Strategic Operations Director

Alliance Defending Freedom•Lansdowne, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Strategic Operations Director serves as the primary operational partner to the EVP of Enterprise Strategy, bringing business discipline, analytical rigor, and hands-on execution to the organization's strategic priorities. In this role, you will manage budgets, build processes, coordinate functions, and deliver results in a real operational environment. You accelerate the EVP's work by taking ownership of complex projects, conducting research and analysis, managing financial reviews, and infusing business-minded thinking.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Operations, Public Policy, or related field
7+ years of progressive experience in operations management, strategic planning, business management, or a directly comparable operational role
Demonstrated success as a COO, Operations Director, or equivalent in a small-to-mid-size organization
Hands-on experience managing budgets, building processes, and delivering measurable results

Nice To Haves

Experience in a for-profit business in a competitive, growth-minded environment

Responsibilities

Take full ownership of strategic projects assigned by the EVP, from scoping through delivery — including organizational planning, research initiatives, financial analysis, and operational design work
Develop structured analyses, frameworks, and recommendations on questions critical to the organization's mission and growth
Prepare internal briefing documents, strategic plans, business cases, and decision memos for senior leadership review
Conduct research and benchmarking on organizational, industry, and policy questions relevant to ADF's strategic direction
Coordinate with the Office of the CEO as needed to ensure strategic work products align with organizational priorities
Support the EVP in reviewing and analyzing organizational financials, budgets, and resource allocation decisions
Build financial models, forecasts, and scenario analyses to inform strategic decision-making
Identify operational inefficiencies and recommend process improvements that increase effectiveness and stewardship
Bring business discipline to organizational planning, ensuring decisions are grounded in sound operational and financial thinking
Serve as a liaison between the EVP and other teams, facilitating alignment and ensuring follow-through on strategic initiatives
Lead or support cross-functional workstreams, providing structure, accountability, and clear communication
Synthesize data and qualitative inputs into clear narratives for senior leadership consumption