About This Role:

Kansas State University invites nominations and applications as we search for a strategic, collaborative, and influential leader to serve as the inaugural University Strategy Officer (USO).

The university strategy officer, or USO, will report directly to President Richard Linton, and will drive the recently launched Next-Gen K-State strategic plan, helping Kansas State University lead the nation as the next-generation land-grant university. The USO will play a key leadership role to achieve this ambitious plan, serving as a critical advisor to the president, providing regular progress reports and functioning as the senior university expert in strategic planning.

For more information about Kansas State University, please view our university profile. 

Why Join Us:

Founded in 1863 as the nation’s first operational land-grant university, Kansas State University is a Tier 1 research university with more than 20,000 students. K-State comprises three physical campuses in Manhattan (main campus), Salina and Olathe. K-State offers more than 400 undergraduate and graduate degrees and options across the Colleges of Agriculture; Architecture, Planning and Design; Arts and Sciences; Business Administration; Education; Engineering; Health and Human Sciences; Veterinary Medicine; Global Campus; and the Graduate School. K-State Research and Extension also serves the citizenry with a presence in every county throughout Kansas and supports research in more than 20 K-State departments.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hr/benefits

Learn more about the Manhattan community at https://madeformanhattan.org/

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

Visit this link for K-State’s guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; 10+ years of experience in public administration, strategic planning, or advising leaders of large complex organizations; or a combination of education and equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated success leading or facilitating complex strategic planning initiatives and their implementation
• Proven leadership and strong project management skills with exceptional ability to analyze, plan, coordinate, articulate, and execute projects and initiatives
• Able to build strong working relationships and partnerships with leaders and stakeholders across a large, complex, and diverse university
• Deep understanding of and passion for the role of public higher education institutions
• Knowledgeable about the types of stakeholders and stakeholder groups that comprise large public, land-grant, Research-1 higher education institutions
• Experience designing and implementing structures, processes, or tools to support effective coordination across a large organization
• Experience in the development and implementation of change management strategies associated with large projects or initiatives
• Extensive knowledge of using data to monitor and analyze the performance of key projects and activities against goals and related targets
• Master’s degree
• Proven ability to initiate and facilitate change, be adaptable with changing conditions, and be comfortable with the ambiguity that accompanies a large public university
• Experience in aligning resources and monitoring the progress of large-scale projects or initiatives

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

How to Apply:

WittKieffer is assisting Kansas State University with this search. All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited.

Applications should include, as separate documents, a resume and letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal

Screening of Applications Begins:

WittKieffer is assisting Kansas State University with this search. All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited.

Applications should include, as separate documents, a resume and letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Jeff Compher and Sandra Chu
KStateStrategyOfficer@wittkieffer.com

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.