Chief Strategy Officer

Job Title: Chief Strategy Officer  

Employment Type: Full Time, 40 hours/week 

Reports to: CEO  

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Who We Are

LIFE SURGE is a leading company in the industry of faith-based live events and financial education programs. One of the fastest growing organizations in the country, LIFE SURGE exists to inspire, transform and equip people to build their personal impact in ways that glorify God. By annually producing 20 events and providing financial education to thousands around the nation, we do just that.   

We are a team of experienced professionals who are passionate about helping people learn, grow, and connect so they may live more enriched lives. Our culture is one where we celebrate one another, individually and as a team. We look to acknowledge and reward our star performers. Let your light shine in our company!      

Opportunity 

As the Chief Strategy Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Life Surge, SurgeU, and affiliated companies. You will be responsible for developing, communicating, executing, and sustaining our organization’s strategy and strategic planning process. This role involves working closely with the CEO and other Executive Leadership Team members to lead strategic planning and execution, identify new growth opportunities, oversee innovation through research and development (R&D), lead and manage mergers and acquisitions (M&A), as well as analyze, have a firm grasp, and project market conditions and the competitive landscape, and ultimately strategically organize the CEO’s vision into executional reality.  

Responsibilities:

• Create, build, and lead the strategy department, focusing on strategic planning and execution, new growth opportunities, research and innovation, and M&A activities. 

• Develop, implement, manage, and constantly update a comprehensive strategic plan that aligns with the company’s vision and values. 

• Analyze market trends, competitor actions, and business opportunities to recommend improvements and new initiatives. 

• Foster innovative ideas and cultivate a culture of creativity and strategic thinking within the company. 

• Analyze and strategically plan for all types of internal and external products such as:  

• Live events (local events, conferences, unique experiences, etc.)  

• Education (online, in-person, coaching, etc.)  

• Memberships (masterminds, online communities, etc.)  

• Financial and business services  

• Other types of products (merch, etc.). 

• Translate data insights into actionable concepts, timelines, and projects, balancing customer experience, financial viability, marketing needs, and business objectives. 

• Collaborate with leadership and stakeholders to develop business cases, plans, and innovative strategies for existing and new product offerings. Evaluate market trends and competitive strategies to inform pricing and positioning. 

• Oversee industry, competitive, customer, and business intelligence gathering, organization, and analysis for the company.  

• Conduct market research to identify new opportunities and enhance existing offerings. Evaluate event and product value propositions, assess competitors' quality, and make informed recommendations. 

• Develop strategic acquisition opportunity pipeline, conduct acquisition analysis, and make acquisition recommendations for the company.  

• Strategically analyze competing projects, along with their projected ROI, investments, and costs and their impact on existing commitments, company’s cash runway and fundraising considerations. 

• Report to and work directly with the CEO to align strategic initiatives and execution with the broader organizational vision, including updating ongoing progress reports of strategic initiatives and the strategy department.  

• Collaborate with different departments to ensure strategic goals are integrated into company operations. 

• Build and maintain relationships with key partners, stakeholders, and external advisors. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field; MBA or equivalent preferred. 

• Proven track record of successful product leadership, preferably in education or financial services industry. 

• Exceptional strategic thinking and demonstrated experience in translating insights into actionable plans. 

• Ability to understand and prioritize key strategic initiatives and steps in a way that is most effective and efficient to drive results.  

• A strong understanding of financial modeling, budgeting, and resource allocation. Ability to interpret financial reports and use this data to inform strategic decisions. 

• In-depth knowledge of the industry in which your company operates, including current trends, challenges, and opportunities. 

• Demonstrated ability in strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Ability to conceptualize and analyze complex business scenarios and develop innovative solutions. 

• Proficiency in data analysis and the ability to use data-driven insights to inform strategy. 

• Strong ability to balance customer-centricity, financial considerations, and business objectives. 

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills. 

• Proficiency in market research, competitive analysis, and product positioning. 

• Prior experience in developing successful event or education brands, products, and services. 

• Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a solutions-oriented mindset. 

Job Benefits 

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Holiday and Paid Time Off. 

• Non-corporate, casual, entrepreneurial, comfortable, fun, and proactive work environment.  

• High-level performers, disciplined, and self-motivated people will do VERY WELL in this environment.