Director of Strategic Projects, Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Telehealth (SAFE-T) System

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Telehealth (SAFE-T) System, a novel nurse-led telehealth program housed within Penn State's Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, is seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as the Director of Strategic Projects.

This pivotal role will drive both the ongoing success of Penn State's groundbreaking telehealth and forensic nursing technology and preparing for national expansion that will carry forward and expand these services.

Established in 2016, the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Telehealth (SAFE-T) System connects rural and underserved communities to expert Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) for live telehealth support during forensic examinations. Our program has conducted over 400 Telehealth-supported forensic exams in the past 8 years and continues to expand regionally and nationally.

The Director of Strategic Projects will be responsible for designing and overseeing project management infrastructure, ensuring seamless coordination across teams, and managing key initiatives that support both current operations and the future transition. This role requires a balance of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and hands-on execution in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Key Responsibilities

Chief of Projects

• Design, implement, and continuously improve project management systems and processes for Penn State's SAFE-T Center.

• Oversee the management of Penn State projects and lead the planning and execution of the national expansion.

• Serve as a key advisor to the Executive Director on strategic initiatives and operational priorities.

Air Traffic Control

• Maintain a comprehensive view of all ongoing projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment and coordination across research, clinical, IT, and other teams.

• Anticipate gaps, challenges, and dependencies; proactively develop plans to address potential pitfalls.

• Facilitate effective communication between teams to ensure critical information and deliverables are shared.

People and Resource Management

• Assign the right people to the right projects, establishing clear priorities and expectations.

• Develop and implement systems for tracking, assigning, and following up on projects and tasks.

• Support team members' professional growth and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture.

Hands-on Execution

• Step in to directly execute key tasks as needed, particularly in start-up or transitional phases.

• Conduct research on software, technology, and operational options to inform leadership decisions.

• Lead by example in tackling urgent or high-impact assignments.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in launching new initiatives, leading organizational change, or standing up new programs/entities.Experience in healthcare, telehealth, or academic settings is strongly preferred.

Additional Qualifications:

• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments; proactive and resourceful.

• Excellent collaboration, adaptability, and written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality.

• Commitment to continuous improvement (learning, innovation, and process optimization).

• Experience with people management, change management, and organizational transformation.

Candidates should also have demonstrated skills in operational agility and hands-on execution, advanced project and program management, cross-functional coordination and communication, and strategic leadership and vision.

A degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Organizational Leadership, or related field is preferred. A master's degree will be considered a plus.

It is also preferred that candidates have a Project Management Professional Certification or Lean Six Sigma Certification; similar certifications will also be viewed favorably.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is supportive of flexible work arrangements, such as remote or hybrid work opportunities, when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work and/or remote arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Travel is required, typically 3-4 times annually, with trips lasting 3 to 4 days on average.

Weekend and/or evening work is infrequent but will occur. Examples of work that may fall outside standard work hours includes meeting time-sensitive deliverables, job-related travel, and special events.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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