Director of Special Projects

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) School of Medicine (SOM) seeks a talented Director of Special Projects who will support and coordinate high-priority school finance projects from concept to implementation. The person in this role will work collaboratively across the school to support high-level strategic planning issues and initiatives within the Central School Finance Office. The Director of Special Projects will report to the Executive Director of the School of Medicine (SOM) Financial Transformation and the Executive Director of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) after the conclusion of the Financial Transformation Program. The position provides leadership support for SOM Central Finance Office-led projects, including leadership of the governance structures that help drive strategy, business planning, and bi-directional collaboration for the Financial Transformation program.

The Director of Special Projects is responsible for leading diverse initiatives, providing comprehensive project management support, and ensuring the success of the Financial Transformation Program and other future endeavors. This role demands strong leadership capabilities, including the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, foster collaboration among colleagues and stakeholders, and meet project deadlines. The director must exhibit diligence in resource management, adeptly handle project timelines, track milestones and deliverables, maintain budgets, and generate high-quality written reports and presentations.

The role requires exceptional judgment, tact, creativity, adaptability, and initiative. The director should be capable of producing top-tier work within tight deadlines, demonstrating flexibility to adapt to changing priorities in alignment with organizational needs. A commitment to service, a positive outlook, and a high level of confidentiality are integral aspects of this position.

Specific responsibilities include assisting leadership in managing the Financial Transformation Program and other initiatives, identifying quality business improvement opportunities, conducting long-range planning, and coordinating approved solutions and projects. The director is expected to navigate complex challenges, ensuring efficient resource allocation and maintaining a focus on delivering successful outcomes.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Project Management

• Develop and update project plans and related documentation.
• Manage project scope and follow proper escalation paths.
• Ensure the Finance Transformation program is delivered on time and within budget.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with the Executive Director of the School of Medicine Finance Transformation and SOM Central Finance leadership.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all SOM Finance Transformation inquiries.
• Support strategic initiatives and projects of high priority for senior leadership.
• Establish strong partnerships with leaders and key staff across departments and university entities.
• Provide leadership to cross-functional project teams in the planning, development, and implementation of the Financial Transformation program.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks and barriers associated with the Finance Transformation Program.
• Report and escalate issues to leadership as needed.

Project Documentation

• Create and maintain detailed project plans to monitor progress.
• Develop comprehensive project documentation and ensure proper file and data entry for assigned projects.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Manage relationships with key stakeholders.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure projects stay on track, are completed on time, and on budget.

Analytical Skills & Recommendations

• Use strong analytical skills to formulate information into well-organized recommendations and plans of action.
• Assess current processes, organizational charts, and policies, working with work groups to develop recommended actions/enhancements.

Communication

• Create high-quality presentation materials and memoranda for communication with senior university leadership and trustees.
• Disseminate goals and plans to staff through various means such as in-services, planning retreats, training, briefings, memos, etc.

Change Management

• Assess readiness among stakeholders and identify potential barriers/risks.
• Prepare the organization/unit for change and assist w