Head of Strategy & Initiatives

Background:

Recognizing that the jobs of the future are rooted in a thriving innovation economy, Tulsa Innovation Labs, LLC (TIL) was founded with support from the George Kaiser Family Foundation to establish a city-wide economic development strategy for inclusive, tech-led growth across four industry clusters- virtual health, energy, advanced aerial mobility, and cyber. For more information, visit: www.tulsainnovationlabs.com.

Summary:

The Head of Strategy & Initiatives will report directly to the Managing Director of TIL and serve as a critical member of the executive leadership team. Overseeing a growing portfolio of strategic initiatives across four industry clusters, they will help lead the development and implementation of overall TIL strategy, initiatives, and programs, managing TIL’s high-performing industry-specific team and growing the organizations’ impact on targeted industries. The Head of Strategy & Initiatives will be responsible for the alignment of programs with strategy in order maximize the impact of TIL initiatives.

Responsibilities / Essential Job Function:

The following functions represent the majority of the duties performed by the position. The description is not meant to be all-inclusive or prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary:

• Possess and continue to cultivate an advanced network of private, philanthropic, and other stakeholders for the purposes of engaging industry, identifying partnerships, fundraising, understanding of market/industry trends, and building momentum and economic impact for Tulsa.
• Foster collaborations with regional economic development organizations, civic organizations, grassroots organizations, neighboring colleges and universities, and community development networks in pursuit of transformative opportunities for TIL and the region.
• Lead development of strategic and long-range goals of TIL as well as planning and alignment within each of the target industry sectors/initiatives.
• Build best in class teams by attracting, developing, and retaining the talent and subject matter expertise needed to execute the plans and outcomes of TIL’s initiatives and programs.
• Establish comprehensive metrics to monitor TIL performance and impact of each vertical and their related initiatives
• Define and maintain forecasts, budgets, funding strategies, and resources aligned to TIL’s strategic initiatives and overall business plans.
• Convene and leverage resources and strategies across TIL as well as proactive engagement within the broader GKFF ecosystem to create and enhance economic development for Tulsa.
• Support the development and deployment of new initiatives while working to identify cross-industry opportunities that drive efficiencies and cross-functional work within the organization.
• Serve as external champion and subject matter expert for Tulsa Innovation Labs by attending conferences in support of industry verticals and on various councils, committees, etc. where appropriate
• Other duties as assigned by Managing Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in business, political science, public administration, non-profit administration, urban planning, economics, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in economic development, community development, or similar field preferably in higher education, industry, philanthropy, or government.
• Significant experience managing high performing teams in high accountability, low oversight environments. Ability to empower, advise, and align driven team members to achieve organizational goals.
• Ability to think strategically and develop and implement complex plans that incorporate dynamic conditions and a diverse set of stakeholders and interests
• Expert knowledge of economic development best practices, preferably within university, governmental, or corporate settings
• Familiarity with Tulsa and with the Northeast Oklahoma region’s innovation ecosystem is a plus.
• Demonstrated success in securing partnerships, sourcing external funding, developing broad-based partnerships, and building sustainable programs/initiatives.
• Experience and strong competency related to business planning and forecasting strategies, utilizing qualitative and quantitative research and data analysis.
• Experience with MS Office Suite, Salesforce, and team productivity tools is preferred.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

• Cultural competency and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience integrating these values into operational practices and team culture.
• Masterful communication, facilitation, and negotiating skills, approaching all interactions with positive intent, respect, and solutions-based approach.
• Strong organizational and business management skills, with demonstrated success in translating vision and high level strategies into initiatives and action plans, creating clarity out of ambiguity, prioritizing and aligning execution of complex variables and stakeholder groups to achieve results.
• High energy influencer, collaborator, and champion of change, with ability to proactively engage and lead in a fast-paced, dynamic business environment.
• Impactful and compelling public speaker in formal and informal settings with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to define and utilize appropriate metrics to measure success and performance of the initiatives, programs, teams, and individuals.
• Conducts all activities with integrity in alignment with the principles of the George Kaiser Family Foundation.

Physical Requirements:

• Communicate: Frequent phone, in-person, and messaging communication via various platforms. Must be able to exchange information effectively and accurately in all elements of verbal and written communication.
• Operate: Constant operation of computer, phones, and other office productivity tools.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally between program and related stakeholder locations, as well as other strategic engagements in areas across North America as required.

Hours & Location:

• Position is based in Tulsa within TIL headquarters located at 3 North Cheyenne Ave.
• Typical work hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., with flexibility required for various events, meetings, and relevant business needs.

Compensation:

• The final salary offering will ultimately depend on education, experience and other factors related to the position.

BENEFITS

Paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401K

EOE STATEMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other basis made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations. We are an e-verify employer.

If you have a difficulty applying for any job posted on this website because a disability prevents you from using the online system, we offer the following alternate application procedure: Contact Human Resources at 918-494-8823, and we will arrange for an alternate method of applying and will consider your application together with all other applications received for the job. Please call only for such application assistance.

EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT

Exempt

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME

Full-Time

LOCATION

Tulsa Innovation Labs

DIVISION

Tulsa Innovation Labs