VP, Strategic Initiatives (Strategy & Transformation) - Remote in AL, AR, LA, MS or TN

About the position The VP, Strategic Initiatives (VP) is a key leader responsible for managing a portfolio of complex, cross-functional projects that advance HOPE's strategic goals and deepen its financial and community impact. Reporting to the SVP of Strategic Initiatives, the VP leads a small, high-performing team and oversees the design and execution of initiatives related to business transformation, innovation, strategic growth, and operational effectiveness. This role requires a leader who excels in solving intricate business problems, often in environments characterized by ambiguity, evolving priorities, and diverse stakeholder interests. The VP collaborates closely with senior leaders across departments to align strategy and execution, deliver measurable outcomes, and support the organization's capacity for change. In addition to overseeing day-to-day project delivery, the VP contributes to enterprise strategic planning and plays a key role in evaluating and advancing new growth opportunities, including partnerships, market expansion, and mergers or acquisitions. Responsibilities • Manage a portfolio of high-impact initiatives aligned with HOPE's strategic plan and top priorities. • Oversee the work of Program Managers and Analysts to ensure initiatives are well-scoped, clearly resourced, and delivered on time with measurable outcomes. • Translate enterprise goals into actionable project strategies, workplans, and execution frameworks. • Partner with senior leaders across departments to align strategies, resolve barriers, and build shared ownership of project goals. • Lead through influence by facilitating alignment and action across stakeholders with diverse perspectives and priorities. • Define and track performance metrics for each initiative; ensure results are documented and shared with key stakeholders. • Collaborate with the SI team and stakeholders to maintain initiative dashboards, track milestones, and prepare executive updates. • Support the SVP and executive team in evaluating growth opportunities including strategic partnerships, geographic expansion, and mergers or acquisitions. • Contribute to annual and multi-year strategic planning processes by identifying trends, risks, and opportunities based on initiative performance and stakeholder input. • Directly supervise and coach direct reports; foster a team culture grounded in trust, curiosity, and accountability. Requirements • Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field. • 7-10 years of experience leading strategic initiatives, organizational transformation, or cross-functional consulting projects. • Demonstrated ability to manage complex, enterprise-level initiatives in mission-driven or highly regulated environments. • Proven experience leading high-performing teams and coaching mid-level professionals. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate ambiguity into actionable plans. • Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills—especially in working with senior leadership and cross-departmental stakeholders. • Proficiency in tools used for project management, strategic planning, and performance tracking (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, Smartsheet, or similar platforms). • Ability to lead through influence, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and manage diverse stakeholder needs. • Ability to travel up to 25% (meetings, conference, project rollouts). Nice-to-haves • Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Organizational Leadership, or a related field. • Familiarity with community development financial institutions (CDFIs), credit unions, or nonprofit financial services. • Experience in corporate development, including mergers, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, or market expansion. • Background in scenario planning, innovation frameworks, or continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Agile, Six Sigma). • Experience integrating strategic planning with performance management or KPI accountability systems. Benefits • Paid Vacation and Sick Time • 11 Paid Holidays • 401(k) with Company Match • Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) • Disability Benefits • Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Tuition Reimbursement, Professional Development Apply tot his job