Director of Strategic Planning Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of business, the role of a Director of Strategic Planning has never been more critical.

As the business landscape evolves, the demand for visionary leaders who can design, implement, and oversee strategic roadmaps escalitates.

But let’s delve deeper: What does a Director of Strategic Planning truly entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core responsibilities of this position,
• A hiring manager looking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the strategic planning process in businesses,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a tailored Director of Strategic Planning job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Director of Strategic Planning Duties and Responsibilities

Directors of Strategic Planning play a critical role in setting the strategic direction of an organization and ensuring that its resources are effectively aligned to achieve its objectives.

They are often involved in high-level decision-making and problem-solving, and must have exceptional analytical, leadership, and communication skills.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing strategic plans and objectives for the organization in line with the company’s mission and goals
• Analyzing and interpreting trends in the industry, market, and internal data to identify opportunities and threats
• Presenting strategic recommendations to the executive team and board of directors
• Monitoring and reporting on the progress of strategic initiatives
• Coordinating and working closely with other departments to ensure the strategic plan is well-integrated and supports all areas of the business
• Leading and facilitating strategic planning workshops and meetings
• Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including employees, clients, and partners
• Reviewing and revising strategic plans as necessary to account for changing circumstances or to incorporate new insights
• Conducting risk assessments and implementing strategies to manage risk

 

Director of Strategic Planning Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly strategic and analytical Director of Strategic Planning to shape our organization’s direction and develop plans to realize our business objectives.

The responsibilities include managing and coordinating marketing and strategic planning, conducting market research to identify opportunities, evaluating business performance, and ensuring our business plans align with our strategy.

The ideal candidate should have solid experience in strategic planning, a keen eye for identifying opportunities, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead and inspire teams.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic plans and set timelines for evaluation, development, and implementation of all business programs
• Analyze and interpret market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities and key issues
• Oversee and manage all project and strategic management functions
• Develop and implement a corporate growth strategy
• Collaborate with senior leaders and stakeholders to develop business strategies aligned with the overall company goals
• Monitor and analyze industry trends and market changes
• Prepare detailed business performance reports and present to the board of directors
• Develop risk management strategies to mitigate any potential risks

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Director of Strategic Planning or similar role
• Experience in strategic planning and business development
• Understanding of market research and data analysis
• Knowledge of business operations and procedures
• Demonstrable experience in setting goals and strategies
• Excellent leadership and organizational abilities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• BSc/BA in Business Administration or relevant field; MSc/MA is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Director of Strategic Planning
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Frequent travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $150,000 minimum to $250,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Director of Strategic Planning Do?

A Director of Strategic Planning is typically employed in larger corporations across a wide range of industries.

They are often part of the executive management team and report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or other high-level executives.

Their main responsibility is to develop, communicate, execute, and sustain strategic initiatives.

They determine where an organization is going over the next year or more, how it’s going to get there, and how it’ll know if it got there or not.

They work closely with other departments to gather data and analyze business processes.

From this, they identify current performance, trends, strengths, and weaknesses, and then develop strategies for improvement.

A Director of Strategic Planning may also be responsible for managing company-wide change initiatives, helping to drive the changes needed to achieve strategic goals.

They monitor and analyze market trends, competitor activities, and consumer behavior to ensure the organization’s strategy aligns with the industry dynamics.

They usually lead and facilitate the annual strategic planning process, from development to implementation and review.

They might also work with other executives and managers to ensure the strategy is communicated and understood throughout the organization.

In addition, they may also be responsible for risk management and contingency planning, ensuring the organization can quickly and effectively respond to changes in the business environment.

 

Director of Strategic Planning Qualifications and Skills

A Director of Strategic Planning should possess a unique blend of analytical skills, foresight, and leadership qualities.

These qualifications and skills include:

• Strong understanding of business operations, financial planning, market trends, and industry insights to formulate effective strategic plans.
• Proficient in utilizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address business challenges and make informed decisions.
• Excellent leadership and management skills to guide cross-functional teams, oversee projects, and ensure the successful implementation of strategic plans.
• Superior communication and presentation skills to articulate strategic vision, engage stakeholders, and gain buy-in from all levels of the organization.
• Expertise in project management and organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of tasks and achieving set objectives.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data using statistical tools to inform strategic decisions and measure the effectiveness of strategic initiatives.
• Knowledge of strategic planning software and tools to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and improve accuracy of planning.
• Proven experience in change management and the ability to adapt to evolving market conditions, business needs, and challenges.

 

Director of Strategic Planning Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for a Director of Strategic Planning position typically have 7 to 10 years of experience in business planning, finance, or a related field.

This experience can be gained through roles such as Business Analyst, Finance Manager, or Strategic Planner.

Candidates should have a proven track record in strategic planning and management, preferably in a similar industry.

They should be well-versed in market analysis, business modelling, and decision-making based on data and analytics.

Those with more than 10 years of experience often have extensive knowledge of the industry, including insights into market trends and competitive landscape.

They usually have a significant amount of project management experience, managing complex strategic initiatives from conception to implementation.

Those with 15 or more years of experience often have executive-level experience, having served in high-ranking roles such as Vice President of Planning or Chief Strategy Officer.

These candidates may have led large teams, overseen multimillion-dollar budgets, and made strategic decisions that significantly impacted a company’s performance and growth.

In addition to the aforementioned experience, candidates for the Director of Strategic Planning role should also have strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

They should be strategic thinkers capable of formulating and implementing long-term plans and goals for the organization.

They should also have a keen eye for detail, be results-driven, and have a strong ability to work cross-functionally and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

 

Director of Strategic Planning Education and Training Requirements

Directors of Strategic Planning typically hold a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, or a related field.

A strong background in business strategy, financial analysis, and market research is essential for this role.

They should also possess excellent analytical, decision-making, and leadership skills.

Many employers prefer candidates with a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a related discipline, as it provides advanced knowledge in strategic planning, business development, and market analysis.

In addition to formal education, several years of experience in strategic planning, project management, or a related field are usually required for this position.

Some Directors of Strategic Planning may also pursue professional certifications such as the Strategic Management Professional (SMP) or the Strategic Planning Professional (SPP) to enhance their skills and knowledge.

These certifications and advanced degrees not only validate a candidate’s expertise in strategic planning but also demonstrate their commitment to professional growth and leadership potential.

 

Director of Strategic Planning Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Director of Strategic Planning is $138,269 (USD) per year.

However, compensation can significantly vary based on factors such as industry, years of experience, level of education, and the location of the employer.

 

Director of Strategic Planning Job Description FAQs

What educational background is required for a Director of Strategic Planning?

A Director of Strategic Planning usually requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related field.

However, many employers prefer candidates with an MBA or equivalent advanced degree.

Apart from formal education, they are expected to have extensive experience in strategic planning, business development, or a similar role.

 

What are the key skills required for the role of Director of Strategic Planning?

The Director of Strategic Planning must have excellent strategic thinking and leadership skills.

They should be adept in business planning and understanding market trends.

Strong analytical abilities are vital for this role, as it involves analyzing company operations, evaluating business plans, and forecasting market trends.

Effective communication skills are crucial to relay complex strategic plans to employees at all levels of the organization.

 

What are the main responsibilities of a Director of Strategic Planning?

A Director of Strategic Planning develops strategic plans to ensure the growth and profitability of the organization.

They examine market trends, competition, and changes in the industry to determine strategic goals.

They also collaborate with other executives to implement the strategic plans across the organization.

Additionally, they monitor the effectiveness of these strategies and make necessary modifications based on the company’s performance and market changes.

 

What qualities make a good Director of Strategic Planning?

A successful Director of Strategic Planning is a visionary leader with the ability to influence and motivate others.

They are strategic thinkers and have a strong business acumen to develop and implement effective business strategies.

They should be detail-oriented and have strong analytical skills to interpret business data and market trends.

Finally, they should be good communicators, capable of clearly conveying complex strategies to others.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Director of Strategic Planning?

Hiring a Director of Strategic Planning can be challenging due to the high level of expertise and experience required for this role.

It’s crucial to find a candidate who not only has the necessary technical skills but also fits the company’s culture and shares its vision.

Therefore, the hiring process might be lengthy and rigorous, involving multiple interviews and assessments.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate world of being a Director of Strategic Planning.

But guess what?

It’s not just about formulating strategies.

It’s about carving the future path of a company, one strategic plan at a time.

With our indispensable Director of Strategic Planning job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to leap forward.

But why halt the momentum?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next move for creating fine-tuned job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every strategic plan plays a role in the grand scheme.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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