Strategy Associate

Title: Strategy Associate

Employee Classification: Strategy Associate

Campus: University of North Texas

Division: UNT-Office of the President

SubDivision-Department: UNT-Office of the President

Department: UNT-Strategy and Planning-100006

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and discipline, in accordance with university guidelines and available funding.

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The Office of the President provides executive leadership and strategic direction to advance the university’s priorities, including student success, academic excellence, and institutional impact. It serves as a central hub for cross-functional collaboration, aligning academic, administrative, and external partners to drive innovation and enhance operational effectiveness.

Position Overview

The Strategy Associate supports the advancement of UNT's strategic priorities by providing analytical capacity, metrics development support, and research assistance for strategic plan performance management. This competitive role offers exceptional professional development opportunities with direct exposure to senior leadership, strategy discussions, and university-wide initiatives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The Strategy Associate works closely with the Chief of Strategy and Planning to design frameworks, gather and analyze data, and provide flexible support across the Chief's portfolio as needed. Success in this role requires the ability to work independently, navigate ambiguity, and manage competing priorities with minimal direction. This position supervises a graduate research assistant or data fellow and is designed as a 1-2 year developmental experience that positions candidates for advancement into senior strategy, consulting, or leadership roles.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in higher education, public policy, business administration, data analytics, or related field with 2-4 years of professional experience in strategic planning, consulting, project management, program evaluation, or data analysis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to synthesize complex information and identify key insights
• Strong organizational capabilities with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple competing priorities simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and navigate ambiguity with minimal direction
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including ability to prepare presentations and reports for executive audiences
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and build effective relationships with stakeholders across organizational levels
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, data analysis tools, and project management platforms
• Adaptability and flexibility to shift focus quickly as priorities evolve in a dynamic environment
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional discretion when handling sensitive institutional information

Experience:
• 2-4 years of professional experience in strategic planning, consulting, project management, program evaluation, or data analysis
• Demonstrated experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in fast-paced, ambiguous environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or complex organizational environments
• Background in strategy consulting or management consulting
• Advanced proficiency with data analysis tools and visualization platforms
• Project management certification or formal training
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and facilitation

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in higher education, public policy, business administration, data analytics, or related field

Job Duties

• Strategic Plan Performance Management • Support the development and refinement of metrics and measurement frameworks for strategic plan goals and priorities • Gather and synthesize data for strategic performance reviews and progress reporting • Support development of tracking mechanisms and reporting systems • Prepare analysis, reports, and presentations for senior leadership on strategic initiative progress • Design processes and templates that facilitate alignment between strategy and budget planning 
• Research & Analysis • Conduct research and analysis to inform strategic decision-making, including environmental scans, competitive analysis, and best practice identification • Synthesize complex information from multiple sources into clear, actionable insights and recommendations • Provide analytical support across the portfolio as needed for strategic initiatives and presidential priorities • Manage graduate research assistant or data fellow, providing direction, mentorship, and professional development support 
• Portfolio Support • Provide flexible support across the Chief's portfolio areas as needed • Conduct research, gather data, and prepare materials to support strategic initiatives • Coordinate logistics for strategic planning sessions, leadership meetings, and related convenings as needed 

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8 am. to 5 p.m. Some evenings and weekends may be needed.

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.