Director, Strategy And Operations

Summary

Join Jobs for the Future (JFF) as their Director, Strategy and Operations! This strategic and operational role partners with the Chief Solutions Officer and Senior Director to advance the Solutions Group's priorities. You will oversee strategic initiatives, shape the operating model, and advance new projects. The position requires strong leadership, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills. You'll work closely with various teams to refine strategies, build partnerships, and ensure effective implementation. This is an exciting opportunity for a proven leader to make a significant impact at a mission-driven organization. JFF offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a flexible work environment.

Requirements

• Bring significant experience leading and/or partnering with executives on strategic planning, workflow planning, and/or program management (New hires at the Director I level at JFF typically bring 10+ years of prior professional experience through a combination of full-time, part-time, internship, and/or freelance positions)
• Have the ability to center big picture strategy, stepping back when appropriate, with strong operational experience to roll up your sleeves as needed
• Have experience taking concepts from ideation to execution, or piloting strategic initiatives; be skilled at developing strategic roadmaps that balance short-term needs with long-term strategic vision
• Possess strong client and partner management skills with an ability to build context quickly to best meet the needs of stakeholders (both internal and external)
• Be an active listener with strong communication and relationship-building skills, especially in leading through influence and navigating change
• Thrive in situations where you need to connect the dots between strategy and execution, activities happening across multiple functional areas, and stakeholders’ needs and priorities
• Excel at relationship-building across all levels, managing up effectively, and gaining buy-in through influence
• Be action-oriented and possess excellent project management, detail orientation, organization and analytic skills
• Have strong verbal and written presentation skills including the ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner via presentations, particularly when facilitating meetings, retreats, and other events with senior leaders
• Have strong judgment, including the ability to operate with discretion when handling confidential information
• Bring energy and passion for JFF’s mission, North Star, and commitment to core values
• Be energized by stewarding JFF’s DEIBW values and practices within your day-to-day work, including embracing the differences and celebrating the diversity that each individual brings to JFF
• Value building positive and collaborative relationships with others, including people whose identities and backgrounds differ from your own

Responsibilities

• Facilitate Solutions Group Strategy and Planning
• Drive the development and execution of strategic initiatives to advance the Solutions Group’s critical priorities
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and optimize organizational procedures for greater efficiency and productivity
• Plan and facilitate leadership meetings and retreats, including setting goals and preparing agendas in collaboration with the CSO and Senior Director
• Collaborate with the Solutions Group Executive Assistant to ensure the CSO is fully prepared for internal and external engagements
• Ensure the Solutions Group’s strategy and execution plans align with JFF’s organizational priorities, strategic plan, and annual operating plan, as well as the CSO’s expectations
• Partner with business operations teams across JFF to ensure alignment, support communications on behalf of the CSO, and elevate critical issues as needed
• Work with Solutions Group Business Units (BUs) and Solutions Design & Delivery teams to refine strategies and ensure cross-team alignment to maximize impact
• Support the development and implementation of cohesive strategies across Solutions Group teams
• Track and hold teams accountable for meeting key milestones, such as semi-annual strategy reviews with Practices, Centers, and squad teams
• Support the execution of priority lines of business (e.g., advisory services, network strategy) and collaborate with BUs to advance key strategies (e.g., postsecondary, go-to-market initiatives)
• Oversee the delivery of cross-unit priorities (e.g., Work-Based Learning Framework, Delivering Quality Work)
• Manage and execute strategic initiatives for the Solutions Group, ensuring high-impact outcomes
• Enhance Partner Engagement and Collaboration
• Ensure responsiveness to external partners, fostering strong relationships and effective communication
• Handle inbound calls or redirect them to appropriate teams as needed
• Provide support for priority Solutions Group partnerships by developing and advancing partnership opportunities
• Support initial concept development and strategic initiatives, incorporating diverse perspectives and expertise
• Empowers and hold self and others accountable for delivering on commitments consistently
• Foster Solutions Group Engagement and Leadership
• Support the CSO and senior leaders in implementing change management efforts within the Solutions Group, ensuring alignment with JFF’s broader goals and priorities
• Support the Solutions Group Leadership Team in decision-making, program management, and the implementation of new initiatives to drive impact
• Promote the effectiveness of the Solutions Group’s senior leaders by ensuring they have the tools, information, and support necessary for swift decision-making and action
• Inspire and guide staff members by modeling JFF’s DEIBW values and practices, serving as a mentor and advocate for collaborative, inclusive engagement
• Prepare for and facilitate Solutions Group meetings, including bi-monthly leadership meetings, office hours, and other key engagements
• Maintain and refine the Solutions Group dashboard, ensuring it accurately reflects progress, priorities, and key metrics
• Vet, prioritize, and deliver regular communications to the Solutions Group via Teams, email, and Workplace to ensure transparency and alignment
• Collaborate with internal shared services teams (e.g., Development, Finance, Contracts, Marketing & Communications, Strategy & Impact) to ensure effective BU-centered policies and processes

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in the private sector, strategy consulting or product strategy is a plus

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Comprehensive benefits program
• Flexibility and choice as core values
• JFF has offices in Boston, Oakland, and Washington, DC; employees are welcome to use JFF office space to work in-person or hybrid, or completely remote
• Annual home office stipend to all regular full-time and part-time employees
• New employees receive office equipment as needed
• Hiring range for this role is $100,000 - $120,000 annually