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Operational Strategist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jampack AI

Operations Strategist (CPG)

New York, NY · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

The Role AI is only as good as the context you give it - and in CPG, that context is deep, operational, and hard-won. We're hiring our first Operations Strategist - a role that sits at the ...

Dayton Children's

Foundation Operations Strategist

Dayton, OH · On-site

$118K - $152K/yr

The role performs advanced analytical, operational, and compliance functions, including fund reconciliation, financial reporting, audit preparation, and endowment management. The Strategist serves as ...

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Operational Strategist information

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$45K

$139.9K

$177.5K

How much do operational strategist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational strategist in the United States is $139,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,500.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an operational strategist do?

An Operational Strategist is responsible for analyzing an organization’s current processes and developing plans to improve efficiency, productivity, and overall performance. They use data-driven insights to identify areas where operations can be optimized and work closely with various departments to implement strategic initiatives. Their goal is to align day-to-day operations with long-term business objectives and ensure the company remains competitive in its industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational strategist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operational Strategist, you need strong analytical abilities, business acumen, and experience in operations management, often supported by a degree in business, operations, or a related field. Familiarity with data analytics tools, process mapping software, and strategic planning frameworks like Six Sigma or Lean is highly beneficial. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help you effectively drive change and coordinate cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for designing and implementing strategies that optimize organizational efficiency and achieve business objectives.

How does an operational strategist typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Operational Strategists work closely with various departments such as finance, marketing, supply chain, and human resources to design and implement strategies that improve efficiency and drive growth. They often lead cross-functional meetings, gather input from stakeholders, and ensure strategic initiatives align with organizational goals. Strong communication and project management skills are essential, as Operational Strategists act as a bridge between executive leadership and operational teams, ensuring alignment and smooth execution of strategic plans.

What is the difference between Operational Strategist vs Business Analyst?

AspectOperational StrategistBusiness Analyst
Primary FocusDeveloping and implementing operational strategies to improve efficiency and effectivenessAnalyzing business processes and requirements to recommend solutions
Required SkillsStrategic planning, process optimization, project managementData analysis, requirements gathering, process modeling
Work EnvironmentCross-functional teams, management meetings, strategic planning sessionsData-driven analysis, stakeholder interviews, documentation
Common CertificationsLean, Six Sigma, PMPCBAP, PMI-PBA, Six Sigma

While both roles involve improving business operations, the Operational Strategist focuses on developing high-level strategies to enhance overall efficiency, whereas the Business Analyst concentrates on analyzing specific processes and requirements to recommend solutions. The roles often collaborate but serve different functions within organizational improvement initiatives.

Is operations a high paying job?

Operations roles, such as Operational Strategists, can offer competitive salaries that vary based on industry, experience, and location. Senior positions or those requiring specialized skills like data analysis or process optimization tend to have higher pay scales. Overall, operations jobs can be financially rewarding, especially at higher levels or in large organizations.
More about Operational Strategist jobs

What job categories do people searching Operational Strategist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Operational Strategist jobs are:

Operational Strategist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Strategist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,867 per year, or $67.2 per hour.

Finance & Operations Strategist

California Immigrant Policy Center

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$90K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Finance & Operations Strategist
Job Title: Finance & Operations Strategist
Location: Fresno or Sacramento (Hybrid - 3 days in office, 2 days remote)
Travel: Monthly to quarterly in-state, once or twice a year out of state
Term: Full-time, occasional evening and weekends required
Position Status: Exempt
Pay Range: $90,000 - $93,000 annually, commensurate with skills and experience.
Reports to: HR & Operations Director
Organizational Summary
The mission of the California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) is to uphold the humanity of immigrant communities in California by transforming systems to achieve racial, social, and economic justice. CIPC is a non-partisan, non-profit statewide organization engaging in advocacy, organizing, and strategic communications to uplift immigrant communities. CIPC was formed in 1996 in response to cuts and reforms to public benefits systems nationally that eliminated federal health and public benefits coverage for countless immigrants, identifying the need to uplift and empower a statewide voice on behalf of immigrants in California to counteract the devastating effects of federal policy.
Over the past 30 years, CIPC has led groundbreaking campaigns that have vastly expanded protections for California's low-income immigrant populations, including but not limited to the Safe and Responsible Driver Act, the TRUST and TRUTH Acts, CA Values Act, E-Verify Bill, the Health for All campaign, California Earned Income Tax Credit, and One California, the largest investment in legal services protection in the country.
Position Summary
The Finance & Operations Strategist is a key member of CIPC's Operations Team and partners closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and the HR & Operations Director to strengthen the organization's financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, and organizational infrastructure.
This position provides strategic leadership in organizational finance, operations, human resources administration, organizational financial planning, and cross-functional initiatives. The Strategist develops financial analyses, operational systems, and organizational recommendations that support executive leadership in making informed decisions and advancing CIPC's mission.
The position also serves as the primary operational lead for the office in which they are based, ensuring efficient day-to-day office operations while helping build consistent systems and practices across CIPC's statewide offices.
Because this position regularly supports executive leadership on confidential organizational, personnel, and labor-relations matters, the Finance & Operations Strategist exercises a high degree of discretion, independent judgment, and professionalism.
Essential Responsibilities
Organizational Finance
  • Lead development and oversight of annual organizational budgets in partnership with executive leadership.
  • Prepare multi-year financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and organizational scenario analyses.
  • Monitor organizational financial performance and prepare executive-level financial reports and recommendations.
  • Develop financial models to support strategic planning, organizational growth, and new initiatives.
  • Support grant budgeting, tracking, indirect cost allocation, and financial sustainability planning.
  • Analyze organizational financial trends and identify opportunities to strengthen long-term fiscal health.
  • Prepare materials for Board Finance and Audit Committee meetings.
  • Recommend improvements to financial policies, internal controls, and organizational business practices.

Operations & Organizational Effectiveness
  • Design, implement, and continuously improve organization-wide operational systems and workflows, including processes to approve and process invoices and expenses
  • Lead cross-functional operational improvement initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness.
  • Develop operational policies, procedures, and documentation to improve consistency and efficiency across offices.
  • Coordinate implementation of strategic organizational projects.
  • Evaluate operational risks and recommend improvements to organizational infrastructure.
  • Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors, consultants, and service providers.
  • Support facilities planning, lease administration, insurance, technology systems, and business continuity planning.
  • Develop recommendations that improve efficiency, compliance, and organizational effectiveness.

Human Resources & Confidential Executive Support
  • Prepare confidential compensation analyses, workforce planning models, and staffing recommendations.
  • Support executive leadership with confidential personnel matters, organizational financial planning, and employee relations.
  • Prepare confidential financial analyses related to collective bargaining, compensation planning, and organizational infrastructure.
  • Maintain confidential labor-relations documents, executive personnel information, and other sensitive organizational records.
  • Support the implementation of organizational policies, employee handbook updates, and HR procedures.
  • Support performance management, compensation reviews, and organizational development initiatives.
  • Prepare confidential materials for executive leadership and the Board relating to personnel and organizational planning.

Office Operations
  • Serve as the operational lead for the Sacramento or Fresno office, depending on assigned location.
  • Coordinate office operations, facilities management, vendor relationships, technology support, and workplace logistics.
  • Ensure compliance with organizational operational policies and procedures.
  • Coordinate purchasing, equipment management, and operational vendor services.
  • Support organization-wide operational consistency across multiple office locations.

Organizational Leadership & Strategic Initiatives
  • Partner with executive leadership to implement organizational priorities and strategic initiatives.
  • Lead cross-department projects requiring collaboration among multiple teams.
  • Develop organizational performance metrics and operational dashboards.
  • Research best practices and recommend improvements to organizational systems and processes.
  • Represent the Operations Team on internal committees and organization-wide initiatives.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
  • Other responsibilities as required

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Human Resources, Nonprofit Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit finance, operations, organizational administration, consulting, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience preparing budgets, financial analyses, and executive reports.
  • Experience developing organizational systems, policies, and operational improvements.
  • Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive information.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Commitment to immigrant justice, racial equity, and CIPC's mission.
  • Experience in nonprofit finance and operations.
  • Experience supporting executive leadership and Boards of Directors.
  • Experience supporting human resources administration and organizational development.
  • Experience supporting labor-relations planning, collective bargaining preparation, or confidential personnel matters.
  • Familiarity with nonprofit accounting systems, HRIS platforms, and project management tools.
  • Knowledge of California employment practices and nonprofit operations.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary Range: $90,000 - $93,000
Salary commensurate with experience. CIPC is a unionized workplace and is represented by Immigrant Advocates United-United Auto Workers. This position is not in the bargaining unit.
CIPC provides a comprehensive benefits package to its employees:
  • Paid medical, dental, vision insurance, and life insurance (100% of the full insurance premium for qualified employees and 75% of the premiums for their dependents)
  • 3% contribution to 401 (k) retirement plan
  • Commuter benefit or paid parking access
  • Monthly reimbursement for cell and internet usage
  • $1,500 professional development allowance
  • 4-week paid sabbatical after 7 years of service
  • Generous time off policy
    • Up to 26 paid holidays a year (includes summer and winter collective breaks)
    • Vacation: 1st year of service: 10 days, after completion of 1st year: 15 days, after completion of 4th year: 20 days)
    • 6 personal days per year

APPLICATION INFORMATION
Position is open until filled. Please send a cover letter and resume. We will only be able to respond to shortlisted candidates. Those candidates will be asked to submit 3 references.
The California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) is an equal opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. CIPC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

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