Strategic Operations Director

Alliance Defending Freedom; Lansdowne (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

401(k) with 4% company match

Paid time off

12 paid holidays

Job summary

Alliance Defending Freedom is seeking a Strategic Operations Director to act as the EVP's operational partner, driving strategic projects, budgets, and cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.

You will build financial models, benchmark analyses, and actionable plans, coordinating with senior leaders to advance organizational priorities and steward resources effectively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Operations, Public Policy, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in operations management, strategic planning, or related role.
• Proven track record as COO or Operations Director in a small-to-mid-size organization.
• Hands-on experience managing budgets and building processes.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of strategic projects assigned by the EVP, from scoping through delivery, including planning and operational design.
• 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.
• Conduct research and benchmarking on organizational, industry, and policy questions relevant to ADF's strategic direction.
• Coordinate with the Office of the CEO to align strategic work with priorities.
• Review and analyze organizational financials, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Build financial models, forecasts, and scenario analyses to inform decisions.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and recommend process improvements for stewardship.
• Liaise between the EVP and teams, ensuring alignment and follow-through.
• Lead or support cross-functional workstreams with structure and accountability.
• Synthesize data and qualitative inputs into clear narratives for senior leadership.

Skills

Strategic planning

Operations management

Budget management

Cross-functional coordination

Strategic project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Operations, Public Policy, or related field

7+ years of progressive operations/strategic planning experience

Job description

Make a difference with us! At Alliance Defending Freedom, we believe God has brought you here for His purpose—to stand for truth and defend the God-given right to live and speak it. Together, we protect religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. Review our Statement of Faith to ensure we’re a fit for you.

Locations: Lansdowne, VA

Team Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Project Execution

• 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

Business Operations & Financial Management

• 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

Cross-Functional Coordination

• 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

Minimum Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Pay & Benefits

At Alliance Defending Freedom, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to support your well-being and growth. While we do not disclose specific salary ranges, our compensation is competitive with top non-profit law firms. Our benefits include 100% covered medical and dental insurance, medical and dependent care reimbursement, paid disability, long-term care, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% company match. We prioritize work-life balance with paid time off and 12 paid holidays each year.

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