VP, Strategic Initiatives (Strategy & Transformation) – Remote in AL, AR, LA, MS or TN Position Available In Hinds, Mississippi

Title:

VP, Strategic Initiatives Subtitle :

Strategy & Transformation Department:

Strategic Initiatives Reports To:

SVP, Strategic Initiatives Supervises:

Strategic Initiatives Managers Job Classification:

Exempt, Full-time Location:

Remote or Hybrid (AL, AR, LA, MS or TN) The VP, Strategic Initiatives (VP ) is a key leader responsible for managing a portfolio of complex, cross-functional projects that advance HOPE’s strategic goals and deepen its financial and community impact. Reporting to the SVP of Strategic Initiatives, the VP leads a small, high-performing team and oversees the design and execution of initiatives related to business transformation, innovation, strategic growth, and operational effectiveness. This role requires a leader who excels in solving intricate business problems, often in environments characterized by ambiguity, evolving priorities, and diverse stakeholder interests. The VP collaborates closely with senior leaders across departments to align strategy and execution, deliver measurable outcomes, and support the organization’s capacity for change. In addition to overseeing day-to-day project delivery, the VP contributes to enterprise strategic planning and plays a key role in evaluating and advancing new growth opportunities, including partnerships, market expansion, and mergers or acquisitions.

Job Responsibilities:

• Strategy Execution & Portfolio Leadership Manage a portfolio of high-impact initiatives aligned with HOPE’s strategic plan and top priorities. Oversee the work of Program Managers and Analysts to ensure initiatives are well-scoped, clearly resourced, and delivered on time with measurable outcomes. Translate enterprise goals into actionable project strategies, workplans, and execution frameworks. • Cross-Functional Engagement & Influence Partner with senior leaders across departments to align strategies, resolve barriers, and build shared ownership of project goals. Lead through influence by facilitating alignment and action across stakeholders with diverse perspectives and priorities. Maintain visibility into enterprise-wide efforts to identify interdependencies, mitigate risks, and manage change. • Performance Management & Strategic Reporting Define and track performance metrics for each initiative; ensure results are documented and shared with key stakeholders. Collaborate with the SI team and stakeholders to maintain initiative dashboards, track milestones, and prepare executive updates. Conduct initiative reviews and ensure that insights and learnings inform future efforts. • Corporate Development & Strategic Growth Support the SVP and executive team in evaluating growth opportunities including strategic partnerships, geographic expansion, and mergers or acquisitions. Lead workstreams related to due diligence, business case development, and strategic fit assessments. Collaborate with Finance, Lending, and Market Leads to analyze opportunities and translate growth decisions into implementation-ready plans. • Strategic Planning & Organizational Alignment Contribute to annual and multi-year strategic planning processes by identifying trends, risks, and opportunities based on initiative performance and stakeholder input. Participate in scenario planning, enterprise goal setting, and the refinement of strategic priorities. Ensure that all initiatives reinforce HOPE’s mission, impact commitments, and long-term financial sustainability. • Team Leadership & Talent Development Directly supervise and coach direct reports; foster a team culture grounded in trust, curiosity, and accountability. Provide thought partnership, mentorship, and performance feedback to support professional growth and cross-functional collaboration. Ensure team capacity and sequencing are well-aligned with initiative complexity and organizational priorities.

Qualifications:

Required Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field. 7-10 years of experience leading strategic initiatives, organizational transformation, or cross-functional consulting projects. Demonstrated ability to manage complex, enterprise-level initiatives in mission-driven or highly regulated environments. Proven experience leading high-performing teams and coaching mid-level professionals. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate ambiguity into actionable plans. Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills—especially in working with senior leadership and cross-departmental stakeholders. Proficiency in tools used for project management, strategic planning, and performance tracking (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, Smartsheet, or similar platforms). Ability to lead through influence, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and manage diverse stakeholder needs Ability to travel up to 25% (meetings, conference, project rollouts) Preferred Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Organizational Leadership, or a related field. Familiarity with community development financial institutions (CDFIs), credit unions, or nonprofit financial services. Experience in corporate development, including mergers, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, or market expansion. Background in scenario planning, innovation frameworks, or continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Agile, Six Sigma). Experience integrating strategic planning with performance management or KPI accountability systems.

Key Competencies & Skills:

Organization awareness : Having and using knowledge of systems, situations, procedures, and culture inside the organization to identify potential problems and opportunities; perceiving the impact and the implications of decisions on other components of the organization. Data gathering and analysis : Collecting, consolidating, and using relevant information; recognizing important information; tracing possible causes of problems, and searching for practical data/solutions

Decision Making :

Drawing correct and realistic conclusions and making timely decisions based on available information

Accountability:

Accepting responsibility that results in anticipation/prevention of problem areas from actions, and problem solving inside and outside the department/organization.

Results Orientation :

Being persistent and showing perseverance on achieving concrete and tangible results out of personal responsibility; getting optimum results from situations and being ready to take action and show tenacity in case of obstacles or resistance.

Achievement Orientation :

Being persistent and showing perseverance on achieving concrete and tangible results out of personal responsibility; getting optimum results from situations; being ready to take action and show tenacity in case of obstacles or resistance. Strong strategic thinking and structured problem-solving abilities. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage, align, and influence senior stakeholders. Demonstrated experience managing teams and building execution capacity. Proficiency with tools for project tracking, performance reporting, and strategic planning. Deep commitment to HOPE’s mission of economic opportunity, financial equity, and community development.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Paid Vacation and Sick Time 11 Paid Holidays 401(k) with Company Match Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Disability Benefits Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition Reimbursement, Professional Development Hope Enterprise Corporation does not participate in or engage in any form of visa sponsorship, including employment-based visa applications or extensions (e.g., H-1B, TN, O-1, OPT, STEM OPT, etc.). Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.