Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: A8114 / Chief Strategic Advisor/ISS
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 18
HR Review/Approval:RVIEW

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

This is a single incumbent position that provides executive-level support in overarching unit strategy partnering with and deploying vision for ISS. Serves as a proactive and strategic advisor, capacity extender, and force multiplier for the VP of ISS. The role liaises for the VP with university officials, community, and state leaders on strategic and operational matters to ensure effective communication and collaboration. Acts on behalf of the VP on inquiries, emergencies, and serves on departmental or executive-level committees as assigned by the VP of ISS. Ensures alignment of strategic plans, goals, and execution while driving strategic initiatives and partnerships forward.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Partners with the VP of ISS and university officials on business and operational strategies while ensuring alignment with strategic initiatives and the university's strategic direction.
  2. Responds to inquiries, emergencies, urgent operational issues/concerns as delegated by the VP, exercising institutional knowledge and discretion to provide direction and determine next steps; provides timely information and updates as necessary to the VP and across multiple stakeholder groups.
  3. Drives the execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with university goals through facilitating discussions with ISS Directors and other UNM leaders to set priorities, tracking the progress of initiatives, and ensuring milestones are met; creates framework to assess and measure success.
  4. Oversees the implementation of the Asset Management Program, providing greater transparency for administrative leadership across UNM into Land Use, Space Utilization, Capital Planning, and Architectural Design Review.
  5. Facilitates communication within the ISS executive leadership team, between internal and external stakeholders including coordinating updates between departments, acting as liaison between UNM and external partners, and providing clear and consistent messaging for internal departments.
  6. Strategic advisor on capital planning and capital project construction approvals and liaison to the UNM Board of Regents, NM Higher Education Department, Legislative Finance Committee, and State Board of Finance as needed.
  7. Oversees administrative functions within the VP of ISS office, including support for finance, HR, IT, and communications and marketing. Leads, directs, and coordinates special projects and initiatives on behalf of ISS leadership, frequently involving other executive officers and outside agencies.
  8. Represents and acts on behalf of the VP and ISS executive leadership in addressing internal and external inquiries as it pertains to related university's strategic initiatives.
  9. Participates with executive leadership in institutional planning, policy development, and problem resolution.
  10. Composes complex confidential reports for ISS executive leadership including various metrics.
  11. Provides guidance to ISS departments related to establishing and maintaining an organizational structure and staffing levels, operational efficiencies, and business strategies to effectively accomplish the goals and objectives of the organization.
  12. Develops and executes a strategic framework for ISS operations, focusing on proactive risk identification, operational resilience, and continuous process optimization to drive efficiency and effectiveness across all functions.
  13. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree; at least 10 years of relevant experience.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Ability to balance high-level business priorities while driving effective day-to-day strategic plans.
  • Ability to influence business decisions with internal and external stakeholders.
  • High-level representation, communication, interpersonal, team building, and influencing skills.
  • Knowledge and understanding of institutional goals, objectives, structure and operations.
  • Knowledge of applicable legislation, standards, policies and procedures within specialty area and the regulatory environment within which they operate.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully direct, coordinate, and strategically integrate multiple developmental, enhancement, and/or modification projects at an institutional level.
  • Ability to gather data, investigate and analyze information while being able to draw conclusions and issue recommendations.
  • Ability to create, compose and edit correspondence, written materials and/or complex reports.
  • Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
  • Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
  • Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret operational needs, and develop integrated, creative solutions.
  • Skill in business and financial planning and management.
  • Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and implement short- and long-range systems, capacity, technology, and operational plans.

Conditions of Employment

  • Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 02/01/2025