Director of Strategic Planning

Position Overview:

The Director of Strategic Planning will lead the design, development, and execution of a comprehensive, multi-year strategic plan for the Medical School and Office of Academic and Clinical Affairs (OACA). Serving as a key advisor to executive leadership, this individual will ensure that the school's vision aligns with institutional goals while actively engaging a diverse ecosystem of stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader and a masterful facilitator who can bridge the gaps between administrative staff, academic faculty, university leadership, and the broader statewide community to build a shared, actionable future.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Design

• Lead the end-to-end design and launch of the Medical School and OACA's multi-year strategic planning process.
• Establish frameworks, timelines, and measurable KPIs to track the progress and success of strategic pillars.
• Analyze healthcare, higher education, and research trends to inform the school's long-term positioning.

Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement

• Design and facilitate workshops, town halls, and working groups to ensure academic, clinical, and administrative faculty and staff voices heavily influence the plan.
• Partner with university-level leadership to ensure the Medical School and OACA's plan seamlessly integrates with the broader institution's mission and the University's Strategic Plan - Elevate Extraordinary 2030.
• Build mechanisms (e.g., advisory councils, public forums, surveys) to gather input from statewide healthcare partners, alumni, donors, policymakers, and the patients/communities the school serves.

Implementation & Change Management

• Translate high-level strategic goals into operational, department-level action plans.
• Serve as a central office to oversee initiative rollout, resource allocation, and accountability metrics.
• Lead change management efforts to foster culture shift, transparency, and enthusiasm across all campuses and departments.

Communication & Reporting

• Develop a transparent communication strategy to keep all internal and external stakeholders informed of planning milestones and achievements.
• Prepare and deliver high-impact presentations and progress reports for the Dean, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare Administration (MHA), Higher Education Leadership, Public Health (MPH), or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in strategic planning, complex project management, or organizational development.
• Proven experience working within higher education, an academic medical center, or a complex healthcare system is highly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional ability to lead large, diverse groups through consensus-building, brainstorming, and conflict-resolution processes.
• Cultural competency and a genuine passion for engaging with statewide community members, rural healthcare partners, and diverse populations.
• Strong data-driven decision-making skills; ability to synthesize qualitative feedback and quantitative metrics into a cohesive strategy.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire trust and articulate a compelling vision to both scientists and community advocates alike.

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.

Pay Range: $140,000-$170,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% Appointment

Work Location: Hybrid

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.