Executive Director, Strategic Planning

Executive Director, Strategic Planning

Location: Denver, CO (In-Office)

Job Type: Part-Time Exempt

Salary: $150,000/YR 

 

Applications should be submitted for consideration no later than 08/31/2026.

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Who We’re Looking For

You are an accomplished strategic leader with a track record of helping organizations grow, evolve, and execute ambitious goals. You excel at partnering with executive leadership, leading cross-functional initiatives, and building relationships that drive business results. You bring exceptional business acumen, executive presence, and the ability to translate vision into action. If you thrive in influential leadership roles and enjoy shaping the future direction of an organization, this opportunity is for you.

 

About the Role

The Executive Director, Strategic Planning serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the President and CEO, leading enterprise-wide initiatives that advance organizational growth, performance, and long-term objectives. This role drives cross-functional execution, facilitates strategic planning, and provides executive-level insights and recommendations to support key business decisions. The Executive Director identifies and develops growth opportunities through strategic partnerships, market expansion, business development, and community engagement efforts. As a visible ambassador of the bank, the position cultivates relationships with clients, community leaders, industry partners, and prospective talent to strengthen the organization's reputation, culture, and market presence. Additionally, the role champions innovation, operational effectiveness, and organizational change to enhance business outcomes and client experience.

 

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a strategic partner to the President and CEO, leading high-priority initiatives, special projects, and enterprise-wide efforts that advance the organization's strategic objectives.
• Manage and coordinate cross-functional initiatives on behalf of the President, ensuring accountability, timely execution, effective communication, and achievement of desired outcomes.
• Identify, evaluate, and develop new growth opportunities, including strategic partnerships, client acquisition opportunities, market expansion initiatives, and revenue-generating activities.
• Build and enhance the bank's reputation within the communities it serves by cultivating relationships with business leaders, centers of influence, community organizations, and industry groups.
• Represent the bank at industry, civic, philanthropic, and business events to strengthen brand awareness, expand referral networks, and generate opportunities for new client and associate relationships.
• Partner with executive leadership to attract and engage high-performing talent, support recruitment efforts, and build relationships with prospective associates who align with the organization's culture and growth objectives.
• Facilitate strategic planning efforts, monitor progress against corporate goals, and provide executive-level reporting and recommendations to the President, CEO, and senior leadership team.
• Lead the development of business cases, market assessments, and strategic analyses to support investment decisions, operational improvements, and organizational growth initiatives.

 

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field (required).
• 15+ years of experience planning and executing strategic objectives in a growing and evolving organization.
• 10-15 years of strategic leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of strategic planning, organizational development, and business growth strategies.
• Exceptional executive presence and ability to influence senior leaders, board members, and stakeholders.
• Advanced business acumen with experience evaluating market opportunities, partnerships, and investments.
• Proven relationship-building, networking, and business development skills.
• Strong project management and change leadership capabilities.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Knowledge of banking, financial services, and regulatory environments.

 

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Who We Are

At First Western Trust, we’re more than just a financial institution—we’re a team of forward-thinkers committed to excellence, innovation, and impact. Our culture thrives on teamwork and mutual respect, grounded in the belief that diverse perspectives fuel creativity and help us tackle challenges in fresh, effective ways.

We celebrate each other’s successes, welcome new ideas, and take personal ownership in everything we do. A genuine desire to positively impact our clients, communities, and one another drives our work. We meet challenges with a growth mindset, act with urgency and accountability, and constantly strive to raise the bar for ourselves and our clients.

Leadership at First Western means setting an example and fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and respect. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or bringing years of experience, you’ll find a welcoming community where your contributions are valued and your potential is boundless.

We expect our people to:

• Demand and reward excellence.
• Take action and responsibility.
• Collaborate, communicate openly, and give/receive feedback with trust.
• Go above and beyond to do what’s right—always.

If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in.

Learn more at myfw.com or email [email protected]. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

First Western Trust is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where every team member is valued and given the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. For accommodation requests, please contact [email protected].