Director of Strategic Initiatives for Secondary Schools and Schools of Special Education

Director of Strategic Initiatives for Secondary Schools and Schools of Special Education Office of Catholic Education - 3.6 Philadelphia, PA Job Details Full-time 1 day ago Qualifications Vendor relationship building Digital transformation Data-driven problem-solving Project management software Stakeholder relationship building Stakeholder management Full Job Description The Director of Strategic Initiatives for Secondary Schools and Schools of Special Education leads the planning, delivery, and financial stewardship of major infrastructure and facility investments. This role translates long-term strategy into executable capital programs, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with organizational priorities. The Director partners through finance, operations, and external stakeholders to optimize asset performance, manage risk, and drive sustainable value from capital expenditures. Why This Role Matters This role is essential for sustainable growth and operational resilience. By ensuring that investments in facilities and infrastructure are strategically aligned and financially viable, the Director protects the organization's long-term capabilities and supports mission delivery. Modern capital leadership also requires fluency in digital transformation and sustainability practices, enabling the organization to meet regulatory expectations, reduce lifecycle costs, and improve operational efficiency.

Core Responsibilities Strategic Alignment:

Translate organizational strategy into a multi-year capital plan that prioritizes projects by mission impact, risk, and financial capacity.

Project Lifecycle Management:

Lead projects from concept and feasibility through design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and closeout.

Financial Oversight:

Develop and manage capital budgets and forecasts; perform cost-benefit and ROI analyses; monitor expenditures and variance.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

Coordinate with executive leadership, finance, facilities, operations, governing boards, and external partners (architects, engineers, contractors).

Risk Management:

Conduct due diligence and feasibility studies; identify and mitigate project, regulatory, and financial risks.

Governance and Reporting:

Establish project governance, performance metrics, and transparent reporting on schedule, scope, and financial status. Key Activities Create and maintain a 5-10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Evaluate capital investment opportunities and quantify financial and operational impacts. Lead procurement strategy, negotiate contracts, and oversee vendor performance and compliance. Produce regular executive briefings and board reports on project status and capital portfolio health. Implement continuous improvement practices for project delivery and capital planning.

Qualifications Education:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Finance, Business, Planning, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

Managing large, complex capital programs—preferably in higher education, government, healthcare, or manufacturing.

Technical Proficiency:

Strong command of financial modeling, capital budgeting, project management tools, and regulatory compliance.

Leadership:

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence senior stakeholders, and manage external partnerships.

Skills Technical & Hard Skills Strategic Planning & Forecasting:

Develop long-range capital plans that align with mission and financial targets.

Financial Mastery:

Expert budgeting, modeling, ROI analysis, and cost forecasting.

Project Lifecycle Management:

End-to-end project delivery expertise.

Regulatory Compliance:

Knowledge of building codes, permitting, safety, and environmental requirements.

Leadership & Soft Skills Stakeholder Engagement:

Influence and communicate effectively with C-suite, boards, regulators, and community partners.

Strategic Decision-Making:

Make data-driven choices under pressure, balancing risk, and reward.

Emotional Intelligence:

Lead multidisciplinary teams with empathy and clarity.

Negotiation and Conflict Resolution:

Manage contracts, disputes, and vendor relationships.

Adaptability:

Pivot strategies in response to market, supply chain, or regulatory changes. Application Process Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: James Molnar, Human Resources Director for

Secondary Schools, Archdiocese of Philadelphia Email:

Deadline:

Thursday, June 11, 2026 As a religious organization, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is also bound by Canon Law and Catholic teachings. For this reason, there may be occasions when an employee's failure to adhere to the truths of the Catholic faith are a factor in employment-related decisions. In the event an employee fails to adhere to, or takes a position publicly that is contrary to, Catholic doctrine and teachings, or any policy or procedure maintained by the Archdiocese, the employee may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Employment practices will not be influenced by an individual's legally protected status or any other basis as may be required by local, state and/or federal law as those laws apply to the Archdiocese. Any employee with questions or concerns about any type of discrimination in the workplace is encouraged to bring these issues to the attention of Human Resources. Employees can raise concerns and make reports without fear of reprisal. Anyone found to be engaging in any type of unlawful discrimination will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.