Associate Director – Strategic Programs

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Take ownership and lead cross-functional strategic and operational initiatives to successful completion.

• Collaborate with executives and business leaders to implement strategic initiatives, which include value creation projects and operational priorities.

• Define and prioritize A-LIGN's strategic growth initiatives.

• Establish governance for programs, including steering committee structures, decision rights, escalation paths, and operational rhythms.

• Create roadmaps, milestones, KPIs, and dashboards that translate strategy into actionable execution.

• Monitor the progress of initiatives, eliminate obstacles, ensure accountability, and proactively manage risks and dependencies.

• Identify AI opportunities, perform workflow discovery, assess AI use cases, and propose practical solutions.

• Coordinate, pilot, implement, and scale AI-enabled solutions across various business units.

• Document and promote AI best practices through presentations, training materials, videos, and internal communications.

• Lead initiatives from inception to scalability, including new business lines, capability developments, and operational processes or playbooks.

• Drive cross-functional transformations and convert analysis into actionable plans.

• Develop business cases, scenario models, and benefits-realization analyses for critical decision-making.

• Transition embedded operating processes and playbooks to functional owners.

• Prepare executive updates and progress reports for leadership review.

• Facilitate communication across functions and translate strategy into operational actions.

• Implement and manage an OKR or similar goal-setting framework.

• Design and conduct leadership meeting rhythms, strategy reviews, business reviews, and planning sessions.

• Support the design of organizational structures aligned with A-LIGN’s growth aspirations.

• Develop a metrics-driven reporting framework for the Board of Directors.

• Prepare board materials that include narrative, financial context, and updates on initiative-level milestones.

• Drive annual strategic planning that is linked to budget, hiring, and execution plans.

• Establish frameworks for decision-making that support delegation and promote leadership-team autonomy.

• Optionally assist with M&A integration planning, integration PMO activities, functional integration, and development of integration playbooks.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or other relevant fields.

• 5 to 7 years of experience in program management or strategic planning, ideally with a background in top-tier management consulting (e.g., Big 4, BCG, McKinsey, or similar).

• At least 2 years of operational experience in a corporate or PE-backed environment.

• Proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional programs from scope definition to measurable business outcomes.

• Experience in producing board-level materials and operating in a metrics-driven management environment.

• Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, and data analysis tools.

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree is preferred.

• Experience in B2B services or tech-enabled services is preferred.

• Strong advantage for candidates with experience in cybersecurity, compliance, audit, regulated services, or federal contracting.

• Exposure to enterprise scaling, M&A integration, or AI product strategy is an additional plus.

• Outcome-oriented with a strong focus on priorities and results.

• Mental agility and comfort in navigating complexity and ambiguity.

• Ability to lead through influence and credibility among executives and operational staff.

• Business acumen connecting strategy, operations, and financials.

• Detail-oriented with strong analytical thinking skills.

• Exceptional executive-level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize information for board presentations.

• Proficient in managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.

• Thrives in fast-paced environments while balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution.

🏝️ Benefits

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Benefits.

• Employer Paid Life Insurance and Disability Insurance.

• EAP - Employee Assistance Program.

• Pet Insurance.

• 401(k) Plan with Employer Matching.

• Competitive Bonus Structure.

• Home Office Reimbursement.

• Certification Reimbursement.

• Personalized Career Coaching.

• Generous Paid Time Off.

• Paid Office Closure from December 25 to January 1.

• Vacation Bonus.

• Summer Hours.