Director, Strategic Initiatives

Organizational Information

At Pearson, our purpose is simple; to add life to a lifetime of learning. We envision a future where everyone can realize the life they imagine through learning. To achieve this, we create vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. 

For over 20 years, Pearson Virtual Schools has been reimagining K-12 education with full-time virtual schools for students who want a personalized, more flexible approach to learning. Our flagship products and services include Connections Academy, US-based online public charter schools; Pearson Online Academy, a global online private school; and Pearson Connexus, our comprehensive online school program for school districts nationwide. 

The following description is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned; it is not intended to be all-inclusive or limit the duties of the position.

 

Purpose Summary

The Director of Strategic Initiatives will facilitate the development of PVS’s overall strategy and help drive an innovation agenda that builds on PVS’s leading position in virtual education. Reporting to the MD of Virtual Schools and operating as a member of the PVS Leadership Team, this is a highly influential and visible role accountable for driving organizational transformation initiatives, providing critical support in executing key strategic priorities and enabling them to work more effectively with internal and external stakeholders. This position is designed to maximize the efficiency of the executive office, providing strategic advice, managing special projects, and acting as a liaison between staff and the MD.

The Director of Strategic Initiatives will enable the Leadership Team to over-deliver on expected results and chart the future course of the business. Working side by side the Managing Director, this role offers broad exposure to consumer businesses and entrepreneurship.

The ideal candidate understands the importance of, and knows how to build, high-trust, authentic, enduring relationships with staff and stakeholders at all levels and from different backgrounds. Has a track record of exercising exceptional judgment, navigating ambiguity with a high level of comfort, creativity. They must have a strong background in strategy, project management, and change management, with a proven track record of leading successful transformation efforts in complex environments. 

They have a high level of personal responsibility, holding themselves to a high standard, following through on the commitments they make and executing high quality work. The ideal candidate has strong problem-solving skills and a track record of making thoughtful, strategic and values-aligned decisions. They are willing to tackle any issue that comes their way– no issue is too big or too small– and are happy to serve as the organization’s “problem solver in chief”.

 

Core Tasks and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Guide the Leadership Team in the formulation of PVS’s overall strategy based on long-term trends, competitive intelligence, market demand, and evaluation of current organizational capabilities.
• Collaborate with the MD's and Leadership Team to develop and execute strategic plans and initiatives that drive organizational growth and transformation.
  • Design and lead the Leadership Team operating rhythm from defining long-term goals, annual planning, and priority-setting to overseeing accountability and progress monitoring processes to ensure PVS meets its organizational goals. Identifying risks and opportunities and recommending corrective actions as needed. 
• Lead the development and implementation of transformation roadmaps, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and priorities.
  • Align execution to goals, remove roadblocks, perform analysis and gather research to facilitate faster decision-making, and ensure communication and reporting are happening smoothly and consistently.
  • Provide oversight and guidance to projects of high importance and lead key strategic projects and change initiatives as assigned by the Leadership Team.

Executive Support:

• Provide advice, guidance, and general support to the MD on all organizational issues; anticipate opportunities and problems that are likely to arise; and act as a key thought partner, brainstorming and identifying solutions to challenges.  
• Match the MDs priorities and commitments to their sche