Kelly A. Schaefer

About Kelly A. Schaefer

Strategic executive and consultant with experience leading strategy, change, and execution for transformative in higher education. Trusted adviser to students, staff, and senior leaders, I specialize in aligning people, process, and technology to deliver measurable outcomes. From managing multimillion‑dollar portfolios to building data systems that drive belonging and equity, I turn complex challenges into sustainable solutions, as in these instances- Directed cross-functional teams of 170+ staff across 60+ departments for 15 strategic initiatives- Managed budgets up to $17M and negotiated contracts that reduced deficits by six figures- Co-created an analytics platform capturing engagement records to inform belonging and success - Championed equity initiatives: opened student support spaces, embedded universal design in eventsAs a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and higher education executive, I bring systems thinking, cultural fluency, and a steady hand to complex environments. I care deeply about belonging and community, not just as a feeling, but as a result of intentional learning and leadership design.As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, I create bespoke coaching experiences for individuals and teams, helping them tap into their unique talents to reach their goals. I bring this people-centered lens into projects I lead, aligning mission, metrics, and mindset.Above all, I believe learning together can influence and connect people to ideas, to action, and to each other, creating a better world with critical thinkers and doers in community. I achieve this vision through strategy, change leadership, execution, and measurement. If your organization coud use a colleague like me, let\'s have a conversation.

Experience

1. Instructor

   Higher Education Administration And Policy Program At Northwestern University

   Jan 2026 — Present

   I teach a course called Leadership Development and Coaching for Higher Education Organizations where students first learn how to understand and develop themselves as leaders. Grounded in understanding various leadership concepts (e.g. authentic leadership, strengths-based leadership, inclusive leadership), students engage in dialogue, reflection, and feedback to develop their own personal leadership abilities. Students also learn how to conduct leadership coaching with others with whom they work, mentor, advise, supervise, or teach. This course invites students to engage deeply with complex questions and develop thoughtful, individualized approaches rather than relying on formulaic answers. Success comes from applying concepts critically, synthesizing ideas, and demonstrating understanding and skills through experiential learning.

Education

• Western Illinois University

  Master of Science - MS

• Bowling Green State University

  Bachelor of Science

• Oakland Community College

  Summers

• Illinois Institute of Technology

  Doctorate of Philosophy

Skills

• Event Management
• Career Counseling
• Budgets
• Higher Education
• Program Development
• Management
• Student Development
• Recruiting
• Staff Development
• Project Planning
• Leadership Development
• Student Affairs
• Event Planning
• Career Development
• Program Management
• Editing
• Public Speaking
• Policy
• Social Media