Performs other duties as assigned by the University President.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervision of projects and meeting goals and deadlines.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree is required, and a master’s degree in higher education administration, political science, business, or a related area is preferred. Professional background should reflect at least ten years of progressively responsible and successful experience in higher education, government, business, or related areas; experience with government relations, cultivating, stewarding, and securing new projects and funding opportunities. Experience in the college/university environment preferred. Previous experience must reflect work at the Associate Vice President/Vice President level or equivalent. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are essential. Ability to plan department goals and budget and manage funds supporting approved goals. Ability to organize and direct major work projects. Must be able to work under pressure and meet established deadlines. Position requires travel and frequent irregular work hours, demanding a willingness to commit to evenings/weekends for special events and/or emergencies. The successful candidate must possess an ethic of Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency, which are crucial characteristics for this role.