What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategy & Development Manager position at U S National Whitewater Center?
Whitewater is seeking a highly analytical and results-driven Strategic & Development Manager to lead strategic initiatives that improve efficiency, scalability, product offerings and the performance of our business operations. In this role, you will work cross-functionally with departments such as Facilities, Outdoor Activities, Finance, Events, Group Sales, Guest Experience and Food and Beverage to design and implement high-impact operational strategies. The Strategy & Development Manager is a salaried, on-site, benefits eligible position that reports directly to the Director of Operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute operational strategies to drive efficiency, cost reduction, and growth.
- Identify opportunities for growth in programming and activity offerings
- Identify gaps in operational performance and propose solutions using data-driven insights.
- Lead cross-functional projects to optimize business processes, organizational structures, and technology usage.
- Analyze KPIs, workflow metrics, and operational data to inform decision-making and long-term planning.
- Partner with senior leadership to define and prioritize strategic initiatives across departments.
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes by providing operational input and scenario modeling.
- Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, and competitive benchmarks to inform strategy.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
- 5 years of experience in strategy, corporate strategy, operations, or business analysis.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI).
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strategic thinker with a strong operational mindset.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented.
- Self-starter with the ability to work in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
- Passion for continuous improvement and innovation.
Physical Demands
- Must be able to work outdoors for sustained periods of time in all weather and environmental conditions.
- Must be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds.
- Must be able to bend, stand, lean, and kneel on a regular basis and for sustained periods of time.
- Must be able to safely self-transport over uneven terrain or in a confined space.
- Must be able to work in shared spaces with other employees and customers.
- All positions at Whitewater require employees to report and work onsite at Whitewater locations.
Benefits
- Access to Whitewater Center's pass activities
- Staff discount program and pro deals
- Health, Dental, Vision, FSA
- 401K
Overview of Department
Marketing, Finance, and Human Resources professionals work to advance Whitewater’s mission, cultural goals, and brand communication. These positions support all employees and facilitate guest touchpoints both on-site and externally.
Working at Whitewater
Whitewater’s mission is rooted in the belief that we all share a genetic code that compels us to play outside and share these experiences with others. This mission is accomplished through promoting access and opportunities to play outside and bring people together. Our approach is simple: Make it compelling and easy to engage with nature and invite others to join.
Legal Disclosures
The Whitewater Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Whitewater Center complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
NOTICE: Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. The Whitewater Center is an employer that participates in the E-Verify program.