Strategic Planning Senior Analyst

Position Overview

The Strategic Planning Senior Analyst provides leadership for programmatic support, business operations, and strategic coordination for Foods for Health, a campus‑wide research initiative. The position aligns operations with institutional and strategic priorities by developing and implementing tools, processes, and metrics that support programs, operations, and decision‑making. The role partners with the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) to manage human resources, financial planning and forecasting, facilities, systems, and compliance activities.

The Strategic Planning Senior Analyst leads programmatic development and execution of Foods for Health activities while managing day‑to‑day operational functions, including budgeting, reporting, data analysis, project management, and administrative oversight, while developing and advancing strategic initiatives and programs across the university, including leading complex, cross-functional projects from conception through execution. The position manages internal and external stakeholder relationships, and advisory board activities; oversees key events and internal funding programs; and tracks outcomes and return on investment to demonstrate impact. The role also supports communications efforts, represents leadership as delegated, and supervises staff and workflows to ensure efficient, effective operations that advance Foods for Health’s mission and long‑term sustainability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in business administration, science, or a related field.

• Four years of progressively responsible experience in program management, business operations, or research administration in an academic or similarly complex environment.

• Demonstrated experience supporting or leading business operations, including process improvement, reporting, and coordination across multiple functional areas.

• Proven ability to manage stakeholder communications and engagement, including translating complex information into clear, actionable insights for senior leadership and diverse audiences.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience using data to inform decision-making, track performance metrics, and evaluating outcomes.

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple projects and priorities in a progressively responsible capacity, with strong organizational and project management skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and facilitate collaboration across internal and external stakeholders.

• Experience planning and executing events such as workshops, seminars, conferences, or stakeholder meetings.

• Experience managing communications tools and platforms (e.g., newsletters, listservs, web content, or social media) to support programmatic communication efforts.

• Experience supervising staff or coordinating workflows and team activities.

Desired Qualifications

• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in program management, business operations, or research administration preferred.

• Master's or doctoral degree preferred. 

• Experience working in a large, complex, or matrixed organization, such as a research university, academic health center, or interdisciplinary research institute.

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic plans, performance metrics, and program evaluation frameworks.

• Experience supporting interdisciplinary research initiatives or centers, including familiarity with research development processes, funding landscapes, and pre- and post-award or internal seed grant programs.

• Experience engaging with executive leadership, advisory boards, or external partners.

• Experience developing and leading strategic communications plans across multiple channels to support program goals and stakeholder engagement.

Application Materials

• A resume is required to be submitted at the time of application to be considered for this position.
• A cover letter is strongly desired.

Salary

The salary range for this position is $70,800 - $91,950. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on the selected candidate's education and experience, peer equity, and the unit's available budget.

Work Location

This is a hybrid position, working at least 3 days per week in-office on Ohio State's main campus.

Starting Day One: Comprehensive Benefits

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

Foods for Health Overview

The Foods for Health Research Initiative facilitates collaborative, multidisciplinary research to investigate the effects of food and nutrition on human health using modern technology and informatics. Our community is empowered by an expansive campus that uniquely co-locates Colleges of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Education and Human Ecology, Arts and Sciences, seven Health Sciences colleges, a top-ranked academic Medical Center and a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Overview

Join the Research Development Office within the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University and become a part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity-driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit our ERIK website.

Position Mapping

• Function: Business Planning and Operations
• Sub-function: Business Operations
• Career Band and Level: S3