Associate Director, Strategic Operations

THE ROLE: Associate Director, Strategic Operations

American Student Assistance (ASA) is national nonprofit that is changing the way kids learn about careers and prepare for their futures through access to career-readiness information and experiences.

ASA fulfills its mission through free digital-first direct experiences, philanthropy, advocacy, thought leadership, groundbreaking research, and impact investing. We believe that exploring career possibilities, as early as middle school, and providing access to education-to-career pathways aligned with one's passions and goals will result in greater confidence and long-term success for all students.

We are looking for an Associate Director, Strategy Operations. This role will report directly to the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and be responsible for partnering with the CSO to operate the Strategy Office. A successful Associate Director, Strategic Operations will be a collaborative, proactive, results oriented professional with a demonstrated ability to successfully drive corporate and business unit alignment around the key choices embedded in strategy, and translate those choices into specific actions organizational leaders are accountable for. This role will work closely with the CSO, leadership team, and stakeholders to develop and execute strategies that drive business growth, market expansion, and competitive advantage.

What You'll Do:

• Strategic Planning Process Support: Assist in managing the annual and long-term strategic planning processes including developing timelines, coordinating meetings, documenting progress, and ensuring alignment across different teams.
• Operationalizing Strategy Office: Support the translation of strategy office activities into actionable plans and track their progress across the organization. This requires working closely within the Strategy Office team and other ASA teams to ensure successful execution.
• Strategy Office Infrastructure: Implement and manage tools and systems to facilitate the operation of the Strategy Office. This could include project management software (like Monday.com mentioned as an example of digital tools), communication platforms, and data analysis tools.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Help establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to strategic initiatives and provide regular updates to the CSO and relevant stakeholders including data collection, analysis, and report generation.
• Internal Communication and Alignment: Support the development of communication of the strategic direction and objectives of the Strategy Office to internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment across the organization including preparing presentations, facilitating internal meetings, and disseminating strategy updates.
• Project Management: Manage specific strategic projects and initiatives, ensuring they are on track, within budget, and aligned with strategic goals.
• Business Intelligence, Knowledge Management and Analysis Support: Assist in the collection and initial analysis of market research data, competitive intelligence, and industry trends to support strategic decision-making.
• Partnership Operations Support: Provide operational support to the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, such as managing the partnership pipeline in Salesforce, assisting with the preparation of partnership proposals, and tracking the performance of partnerships.
• Budget Management: Assist in the development and monitoring of the Strategy Office budget.

About You:

• Experience: 6-8 years of experience in operations, project management, or business administration. Experience working in a strategic planning or business development environment especially in consulting firms or foundations. Advanced degree preferred.
• Project Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Organizational and Time Management Skills: Exceptional organizational, time management, and prioritization skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize information and develop insights.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with various stakeholders across the organization.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with digital tools and platforms for project management, data analysis, and communication (e.g., Monday.com, Salesforce).
• Collaboration and Interpersonal Skills: A collaborative mindset with the ability to build trust and work effectively with cross-functional teams and individuals at all levels.
• Results-Oriented: A focus on achieving measurable outcomes and driving successful execution of strategic initiatives.
• Understanding of Strategic Concepts: A foundational understanding of strategic planning principles and business objectives.

Why ASA?

ASA offers a wide range of perks and benefits to Associates, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision healthcare plans, a retirement plan (plus match), weekly lunches, commuter benefits, and tuition reimbursement.

We also heavily prioritize a healthy work/life balance, which is why we offer all full-time associates generous PTO options, Summer Fridays (every Friday off between Memorial Day and Labor Day), a company holiday break between December 25th and January 1st, and even a paid sabbatical after five years of employment.

ASA works in a Hybrid schedule (2) two days a week in our Boston HQ. We prioritize strategic thinkers, collaborators, and work/life pros who are looking to help make a difference in kid's education and career goals.