Strengthening Strategic Plan Execution

College presidents are increasingly faced with the monumental task of turning ambitious strategic plans into actionable outcomes. These plans, designed to address pressing challenges such as enrollment shifts, financial sustainability, and technological advancements, are critical to ensuring an institution’s long-term success. However, effective execution can often falter due to limited internal resources, competing priorities, or gaps in expertise. This is where KDM Advisors, LLC can make a transformative impact.

With decades of higher education experience, KDM Advisors is uniquely positioned to partner with college presidents and their leadership teams to ensure the successful implementation of strategic priorities. By augmenting internal staff and providing targeted expertise, KDM Advisors offers the support needed to bridge execution gaps and drive measurable results.

The Challenge of Strategic Plan Execution

A well-crafted strategic plan is only as effective as its implementation. According to studies, up to 67% of strategic initiatives fail to deliver their intended outcomes. For colleges and universities, these failures can have significant consequences, from missed enrollment targets to financial shortfalls and diminished institutional reputation.

Some common barriers to successful execution include:

• Resource Constraints: Internal teams are often stretched thin, juggling day-to-day responsibilities alongside strategic initiatives.

• Execution Silos: Lack of cross-departmental collaboration can lead to fragmented efforts and inefficiencies.

• Insufficient Expertise: Certain strategic priorities, such as technology adoption or enrollment management, require specialized knowledge that may not exist internally.

• Change Resistance: Implementing new initiatives often involves significant cultural and operational shifts, which can be met with resistance.

  
  

How KDM Advisors Supports Strategic Plan Execution

KDM Advisors brings a wealth of expertise and a hands-on approach to help college presidents overcome these challenges. Here’s how:

1. Strategic Alignment and Prioritization

   
   

   KDM consultants work closely with leadership teams to ensure that strategic initiatives are aligned with institutional goals and priorities. By helping to clarify objectives and establish realistic timelines, KDM Advisors ensures that resources are allocated effectively.

   
   

Example: A mid-sized university engaged KDM Advisors to identify areas for increasing enrollment and improving overall financial results to align with its strategic plan. We identified opportunities for revenue diversification and expense rationalization, which resulted in the university increasing its bottom line by more than $15 million.

2. Project Management and Execution Support

   
   

   KDM Advisors provides project management expertise to keep initiatives on track. From creating detailed action plans to monitoring progress, KDM ensures that key milestones are met and potential roadblocks are addressed proactively.

   
   

Example: A state university struggling to expand its admissions department engaged KDM Advisors to recruit a new director of admissions. Our team prepared an attractive job description and conducted initial outreach activities to attract potential candidates. Our work resulted in hiring an effective admissions leader, driving improved student enrollment.    

3. Specialized Expertise

   
   

   With decades of experience across various domains, KDM consultants bring specialized knowledge to tackle complex challenges. Whether optimizing enrollment strategies, enhancing financial sustainability, or leveraging technology, KDM provides the insights needed to drive results.

4. Change Management and Stakeholder Engagement

   
   

   Implementing strategic initiatives often requires cultural and operational changes. KDM Advisors helps institutions navigate these changes by fostering stakeholder buy-in, providing training, and communicating the value of new initiatives.

   
   

Example: A community organization dedicated to animal rescue asked KDM Advisors to upgrade its human resources processes and policies. We proposed and implemented improvements, resulting in more efficient HR processes, improved compliance, and reduced legal exposure.  

5. Measuring and Sustaining Success

   
   

   KDM Advisors emphasizes the importance of measuring outcomes and sustaining progress. By establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and conducting regular reviews, KDM helps institutions stay on track and adapt to evolving needs.

   
   

Example: A software development company focused on higher education partnered with KDM Advisors to improve its financial and operational visibility. We introduced operating and financial metrics and dashboards, which enabled the management team to focus on key data that drove higher revenue and lowered support costs.

Why Partner with KDM Advisors?

KDM Advisors understands the unique challenges facing higher education leaders. Our consultants bring a collaborative approach, working as an extension of your team to deliver practical solutions and lasting impact. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Deep Higher Education Expertise: Decades of experience across a wide range of institutions and functional areas.

• Customized Solutions: Tailored strategies to meet your institution's specific needs.

• Proven Track Record: A history of successful engagements and measurable outcomes.

• Commitment to Excellence: A dedication to helping institutions thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.

  
  

Empowering Your Institution’s Future

In today’s rapidly changing higher education landscape, the ability to execute strategic plans effectively is more critical than ever. By partnering with KDM Advisors, college presidents can ensure that their institutions meet their strategic goals and position themselves for long-term success.

If your institution is ready to transform its strategic vision into reality, contact KDM Advisors today. Together, we can create a roadmap to success and deliver meaningful results for your students, faculty, and community.

Kenneth Maher is a principal at KDM Advisors, LLC, which partners with higher education leaders to build long-term sustainable business models that ensure financial stability and faculty/staff engagement. You can reach Ken directly at kmaher@kdmadvisors.com