Strategy Director
Lead strategic management and organizational development for Finland’s leading research university.
Best for:Best for experienced senior leaders with a proven track record in strategic management, organizational development, and cross-cultural leadership in higher education.
Overview
The University of Helsinki seeks a senior executive to direct its strategic management, partnering with the Rector and senior leadership to shape the university’s future. The Strategy Director will oversee strategic planning, foresight, and operational management across four campuses, ensuring alignment with global academic standards. Responsibilities include leading a team of strategy managers, supporting decision-making with data-driven insights, and implementing large-scale organizational change. The role demands expertise in strategic leadership, change management, and cross-functional collaboration within a diverse, internationally oriented institution.
What you'll do
- Develop and implement strategic plans to guide the university’s future direction and operational objectives.
- Partner with the Rector and senior management to analyze complex issues, challenge prevailing views, and facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
- Lead strategic management support services across four university campuses, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Oversee the strategic planning process, including forecasting, operational analysis, and the implementation of large-scale development projects.
- Support faculty leaders and university services in strategic work, annual operational management, and forecasting future needs.
- Lead a team of strategy managers and planning professionals, fostering goal-oriented collaboration and team development.
- Ensure strategic management services meet the evolving needs of the university’s leadership and impactful initiatives.
- Report to the Director of Administration and collaborate with the University Services Management Team.
Requirements
Degree required: Relevant higher education degree (e.g., Master’s in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field); PhD considered advantageous.
Language: Proficiency in Finnish, Swedish, and English (required). University may support Finnish language improvement during the first year if needed.
Instruction: English (primary); Finnish and Swedish may be used in some contexts.
- Proven track record in visionary strategy and development work within higher education or complex organizations.
- Expertise in change management, with a history of successfully leading and delivering large-scale organizational transformations.
- Strong analytical skills to utilize and interpret data for foresight, decision-making, and operational planning.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build collaboration across organizational boundaries.
- Experience working in international and culturally diverse organizations, particularly within academia.
- Leadership experience managing teams of professionals in strategic roles.
- Open to all qualified candidates; no specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
- No age or prior experience caps specified.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-26
Applicants must upload a CV and cover letter, including salary expectations, through the university’s application portal by the deadline. The cover letter should highlight the candidate’s strategic leadership experience, change management achievements, and alignment with the role’s requirements.
- CV
- Cover letter (including salary expectations and examples of strategic leadership or change management success)
- Examples of successful change management or strategic leadership projects (as referenced in the cover letter)
Contact
Sari Salojärvi· Recruitment Consultant
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