SUMMARY/PURPOSE

The Director of Strategy (DS) plays a critical role in shaping the strategic direction and long-term sustainability of Summit Academy OIC (SAOIC). Reporting directly to a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the DS collaborates with senior leadership, Board of Directors, and staff to develop the organization's strategic plan. The DS drives brand visibility and ensures competitive positioning in the marketplace through multi-channel marketing and communications. In collaboration with the President and CEO, the DS identifies the prioritization of strategic initiatives in accomplishing stated organizational goals and objectives. To ensure strategic alignment across the organization, the DS partners with the President and CEO and Human Resources to review the organizational structure, internal talent pool, and shares opportunities for improvement and/or change. In addition to positioning the organization for strategic success, the DS develops a blueprint for strategic execution, partnering with key project owners charged with the operational implementation of the strategic plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Drive the strategic plan of the organization, lead strategic planning and development, interface with executive leadership, the Board of Directors, staff, and external constituents. Key functions include:

• Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive analysis to identify internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats, informing strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
• Mission and vision alignment: Ensure alignment between the organization's strategic objectives and its overarching mission and vision, revisiting and refining these statements as needed to reflect evolving priorities and stakeholder needs.
• Cross-Functional work: Work collaboratively with senior leadership and the board to establish clear, measurable, and achievable goals and objectives that support the organization's strategic priorities and desired outcomes.
• Strategic initiatives: Develop strategic initiatives and action plans to address key priorities and capitalize on opportunities, outlining timelines, responsibilities, and performance metrics for each initiative.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Track and communicate progress against key performance indicators (KPIs) and milestones, making adjustments to the strategic plan as needed based on feedback and results.

Discovery of emerging opportunities and ongoing monitoring of external environment

• Research and drive design to support discovery of new programs, conducting macro research, aligning potential opportunities with SAOIC's core criteria, and presenting findings to the Planning and Strategic Development (PSD) Committee as the SAOIC chair with the CEO.
• Partner with external stakeholders to help inform training/program/initiative design and outcomes, integrating best practices from evidence-based research and findings from practice.
• Deliver presentations to key stakeholders to garner investment: financial support, programmatic support, and/or employer support.

Develop, implement, and execute marketing strategy in accordance with the strategic plan.

• Develop and execute the organization's integrated marketing initiatives in accordance with the strategic direction of the organization.
• Effectively communicate SAOIC's brand to all constituencies, both internal and external, all tied directly to the organization's mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Responsible for the conceptual direction of marketing, branding, photography, and internal and external publications.
• Responsible for planning, evaluating, and reporting on goals and long-range marketing strategies.
• Effectively work with departments/programs on implementing communication/marketing plans that align with SAOIC priorities for optimal effectiveness

Drive visibility of the organization deploying a comprehensive public relations program

• Develop a comprehensive public relations program that will enhance Summit Academy's image and position as a leader in training and workforce development.
• Responsible for responding to media inquiries, as relates to public information about SAOIC.
• Maintains a positive relationship with representatives of both traditional and nontraditional media (Ex. Social Media Influencers, etc.) including regular contact and coordinate targeted strategic approaches that drive the organization's priorities.
• Lead public information processes, including legislative requirements, requests, and documentation, related to SAOIC's policy and funding requests
• Curate and develop social media content and create various media opportunities (Ex. Print, television, etc.) for CEO.

Implement continuous process and performance improvement measures

• Continuously identify and evaluate key digital marketplace and trends to inform marketing strategies based on ROI.
• Stay current with the latest trends, tools, and best practices in performance marketing to continuously improve campaign and team performance.
• Work closely with the monitoring and evaluation team partners to identify/refine audience targets, analyze campaign performance, develop insights and assign key performance indicators across campaigns and the team.
• Negotiate and maintain all vendor/service contracts, coordinating the Request for Quotes (RFQs) process as needed.
• Maintain Expert Database and Speakers' Bureau and promotes these assets to media and local influencers.
• Responsible for the supervision of employees assigned to the Marketing Department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to influence organizational strategy and drive cross-functional collaboration.
• Extensive knowledge of strategic planning, organizational development, change management, and performance measurement.
• Expertise in integrated marketing, branding, public relations, digital marketing, and communications strategy.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit management, workforce development, adult education, and community-based organizations.
• Ability to analyze market trends, workforce data, competitive intelligence, and organizational performance metrics to inform executive decision-making.
• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills, including experience presenting to executive leadership, boards of directors, elected officials, community partners, and funding organizations.
• Strong project and portfolio management skills with the ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Financial acumen including budget development, vendor management, contract negotiations, and ROI analysis.
• High level of political awareness and professionalism when representing the organization publicly.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and advancing SAOIC's mission of preparing adults for family-sustaining careers.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Direct supervision of:

• Marketing & Communications Team

Carries responsibility for coaching, developing, evaluating, and holding direct reports accountable while fostering a high-performing, collaborative team culture.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates primarily in a professional office environment and requires regular interaction with internal departments, executive leadership, community partners, employers, government agencies, and media representatives. The role routinely uses standard office equipment and technology platforms.

Attendance at community meetings, networking events, employer visits, fundraising activities, legislative events, and organizational functions is expected. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer, attending meetings, or delivering presentations.

The individual must frequently communicate with employees, executive leadership, Board members, donors, community partners, media representatives, and public officials. The position occasionally requires moving throughout Summit Academy facilities and off-site locations for meetings, presentations, and community events

POSITION TYPE & EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time, exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It is not eligible for overtime pay. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. Deviations from the normal work schedule may be required to meet the expectations of the position.

TRAVEL

This position requires limited travel. Less than 10% each year.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Public Relations, Strategic Management, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in strategic planning, marketing, communications, organizational development, or executive leadership.
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience leading professional staff.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide strategic planning initiatives.
• Experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies.
• Experience working directly with executive leadership and governing boards.
• Experience managing departmental budgets, vendor relationships, and marketing investments.
• Proven experience leading organizational change and cross-functional initiatives.

PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Strategic Leadership, Marketing, Communications, Organizational Development, Public Administration, or related field.
• Experience within nonprofit organizations, workforce development, higher education, adult education, or economic development.
• Experience working with public funding, grants, government relations, and legislative advocacy.
• Certification in Project Management (PMP), Strategic Planning, Lean Six Sigma, Prosci Change Management, or Digital Marketing is preferred.
• Experience using CRM, marketing automation, analytics, and business intelligence platforms.
• Experience serving as a member of an executive leadership team.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

BENEFITS

• Paid time off (PTO) policy, which begins accruing at 120 hours (3 weeks) per year;
• 11 annual paid holidays in addition to 2 annual scheduled, paid mental health days;
• Eligibility to elect comprehensive health, vision, dental, and voluntary life insurance;
• Employer-sponsored life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance;
• Eligibility to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match, effective day one;
• Eligibility for an annual bonus based on organizational and employee performance