Strategic Initiatives Consultant

The Strategic Change Office (SCO) leads high-impact, cross-functional initiatives that drive strategic transformation across the organization. As a Consultant, you will serve as a trusted advisor and project leader, driving complex projects that shape the firm’s long-term success. This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to influence decisions at multiple levels of the organization.

SCO-led initiatives typically span multiple departments and business units, often involving sensitive or high-impact decisions. The Consultant delivers a neutral perspective to help stakeholders navigate complex challenges, align on solutions, and achieve outcomes that support the firm’s strategic goals.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule based on client needs.

• Program Management
• Project Management
• Change Management
• Process Improvement
• Internal Consulting

• Lead enterprise-level programs and high-complexity projects end-to-end with support from SCO Manager, from initiation through close.
• Serve as the point of contact and manage relationships with project stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Develop high-quality, error-free client deliverables and presentation materials tailored for diverse audiences, including senior executives.
• Independently create, manage, and execute project and change management plans, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives
• Independently draft project communications and templates, and executive updates for review and delivery by project teams, leadership, and firm stakeholders.
• Create and send out agendas and recaps for program and project meetings.
• Lead client-facing project meetings and workshops end-to-end for different audience levels.
• Proactively identify, assess, and resolve project risks by communicating risks clearly, early, and appropriately to management.
• Independently develop an approach to capture, analyze, and synthesize information and data to identify key themes and actionable insights to influence strategic decisions.
• Drive collaboration and influence decision-making without formal authority among project stakeholders through exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Lead small or special projects, ad-hoc or advisory requests, independently.
• Mentor departmental interns and analysts, coaching them on best practices.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of SCO methodologies and tools to enhance organizational effectiveness.

• 5–9 years of relevant experience in project and change management, internal or external consulting experience highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as business, operations, strategy, or finance; advanced certifications (PMP, Prosci, CCMP) strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional activities on complex programs/projects.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Superior attention to detail, accuracy, and reliability with a drive for continuous improvement.
• Thrives in ambiguous environments and demonstrates agility in problem-solving.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Demonstrated business acumen and leadership qualities.
• Advanced conceptual, analytical, and quantitative problem-solving skills.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Visio, Word, Outlook).

Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.