Chief Strategy Officer

American Student Assistance (ASA), a non-profit organization on a mission changing the way kids learn about careers and plan for the future, has an immediate opening on our Executive Leadership Team for a Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). The CSO will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and be responsible for driving the overall strategic direction and long-term planning of ASA; defining, communicating and overseeing the execution of strategic initiatives that ensure ASA’s growth, competitiveness and sustainability; and monitoring the execution of the strategies against plan.The successful Chief Strategy Officer will be a collaborative, proactive, results oriented leader with a demonstrated ability to successfully drive corporate and business unit alignment around the key choices embedded in the strategy, and translate those choices into specific actions organizational leaders are accountable for.Job Summary:The Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) will work closely with the CEO, executive team, and stakeholders to develop and execute strategies that drive business growth, market expansion, and competitive advantage. The CSO will play a crucial role in identifying new market opportunities, evaluating risks, guiding innovation, and aligning the organization’s vision with strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess deep industry knowledge, analytical prowess, and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.Key Responsibilities:1. Strategic Planning & Development:Develop, communicate, and implement the organization's vision and strategic plan.Lead the annual and long-term strategic planning process, ensuring alignment with ASA’s mission, vision, and objectives.Identify growth opportunities, new business models, and market trends to position ASA as an industry leader.Evaluate and refine the company's strategic priorities and initiatives to adapt to changing market conditions.2. Market Research & Analysis:Conduct in-depth market research to identify emerging trends, competitive dynamics, and potential disruptors.Analyze industry data, customer behavior, and competitive landscape to provide insights for strategic decision-making.Develop comprehensive business cases for new initiatives, including revenue projections, cost-benefit analysis, and ROI calculations.3. Strategy Execution & Monitoring:Translate strategic initiatives into actionable plans and oversee their implementation across various business units.Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, operations, finance, product development) to ensure successful execution of strategic goals.Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of strategic initiatives and provide regular updates to the executive team.Identify risks and challenges to strategy execution and develop contingency plans to mitigate them.4. Corporate Development & Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A):Identify potential acquisition targets, partnership opportunities, and strategic alliances that align with the company’s growth objectives.Lead due diligence efforts for M&A activities, including financial analysis, risk assessment, and integration planning.Negotiate terms of partnerships and alliances, ensuring alignment with ASA’s strategic goals.5. Innovation & Change Management:Foster a culture of innovation by identifying new business opportunities, technological advancements, and market disruptions.Guide the organization through change management processes, ensuring smooth transitions during strategic pivots.Champion the adoption of new processes, tools, and technologies to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.6. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:Serve as a key advisor to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors on strategic matters.Communicate the company’s strategic direction and objectives to internal stakeholders and ensure alignment across the organization.Represent the company in industry events, conferences, and meetings with external stakeholders, including partners, and regulatory bodies.Qualifications:Experience:15+ years of progressive experience in strategic planning, corporate strategy, management consulting, or a related role, with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in a senior leadership position.Proven track record of successfully developing and executing strategic plans that drive business growth and innovation.Skills:Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and develop actionable insights.Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.High level of business acumen and financial literacy.Ability to think creatively and challenge conventional wisdom.Experience with M&A processes, strategic partnerships, and corporate development is a plus.Personal Attributes:Visionary leader with the ability to see the big picture and anticipate future trends.Adaptable and resilient, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.Results-oriented, with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes.Ability to build trust and credibility with the executive team and employees at all levels.A collaborative mindset, with a willingness to engage in constructive debate and diverse perspectives.

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