Director of Strategic Planning in Oklahoma Career Overview
As a Director of Strategic Planning, you hold a vital role in shaping the direction and long-term success of an organization. Your primary responsibility is to develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with the company's vision, goals, and objectives.
Key aspects of this role include:
Vision Development: You craft a clear strategic vision that guides the organization towards achieving its long-term ambitions.
Market Analysis: Monitoring industry trends and competitive landscapes, you gather and analyze data to inform strategic decisions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: You work closely with various departments, including marketing, finance, and operations, to ensure alignment and shared understanding of strategic goals.
Strategic Plan Execution: Overseeing the implementation of strategic initiatives, you ensure that projects remain on track and deliver desired outcomes.
Performance Monitoring: You establish metrics and KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and make necessary adjustments.
Leadership and Communication: As a leader, you inspire and guide teams while effectively communicating the strategic vision throughout the organization.
Your expertise and insights help organizations navigate complexities and seize opportunities, making your role indispensable in driving growth and innovation. By bridging the gap between vision and execution, you contribute to the overall competitiveness and sustainability of the organization.
Director of Strategic Planning Salary in Oklahoma
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Director of Strategic Planning in Oklahoma
To become a Director of Strategic Planning, it is essential to acquire a solid educational foundation. The following degree programs are typically pursued in this field:
Business Administration and Management: This program provides a broad understanding of business operations, including strategic decision-making and leadership principles essential for planning at the organizational level.
Business Administration: A degree in Business Administration covers various aspects of business functions and equips you with skills relevant to managing resources and strategizing effectively within an organization.
Business Analytics: This program focuses on data analysis and interpretation, enabling you to utilize data-driven insights for strategic planning and decision-making.
Public Administration: If you are interested in the public sector, a degree in Public Administration prepares you for managing government operations and community programs, incorporating strategic planning within public policy frameworks.
Strategic Intelligence: This degree emphasizes the collection and analysis of information to inform strategic decisions, aiding you in understanding competitive landscapes and organizational positioning.
Acquiring a bachelor's degree in one of these fields is typically the minimum requirement. Many employers also prefer candidates with a master's degree, such as an MBA or a Master’s in Public Administration, to enhance their strategic acumen and leadership capabilities.
Best Schools to become a Director of Strategic Planning in Oklahoma 2024
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Southern New Hampshire University
Western Governors University
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Grand Canyon University
Liberty University
- Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body.
- Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Director of Strategic Planning Required Skills and Competencies in Oklahoma
Strategic Thinking: You must be able to envision long-term organizational goals and develop actionable strategies to achieve them. This includes the ability to analyze market trends and competitive landscapes to inform decision-making.
Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities are essential for interpreting data and metrics. You should be adept at using quantitative and qualitative analysis to drive business insights and formulate business strategies.
Leadership: You need to inspire and guide cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and a shared vision. Effective leadership involves mentoring others and promoting a culture of strategic thinking throughout the organization.
Communication Skills: Clear and persuasive communication is vital. You will be responsible for conveying complex ideas and strategic initiatives to various stakeholders, including executives, team members, and external partners.
Project Management: You should be skilled in managing multiple projects simultaneously, including setting timelines, allocating resources, and ensuring successful execution of strategies from inception to completion.
Problem-Solving: You will encounter various challenges that require quick, effective solutions. Strong problem-solving skills enable you to address issues creatively and effectively, ensuring that strategy execution remains on track.
Financial Acumen: A robust understanding of financial principles is important, as you will often work with budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics. This knowledge informs strategic decisions and resource allocation.
Change Management: You must be proficient in managing organizational change, guiding teams through transitions, and minimizing disruption. This includes developing strategies to gain buy-in and support for new initiatives.
Relationship Building: Building and maintaining relationships is key to success in this role. You need to network effectively both within and outside the organization, aligning interests and securing support for strategic objectives.
Adaptability: The ability to adjust your strategies in response to changing market conditions or organizational challenges is vital. You need to stay agile and flexible in your approach while maintaining focus on long-term goals.
Job Duties for Director of Strategic Plannings
Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems.
Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
Accounting software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Sage 50 Accounting
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Oracle PeopleSoft
Presentation software
- Mentimeter
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Basic Skills
- Talking to others
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
People and Technology Systems
- Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Director of Strategic Planning in Oklahoma
The demand for Directors of Strategic Planning in Oklahoma is on the rise as organizations increasingly recognize the importance of long-term strategic initiatives. Companies across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, are seeking leaders who can guide strategic decision-making and align goals with overall business objectives.
Economic growth in the state is influencing the job market. Oklahoma's diverse economy, reinforced by sectors such as energy, agriculture, and aerospace, creates opportunities for strategic planning roles. As these sectors evolve, so too does the need for visionary leadership.
The growth potential in this field is promising. Organizations are investing in strategic planning to navigate market challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. This trend creates a favorable environment for career advancement and the establishment of new roles within companies.
Geographical hotspots for Directors of Strategic Planning in Oklahoma include major cities such as Oklahoma City and Tulsa. These urban centers are home to numerous corporations and nonprofits looking to strengthen their strategic initiatives.
Significant industries driving demand for strategic planning roles in Oklahoma include:
- Healthcare: With ongoing changes in regulations and technology, healthcare organizations require strong strategic oversight.
- Energy: Traditional oil and gas sectors, alongside renewable energy movements, necessitate strategic direction.
- Aerospace: Companies in this industry are increasingly focusing on innovation and efficiency, prompting the need for strategic planning.
Networking opportunities abound within the state, particularly through local business chambers, industry conferences, and professional organizations. Engaging in these networks can provide valuable insights and connections that may lead to job opportunities.
As businesses recognize the importance of agility and adaptability, the role of Directors of Strategic Planning is becoming more integral. Being positioned at the intersection of leadership and strategy makes this a dynamic career path with diverse opportunity for growth and impact within organizations throughout Oklahoma.
Top Related Careers to Director of Strategic Planning 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Director of Strategic Planning in Oklahoma
American Planning Association (APA)
Website: www.planning.org
Offers a wealth of information on urban and regional planning, policy analysis, and strategic development.Project Management Institute (PMI)
Website: www.pmi.org
Provides resources on project management best practices, certification programs, and professional development.Strategic Management Society (SMS)
Website: www.strategicmanagement.net
A key organization for scholars and practitioners, SMS offers insights into strategic management research and networking opportunities.Harvard Business Review (HBR)
Website: www.hbr.org
Features articles and case studies on strategic management, leadership, and innovation in business.Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Website: www.shrm.org
Provides resources on organizational strategy, leadership development, and workforce planning.Deloitte Insights
Website: www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights.html
Offers reports and articles on strategic planning and leadership trends across various industries.McKinsey & Company
Website: www.mckinsey.com
Provides valuable resources, including research reports and case studies on strategic management consulting.University of Oklahoma – Price College of Business
Website: www.ou.edu/price
Offers undergraduate and graduate programs that focus on strategic planning and management.LinkedIn Learning
Website: www.linkedin.com/learning
Provides online courses on strategic planning, management techniques, and leadership skills for professionals.Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Website: www.okcommerce.gov
Contains resources on economic development, business support services, and strategic planning initiatives in Oklahoma.Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness (Harvard Business School)
Website: www.isc.hbs.edu
Focuses on the study of competitive strategy, providing insights that can enhance your strategic planning expertise.The Balanced Scorecard Institute
Website: www.balancedscorecard.org
Offers training and resources for implementing the Balanced Scorecard framework in strategic management.BizLibrary
Website: www.bizlibrary.com
Provides resources and training for business professionals looking to enhance their strategic planning skills.
Utilize these resources to deepen your understanding and develop your skills as a Director of Strategic Planning within Oklahoma or beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Director of Strategic Planning in Oklahoma
What qualifications do I need to become a Director of Strategic Planning?
A bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or a related field is typically required. Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or similar advanced degree, along with several years of relevant experience in strategic planning or leadership roles.What skills are essential for a Director of Strategic Planning?
Key skills include strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, proficiency in data analysis and strategic thinking, and experience in project management. Leadership skills are also important for guiding teams towards achieving organizational goals.What type of experience is valuable for this role?
Experience in strategic planning, business development, project management, or a management consulting background is advantageous. Additionally, exposure to financial analysis and market research can help you understand industry trends and competitive positioning.What are the typical responsibilities of a Director of Strategic Planning?
Common responsibilities include developing and implementing long-term strategic goals, conducting market analyses to identify growth opportunities, collaborating with other departments to align strategies, and presenting findings and recommendations to upper management.How does the role of a Director of Strategic Planning differ in various industries?
While the core competencies remain similar, the specific focus areas can vary. For example, in healthcare, you might prioritize regulatory compliance and patient outcomes, whereas in technology, innovation and market disruption might be more critical.What advancement opportunities exist for a Director of Strategic Planning?
Potential advancement paths include positions such as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, or other executive leadership roles. Networking and continued professional development can play significant roles in career progression.How can I stay current in the field of strategic planning?
Consider joining professional organizations, attending industry conferences, and participating in workshops. Engaging with literature on best practices and emerging trends in strategic planning is also beneficial.What is the average salary for a Director of Strategic Planning in Oklahoma?
Salaries can vary based on factors like industry, organization size, and level of experience. As of October 2023, the average salary for this position in Oklahoma typically ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 per year, with potential bonuses or benefits.Is remote work an option for Directors of Strategic Planning?
Many companies offer remote or hybrid work arrangements, especially following the recent shifts in workplace dynamics. However, the extent of remote work opportunities may depend on the organization's culture and operational needs.Are there certifications that can enhance my qualifications for this role?
Certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Strategic Planner (CSP), or Lean Six Sigma can enhance your credentials. They demonstrate your commitment to excellence and may provide you with additional tools and frameworks applicable to strategic planning.