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Director Strategic Studies Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thompson Gray

Strategic Operations Analyst

Huntsville, AL · On-site +1

$93K - $115K/yr

Serve as the Director's principal strategic advisor, providing candid, informed counsel on ... Bachelor's degree in Strategic Studies, National Security, Public Policy, Business, or a related ...

Tinuiti

Director, Strategic Planning

The Director is a critical role within Tinuiti's Strategic Planning team. The role is focused on ... studies for brands and the agency Core Competencies: * Media strategy and plan development, from ...

Ibotta, Inc

Director, Strategic Partnerships

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$142K - $186K/yr

Ibotta is seeking a Director, Strategic Partnerships to join our innovative team and contribute to ... Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal (Candidates do a mock case study as part of ...

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$49.5K

$125.6K

$204K

How much do director strategic studies jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for director strategic studies in the United States is $125,634.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $156,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Director of Strategic Studies do?

A Director of Strategic Studies is responsible for overseeing research and analysis related to long-term organizational strategy and planning. They lead teams that study trends, assess risks, and provide insights to inform decision-making at the executive level. Their work often involves collaborating with various departments, managing strategic projects, and presenting findings to senior leadership to guide the organization's future direction.

How does a Director of Strategic Studies typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within an organization?

A Director of Strategic Studies often works closely with various departments, such as finance, marketing, operations, and executive leadership, to analyze business trends and develop actionable strategies. This collaboration usually entails leading or participating in strategy sessions, sharing insights from research, and facilitating alignment on long-term goals. Effective communication and relationship-building are key, as the Director must ensure that strategic recommendations are understood and adopted across teams. These collaborative efforts help drive informed decision-making and organizational success.

How much does a PhD in strategic leadership make?

A Director of Strategic Studies with a PhD can expect a salary range typically between $100,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on the industry, organization size, and experience. Advanced degrees and expertise in strategic analysis, leadership, and research methods often contribute to higher compensation in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Strategic Studies, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Strategic Studies, you need advanced expertise in policy analysis, strategic planning, and research methodologies, typically supported by a graduate degree in international relations, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, scenario planning software, and proficiency in presenting complex findings are commonly required, along with experience in managing strategic projects. Exceptional leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills set standout candidates apart by enabling them to guide teams and influence organizational direction. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing actionable strategies that support informed decision-making and drive organizational success.

How much does a strategy director make in the US?

A strategy director in the US typically earns between $100,000 and $180,000 annually, with the median salary around $130,000. Compensation varies based on industry, experience, and company size, and may include bonuses and benefits.

What can you do with a master's in strategic studies?

A master's in strategic studies prepares individuals for roles such as strategic analyst, policy advisor, or intelligence analyst, often within government agencies, defense organizations, or think tanks. It develops skills in research, analysis, and policy formulation, which are essential for strategic planning and decision-making in national security and defense sectors.

What is the role of a strategic director?

A strategic director is responsible for developing and implementing long-term strategies to achieve organizational goals. They analyze market trends, coordinate with senior leadership, and oversee strategic planning processes, often utilizing tools like SWOT analysis and strategic frameworks. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and industry knowledge are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Director Strategic Studies vs Market Research Director?

AspectDirector Strategic StudiesMarket Research Director
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in strategic planning, business, or related field; experience in research and analysisMaster's degree in marketing, business, or related field; experience in market analysis
Work EnvironmentCorporate strategy departments, consulting firms, government agenciesMarketing departments, research firms, consumer insights teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries focusing on strategic planning and policy developmentCommon in consumer goods, retail, and marketing sectors
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for strategic planning rolesCompared for market analysis and consumer insights roles

The main difference is that the Director Strategic Studies focuses on long-term strategic planning and policy development, while the Market Research Director concentrates on analyzing market trends and consumer data. Both roles require analytical skills and advanced degrees but serve different organizational functions.

What cities are hiring for Director Strategic Studies jobs? Cities with the most Director Strategic Studies job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Strategic Studies jobs? The most popular types of Strategic Studies jobs are:
What states have the most Director Strategic Studies jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Strategic Studies jobs include:
Director Strategic Studies jobs near you
Strategic Operations Analyst

Strategic Operations Analyst

Thompson Gray Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$93K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description


We are seeking a highly experienced and strategically minded Strategic Operations Analyst to support our G-TEAD (Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate) effort in Huntsville, AL. This is a senior advisory role serving as the principal strategic advisor and trusted counsel to the Director of G-TEAD. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in strategy development, organizational positioning, and high-level stakeholder engagement, and can translate complex operating environments into clear strategic direction. The Strategic Operations Analyst will shape how G-TEAD prioritizes its efforts, communicates its value, and positions itself across the broader Army and DoD acquisition enterprise. This is not a staff coordination role - it is a thinking partner role, requiring someone who can operate at the intersection of strategy, policy, and capability development with minimal direction. This position requires significant travel (50-60%) to Army installations, partner commands, and senior leader engagements.
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time Onsite
Worksite Details: Onsite (MUST BE ONSITE, NO OPTION FOR REMOTE SUPPORT)
Location: Huntsville, AL
Travel Requirement: 50-60% travel required to Army installations, G-TEAD field locations, and senior leader engagements.
Duties will include:
Strategic Advising & Director Counsel:
  • Serve as the Director's principal strategic advisor, providing candid, informed counsel on organizational direction, priorities, and key decisions across all G-TEAD mission areas.
  • Help the Director think through complex, ambiguous problems - pressure-testing assumptions, identifying second-order effects, and offering independent strategic perspective.
  • Prepare and deliver high-quality decision support products, strategic assessments, and executive briefings that distill complex information into clear recommendations for senior leadership.
  • Represent the Director's strategic intent in engagements with Army leadership, partner organizations, and industry when delegated.

Strategy Development & Organizational Positioning:
  • Lead the development and refinement of G-TEAD's strategic framework, including long-range plans, organizational priorities, and campaign objectives aligned with Army and DoD modernization goals.
  • Assess the evolving Army acquisition and technology landscape to identify strategic opportunities, risks, and inflection points relevant to G-TEAD's mission.
  • Develop and maintain a coherent strategic narrative for G-TEAD that articulates the organization's mission, value proposition, and vision to internal and external audiences.
  • Translate strategic priorities into actionable guidance and recommendations that can be executed across G-TEAD's distributed enterprise.

Policy & Environmental Analysis:
  • Monitor and analyze policy, legislative, and budgetary developments across the DoD and Army enterprise that could affect G-TEAD's authorities, resources, or mission scope.
  • Provide the Director with timely, objective analysis of how shifts in Army strategy, acquisition policy, or operational requirements should inform G-TEAD's approach.
  • Engage with Congressional staff, OSD policy offices, and Army staff elements to shape and inform policy outcomes relevant to G-TEAD.
  • Identify and assess emerging technology trends and their implications for G-TEAD's acquisition and transition strategy.

Senior Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Communications:
  • Develop and advance G-TEAD's engagement strategy with senior Army and DoD leadership, industry partners, and the operational community.
  • Craft strategic communications, white papers, and position documents that articulate G-TEAD's priorities and influence enterprise-level decisions.
  • Build and sustain trusted relationships with key stakeholders across the acquisition, requirements, and operational communities to advance G-TEAD's strategic interests.
  • Support the Director in preparing for and executing high-visibility engagements including senior leader forums, industry days, and Congressional interactions.

Position Requirements:
  • Must possess an active Secret Security Clearance; TS/SCI preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree in Strategic Studies, National Security, Public Policy, Business, or a related field; Master's degree strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in strategy development, senior advisory, or high-level analytical roles within the DoD or federal government.
  • Demonstrated ability to advise and influence senior military or civilian leadership (flag officer, SES, or equivalent level).
  • Deep understanding of the Army and DoD acquisition ecosystem, including policy frameworks, funding mechanisms, and institutional equities.
  • Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills with a track record of translating ambiguous, complex problems into clear strategic recommendations.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; must be able to produce polished executive-level products independently and under tight timelines.
  • Comfortable operating with significant autonomy in dynamic, high-visibility environments.
  • Ability and willingness to travel 50-60% of the time.
  • Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Experience:
  • Experience in a dedicated strategy, policy, or advisory role at the Army enterprise or joint level (e.g., HQDA, OSD, combatant command, or equivalent).
  • Background in defense acquisition policy, technology transition strategy, or capability development at the program or enterprise level.
  • Familiarity with Army modernization priorities and the capability development pipeline (JCIDS, DAS, PPBE).
  • Experience engaging with Congressional staff, OSD, or interagency partners on acquisition and technology policy matters.
  • Knowledge of emerging technology domains relevant to Army modernization (e.g., C5ISR, autonomous systems, directed energy, space).
  • Graduate-level education in strategy, national security, or public policy.

Why join Thompson Gray?
Thompson Gray is a multi-year winner of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Best Places to Work, recognized for our exceptional company culture that values employees and customers alike.
Here's what makes Thompson Gray special:
  • Competitive pay based on your qualifications
  • Excellent benefits, including: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance; 401(k) plan with employer match
  • TG Swag - receive company-branded items during onboarding and seasonal shipments to your home
  • Dependent Scholarship Program - supporting the education of employees' children
  • Tuition Assistance for furthering your own education
  • Professional Development opportunities
  • Generous time-off policies, including 18 days of paid time off, 10 Federal Holidays, and flexible scheduling
  • Annual donation to the charity of your choice
  • Regular team-building events, such as lunches, after-hours gatherings, seasonal family-friendly events, and our memorable annual holiday party

Join Thompson Gray and become part of a dynamic team committed to excellence, innovation, and community.
Thompson Gray is an Equal Opportunity Employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation national origin, protected veteran status or disability. Thompson Gray, Inc. welcomes minority and veteran applicants.

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