The Senior Consultant, Institutional Strategy leads the design, facilitation, and execution of high-level institutional strategy projects for college and university clients. This role manages a portfolio of complex engagements, ensures the delivery of high-quality outcomes, and contributes to the evolution of institutional strategy products and services. The Senior Consultant also strengthens client relationships, contributes to team development, and supports firm-wide innovation and reputation-building efforts.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Strategy & Leadership Facilitation
- Manages a portfolio of projects spanning operations, academic, finance, boards, and/or student success ensuring the delivery of high-quality outcomes, and contributes to the evolution of institutional strategy products and services
- Lead the design and delivery of strategic planning engagements for executive and leadership teams
- Facilitate collaborative leadership sessions that help institutions define strategic priorities and goals
- Customize consulting solutions to address the unique missions, challenges, and opportunities of each client
- Client Relationship Management
- Serve as the lead relationship manager for a portfolio of campus clients
- Ensure communication, delivery, and outcomes align with client expectations and institutional vision
- Anticipate client needs and drive long-term, trust-based partnerships that foster strategic momentum
- Quality Assurance & Product Development
- Ensure the highest quality standards in all deliverables, presentations, and outcomes across engagements
- Contribute to the refinement and innovation of institutional strategy products and processes
- Offer thought leadership and input into strategic initiatives that expand or enhance service offerings
- Internal Collaboration & Team Contribution
- Partner with project leads, other consultants, and affiliates to ensure alignment and execution across teams
- Mentor team members by modeling effective facilitation and consulting practices
- Actively participate in internal knowledge-sharing and best-practice development within the division
- Business Development & Representation
- Represent the company at professional events, conferences, and networking engagements
- Support the development of project proposals and new service ideas
- Share insights from the field to inform future sales, marketing, and innovation strategies
- AI Expectations & Use
- Leverage AI tools to support research, data analysis, report writing, and content development
- Use AI to enhance efficiency and scalability of planning deliverables and frameworks
- Champion ethical and effective uses of AI in strategic planning and consulting environments
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Deep understanding of higher education systems and the strategic challenges facing institutions
- Advanced facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize and present complex ideas clearly
- Experience collecting, analyzing, and applying qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategic decisions
- Ability to guide institutional stakeholders toward consensus through active listening and strategic insight
- Demonstrated strength in writing professional reports and strategic documents for senior leadership
- Due to the remote environment, effective communication and time management skills are required, as well as the ability to use/learn multiple technology platforms and switch between them on a regular basis
- Physical requirement: Prolonged periods of being in a stationary position at a desk and working on a computer
Credentials and Experience
- Doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration, Strategy/Planning, Business, or related field
- 10 or more years of experience in strategic planning or leadership roles within higher education or professional services
- Previous experience as a senior consultant, campus executive, or external advisor preferred