Executive Sponsor Job Description
The following is a sample job description for a Executive Sponsor to reference when building your resume. Assess the qualifications and requirements listed to get an understanding of what you need to include on your resume for what employers expect in this field.
SUMMARY:
An Executive Sponsor is a high-level executive within an organization who provides strategic direction, support, and advocacy for a specific project, program, or initiative. As a key stakeholder, the Executive Sponsor plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the project by providing leadership, resources, and decision-making authority.
Additional resume strategies for this can be found here.
FUNCTIONAL DUTIES:
- Strategic Alignment: Align the project or initiative with the organization’s strategic goals, vision, and objectives. Ensure that the project aligns with the overall business strategy and contributes to the organization’s success.
- Leadership and Guidance: Provide strategic direction and leadership to the project team. Set clear expectations, goals, and objectives for the project and communicate them to the project team and stakeholders.
- Sponsorship and Advocacy: Serve as the primary champion and advocate for the project, promoting its value, benefits, and importance to the organization. Act as a liaison between the project team and other key stakeholders, including executives, board members, and senior leadership.
- Resource Allocation: Secure necessary resources, including budget, personnel, and equipment, to support the project. Ensure that the project has sufficient resources to meet its objectives and overcome any obstacles or challenges.
- Decision Making: Make critical decisions regarding the project, including approving major milestones, scope changes, and resource allocation. Provide guidance and support in resolving project-related issues and conflicts.
- Risk Management: Identify and assess project risks and develop risk mitigation strategies. Review and approve risk management plans. Monitor project risks and take appropriate action to minimize their impact.
- Stakeholder Management: Engage and manage key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. Build strong relationships with stakeholders and ensure their involvement and support. Communicate project progress, achievements, and challenges to stakeholders.
- Communication and Reporting: Provide regular updates to senior leadership and other stakeholders on project status, progress, and key milestones. Ensure that project reporting is accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational standards.
- Benefits Realization: Ensure that the project delivers the intended benefits and outcomes. Monitor post-project implementation and assess the realization of expected results. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and lessons learned.
- Sponsorship Succession Planning: Identify and groom successors for the Executive Sponsor role, ensuring a smooth transition of sponsorship responsibilities when needed.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Executive Leadership Experience: Extensive experience in senior executive roles, demonstrating strong leadership skills and a track record of strategic decision-making and successful project delivery.
- Strategic Vision: A deep understanding of the organization’s strategic goals, direction, and business priorities. The ability to align projects with the overall organizational strategy and vision.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior executives, board members, and project teams.
- Business Acumen: Strong business acumen and understanding of the industry, market dynamics, and organizational context. Familiarity with financial analysis, budgeting, and resource management.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical skills to assess project feasibility, risks, and performance. The ability to identify and address problems, make data-driven decisions, and mitigate risks.
- Change Management: Experience and expertise in managing organizational change related to project implementation. The ability to anticipate and address resistance to change and ensure effective change adoption.
- Project Management Knowledge: Familiarity with project management methodologies, tools, and best practices. Understanding of project management principles and the ability to apply them strategically.
- Authority and Decision-Making: The authority to make project-related decisions, including approving scope changes, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies. The ability to leverage organizational influence to drive project success.
Remember that specific job descriptions for Executive Sponsors may vary depending on the organization, industry, and specific requirements. The above description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications typically associated with this role.
If you would like more help with your resume, check out our Resume Bundles, or contact us today for a customized quote.