VP / SVP, Strategic Planning

Summary We are seeking a senior leader to own and evolve the company’s strategic planning, modeling, and analytics capabilities, serving as a critical partner to the executive team. This role combines executive-level strategic influence with hands-on analytical execution, translating corporate strategy into rigorous, decision-grade models and insights. The VP will lead high-impact analyses across scenarios such as M&A, market expansion, budgeting, and transformational initiatives—while directly engaging in complex modeling, BI analytics, and cross-functional problem solving. At Gaia, soft skills are key to success. We seek candidates with strong interpersonal abilities – effective communication, teamwork, prioritization, and problem solving – who can adapt to change, manage conflicts with empathy, and collaborate well with diverse teams. While technical skills matter, we highly value those who build positive relationships, contribute to a supportive culture, and approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. If this sounds like you, you’ll thrive in our dynamic environment. Must be able to work on campus in Louisville, CO. US citizenship or an existing work visa is required Gaia subscribers strongly preferred Non-smokerResponsibilitiesOwn the development, governance, and continuous improvement of enterprise-wide financial and strategic models, including long-range planning (LRP), valuation frameworks, and scenario platformsRemain hands-on in building and refining complex models, particularly for high-priority or ambiguous strategic initiativesLead advanced analytics and BI-driven insight generation (e.g., dashboards, performance tracking, KPI frameworks) to support real-time decision-makingPartner directly with the CEO, CFO, and executive leadership to shape corporate strategy through data-driven insightsDrive modeling and analysis for major strategic decisions, including M&A, capital allocation, pricing strategy, and new business incubationDesign and lead scenario planning processes that stress-test the business under varying macroeconomic and competitive conditionsCollaborate closely across Finance, Marketing, Operations, and executive leadership to align data, assumptions, and strategic prioritiesTranslate ambiguous strategic questions into structured, quantitative analyses that inform executive decision-makingOversee the integration of financial, operational, and market data into cohesive, scalable modeling frameworksBuild and lead a high-performing team (if applicable), while setting standards for modeling rigor, transparency, and usabilityPresent clear, actionable insights and recommendations to executive leadership and Board-level stakeholdersDrive modernization of modeling and analytics capabilities, including automation, advanced analytics, and BI toolingQualifications10–15+ years of experience in corporate finance, strategy, investment banking, private equity, or management consultingProven track record of influencing executive-level decisions through analytical insightsDeep, hands-on expertise in financial modeling, valuation, and strategic analysis at an enterprise levelStrong experience with BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and data analysis (SQL, Python, or similar)Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically, balancing leadership with direct executionExperience leading large-scale initiatives such as M&A transactions, corporate transformations, or long-range planning processesStrong leadership and cross-functional influence skillsMBA, CFA, or equivalent experience strongly preferredKey Leadership CompetenciesStrategic + Tactical Balance: Able to zoom out to shape strategy and dive deep into the model when neededExecutive Communication: Distills complex analyses into clear, actionable narrativesCross-Functional Influence: Effectively partners across Finance, Marketing, and leadership teamsJudgment Under Uncertainty: Provides clarity in ambiguous, high-stakes situationsData-Driven Leadership: Embeds analytics into the company’s decision-making cultureWhat Success Looks LikeExecutive team and Board rely on outputs as a trusted foundation for strategic decisionsComplex models are not only built but personally validated and pressure-tested for critical initiativesBI and analytics capabilities enable real-time visibility into performance and key driversCross-functional teams are aligned through a shared, data-driven understanding of the businessThe function operates as both a strategic advisor and a hands-on analytical engine