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If you’ve Googled “Chief Strategy Officer job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again: bullet points, vague leadership jargon, and generic phrases like “drive innovation” or “align with business objectives.”
But here’s the problem—none of those cookie-cutter templates actually help you attract a great CSO.
They don’t explain what a Chief Strategy Officer really does, or how to write a post that appeals to high-caliber strategic thinkers.
Top-tier candidates aren’t looking for a checklist. They’re looking for purpose, clarity, and a company that knows what it’s doing.
That’s why in this article, we’ll show you how to write a Chief Strategy Officer job description that doesn’t just check boxes—it attracts the kind of person who can help shape your company’s long-term growth, direction, and competitive edge.
And if you’re not sure how to create a compelling job post from scratch, I highly recommend you check out this full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ It breaks down what most companies get wrong—and how you can do it better.
Ready? Let’s start by defining what a CSO actually does (in plain English).
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What Does a Chief Strategy Officer Actually Do?
A Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) helps the company figure out where it’s going—and how to get there.
They’re responsible for setting long-term goals, spotting new opportunities, analyzing market trends, and aligning departments around a clear vision. Think of them as the person who keeps your company one step ahead—whether that means launching a new product, entering a new market, or rethinking how teams work together.
While CEOs focus on overall leadership and operations, the CSO zooms out to ask, “What should we be doing next?” and “What will give us a strategic edge?”
That’s why this role isn’t just about planning—it’s about turning bold ideas into action.
A great CSO is curious, analytical, business-savvy, and able to communicate strategy in a way that actually drives decision-making. They’re not stuck in the clouds—they’re working closely with department heads, board members, and the CEO to build a roadmap for long-term success.
Two Great Chief Strategy Officer Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Chief Strategy Officer
Job Title:
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) – Vectra Solar Technologies | Remote-First (U.S.-based)
Salary: $180,000–$220,000 + Performance Bonus
Type: Full-Time | Executive | Remote-First
🎥 Message from Our CEO
Before we go any further, here’s a quick 90-second video from our CEO, Melanie Cruz, on where we’re headed—and why this role is so critical to our next chapter.
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
Who We Are
At Vectra Solar Technologies, we’re rethinking how solar energy is deployed across residential neighborhoods in the U.S. We combine AI-powered grid planning with modular solar kits to help communities generate clean power—faster, cheaper, and with minimal disruption.
We’re profitable, growing fast, and backed by a coalition of climate-focused investors. With over 500 residential projects completed in the last 24 months, we’re looking for a Chief Strategy Officer to help us scale from early traction to national impact.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Driving company-wide strategy and 3–5 year growth plans
- Analyzing market, tech, and policy trends to uncover new opportunities
- Aligning Product, Sales, and Ops teams around clear, measurable goals
- Supporting funding strategy, board relations, and investor communications
- Leading special projects (e.g., city-level pilot programs, new partnerships)
- Designing frameworks to track progress and iterate on key initiatives
What We’re Looking For
- 7+ years in strategy, leadership, or executive consulting roles
- Strong analytical background (e.g., consulting, finance, or growth strategy)
- Experience working directly with founders or CEOs in fast-growing companies
- Excellent communication and influence skills across cross-functional teams
- A bias toward action—someone who can zoom out, then drive execution
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This isn’t a paper-pusher CSO role—it’s hands-on, high-impact, and deeply collaborative. You’ll work directly with our CEO, lead a small strategy team, and have real influence across the org. If you’re energized by mission-driven growth and want to help shape the next generation of clean energy, this is it.
Perks and Benefits
- Executive-level compensation with quarterly bonus incentives
- Remote-first flexibility + quarterly in-person team summits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with 4% match
- 20 days PTO + 5 paid wellness days
- Annual $2,500 leadership development budget
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to help evaluate candidates based on real strategic thinking—not just fancy résumés.
Click below to complete a short skills-based evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
🌱 Option 2: Job Desciption For Entry Level Candidates
Job Title:
Strategic Operations Lead (Future CSO Track) – Huron Wellness Co. | On-Site or Hybrid (Denver, CO)
Salary: $100,000–$125,000 + Equity Options
Type: Full-Time | Mid-Senior | Growth Role
🎥 Meet Your Hiring Manager
Here’s a quick 2-minute message from our founder, Priya Menon, on what we’re building and why we’re hiring for this key strategy role.
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
Who We Are
Huron Wellness Co. is a direct-to-consumer health company helping 20,000+ women optimize their energy, mood, and hormonal balance using clean supplements and data-backed coaching. We’ve grown steadily through word of mouth and community referrals—and now we’re gearing up for national scale.
We’re hiring a Strategic Operations Lead who can help us map our next phase of growth. You don’t need a fancy title—but you do need business sense, curiosity, and the ability to take ideas and make them real.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Partnering with the CEO to define quarterly and annual business goals
- Researching competitors and markets to inform product and marketing decisions
- Leading ops and cross-functional special projects (launches, systems rollouts)
- Setting up dashboards and performance tracking systems
- Helping the team stay focused on what matters most
What We’re Looking For
- Strong analytical skills and a systems-thinking mindset
- 3+ years of experience in strategy, ops, founder support, or chief of staff roles
- Great communicator—especially in written docs and async updates
- Ability to turn ideas into structured projects with defined outcomes
- Someone hungry to grow into an executive leadership role
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
If you’re the kind of person who thrives in “build mode,” loves solving high-level problems, and wants to help shape the future of a growing wellness brand, this is for you. This isn’t just a support role—it’s a stepping stone to long-term executive ownership.
Perks and Benefits
- Competitive base salary + early equity
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Wellness stipend + mental health benefit
- 15 days PTO + 3 floating holidays
- Paid training, coaching, and mentorship
- Team retreats in Colorado and California
How to Apply
We care about how you think—not just what you’ve done. That’s why we use WorkScreen to help us evaluate applicants based on real-world decision-making.
Start your application here:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Breakdown of Why These Chief Strategy Officer Job Posts Work
Both examples above—Vectra Solar and Huron Wellness—follow the same core principles. Here’s why they’re effective:
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Positionally Intentional
- Instead of vague labels like “Strategy Executive,” each post uses a specific, compelling title:
- “Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) – Vectra Solar Technologies”
- “Strategic Operations Lead (Future CSO Track) – Huron Wellness Co.”
- “Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) – Vectra Solar Technologies”
Why it works:
This helps applicants immediately understand the level, industry, and intent of the role. It also signals that the company has thought seriously about what they need—not just slapped a title onto a job board.
✅ 2. The Video Element Builds Instant Trust
Both job posts include a short video from the CEO or hiring manager.
Why it works:
Candidates get a sense of who they’ll be working with and why the role matters. It personalizes the post, builds connection, and shows that leadership is actively involved in hiring—not just outsourcing it to HR.
✅ 3. The “Who We Are” Section Tells a Real Story
- Vectra is a solar tech company with a clear mission and traction.
- Huron Wellness is a growing DTC health brand with a community-first model.
Why it works:
Instead of generic corporate summaries, these company descriptions give real-world context. They show scale, values, and energy—which helps candidates see if the mission aligns with their own.
✅ 4. The Role Descriptions Go Beyond Tasks—they Explain Impact
Rather than listing duties like “coordinate teams” or “analyze data,” the job descriptions clarify what the work leads to:
- “Drive 3–5 year growth plans”
- “Shape our go-to-market strategy”
- “Help the team stay focused on what matters most”
Why it works:
This reframes the job as a chance to make an impact, not just complete tasks. High-level candidates want to understand how their work moves the needle.
✅ 5. Culture and Future Growth Are Front and Center
Each post clearly answers:
- What kind of environment are you joining?
- How are people treated?
- Where can this role go?
Why it works:
This helps filter in candidates who align with your values and aspirations—whether they’re senior execs looking for leverage or rising strategists looking for mentorship.
✅ 6. Salary and Benefits Are Transparent
Both roles include real numbers and clearly outlined benefits:
- Competitive comp
- Paid time off
- Health and wellness perks
- Leadership or coaching budgets
Why it works:
Transparency builds trust and saves time. It shows that the company respects the candidate’s need for clarity.
✅ 7. The Application Process Feels Modern and Respectful
Both job descriptions explain:
- Why WorkScreen is being used
- What the candidate should expect
- That applications are reviewed thoughtfully
Why it works:
It shows that you’re serious about hiring the right person, not just the first available. And it makes high-quality candidates feel respected before they even apply.
✅ 8. Tone Is Conversational, Not Corporate
The posts don’t feel like legal documents. They read like a message from a real team to a future teammate.
Why it works:
This tone helps humanize the company—and that’s key if you want someone thoughtful, curious, and mission-aligned.
What a Bad CSO Job Post Looks Like (And Why It Fails)
Let’s take a look at a generic, outdated job description example:
Job Title:
Chief Strategy Officer
Company:
Confidentia Holdings Ltd.
Location:
New York, NY
Salary:
Competitive
Job Type:
Full-Time
Job Summary:
We are seeking a Chief Strategy Officer to oversee corporate planning and develop strategic initiatives to grow the company.
The CSO will work cross-functionally with all departments to ensure strategic goals are being met and organizational efficiency is maintained.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage strategic planning
- Analyze company performance
- Identify opportunities for business growth
- Support executive team with insights and recommendations
- Align business units to organizational strategy
Requirements:
- 5+ years in a similar executive role
- Strong communication and analytical skills
- Experience in business development and planning
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred
How to Apply:
Please email your résumé and cover letter to hr@confidentiaholdings.com by November 1, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🚨 Why This Job Post Falls Flat
❌ 1. The Title Is Generic
Just saying “Chief Strategy Officer” with no context, industry, or mission makes it feel lifeless and forgettable. It doesn’t help candidates quickly identify whether this role is for them.
❌ 2. The Company Description Is Nonexistent
The post gives no insight into what Confidentia Holdings does, what market they’re in, what stage they’re at, or why they’re hiring.
Why this is a problem:
Great candidates want to understand who they’ll be working for—not apply blindly.
❌ 3. The Summary Is Vague and Buzzword-Heavy
“Ensure strategic goals are being met” and “develop strategic initiatives” mean nothing without specifics. These are empty phrases that could apply to any company.
❌ 4. The Responsibilities Are Too Broad
The list could describe almost any senior management role. There’s no mention of the actual challenges, impact, or outcomes the company is targeting.
❌ 5. No Culture, No Values, No Team
There’s no mention of how the team works, what the values are, or what kind of person would thrive in the role.
What’s missing:
- Why this role matters
- What success looks like
- What kind of leadership the company needs
❌ 6. No Salary Transparency
“Competitive” is a red flag in 2025. It signals outdated hiring practices and can turn off high-level candidates who value time and clarity.
❌ 7. Cold, Uninviting Application Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels dismissive and one-sided. There’s no timeline, no clarity, and no respect for the applicant’s effort.
❌ 8. The Tone Feels Like a Form Letter
There’s no energy, no personality, no human connection. It reads like a legal requirement—not a real opportunity.
If you want to attract strategic thinkers and high performers, you need to show them that you value clear communication, vision, and respect—which this post fails to do on every front.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out
Even with a strong structure and compelling content, there are a few extra details you can include to take your job post from great to outstanding—especially when hiring for a role as critical as Chief Strategy Officer.
These touches show candidates that your company is thoughtful, modern, and truly values the hiring experience.
✅ Tip 1: Add a Privacy & Security Notice
Fraud and phishing scams are on the rise. Including a short security disclaimer builds trust with candidates and protects your brand.
Example:
“We take the security and privacy of all job applicants very seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information at any point in the hiring process.”
✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Top candidates are evaluating work-life balance just as much as compensation. If you offer time off that goes beyond the standard, highlight it clearly.
Example:
“Enjoy up to 24 paid flex days per year—because recharging matters as much as output.”
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Even executive-level candidates care about growth. Mentioning executive coaching, development budgets, or advancement opportunities can set your post apart.
Example:
“You’ll have access to a $2,500 annual leadership development budget and quarterly strategy workshops with external advisors.”
✅ Tip 4: Add a Loom Video or YouTube Clip
A short video from your CEO or hiring manager adds a human touch and makes your company stand out from the hundreds of faceless job posts out there.
Use it to:
- Explain why the role is critical
- Share where the company is headed
- Invite the right kind of candidate to join the journey
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ Tip 5: Write Your “Why This Role Matters” Section with Emotion
Don’t just describe tasks—make candidates feel the importance of the role. Especially with CSO roles, it’s critical to show how strategy drives the business forward.
Example phrases:
- “This role isn’t just about planning—it’s about shaping the future of our company.”
- “You won’t be handed a playbook. You’ll be writing it.”
Should You Use AI to Write a Job Post?
Let’s be honest—AI tools are everywhere right now.
Some hiring platforms like Manatal and Workable even offer one-click AI-generated job descriptions. It’s fast. It’s convenient.
But is it smart?
Short answer: Only if you know how to use it right.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Let AI Write Your Job Post From Scratch
If you plug in a lazy prompt like:
“Write me a Chief Strategy Officer job post for a tech company.”
You’ll get a block of text full of clichés like “drive strategic initiatives,” “lead cross-functional teams,” and “align business goals.”
It might look fine at a glance, but here’s what actually happens:
- You end up with a generic, forgettable post that fails to stand out
- You attract low-effort applicants who apply to anything with the word “executive” in it
- You miss the chance to speak directly to the kind of leader you really want
And worst of all—it reflects poorly on your company brand.
Your job post is a first impression. It tells candidates what kind of team they’d be joining. Why waste that with AI filler?
✅ The Smart Way to Use AI (If You’re Going to Use It)
AI is a tool. It’s not a replacement for thought, context, or your company’s voice.
Here’s how to actually get value from it:
Step 1: Gather Your Raw Inputs
Before prompting AI, prepare:
- A short description of your company, mission, and growth stage
- The real responsibilities for the role (not just fluff)
- What kind of person you want to hire (personality traits, working style, career goals)
- Your benefits, salary range, and hiring process
- Any special phrases or values you want reflected in the tone
Step 2: Prompt AI Like a Collaborator, Not a Robot
Try something like this:
“Help me write a job description for a Chief Strategy Officer at Vectra Solar, a fast-growing clean energy startup. We’re looking for someone to lead our strategic planning and cross-functional alignment as we scale nationally. Our ideal hire is curious, execution-oriented, and experienced in both growth strategy and systems thinking. We offer remote flexibility, leadership coaching, and a collaborative executive team. Here are some rough notes I’ve written [paste notes here]—can you help me shape them into a more polished structure?”
👉 Then paste in your bullet points or draft content and let the AI help you clean it up.
Step 3: Review and Rewrite Like a Human
After AI gives you something, read it out loud. Does it sound like your team? Would it excite your ideal candidate?
Don’t just copy-paste. Refine. Clarify. Add emotion. Make it yours.
Bonus Tip:
You can even paste in a job post you admire—like one of the two examples earlier—and ask AI to write something in a similar tone or style. That way, you maintain personality without starting from scratch.
If you want to attract strategic, high-caliber talent, your job post needs to feel intentional—not automated.
Use AI to polish your ideas. But make sure the soul of the message comes from you.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Chief Strategy Officer Job Description?
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve read through this whole guide and understand what makes a great job post… but you still need a solid starting point you can copy, paste, and tailor in a few minutes.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
Job Title:
Chief Strategy Officer – [Company Name] | [Location]
Salary: [Salary Range]
Type: [Job Type]
🎥 Message from Our CEO
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick video from our CEO on what we’re building—and why this role matters.
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we’re on a mission to [insert a short, meaningful line about your mission or product]. We’re growing fast, building with purpose, and we’re now looking for a strategic leader to help us scale thoughtfully.
What You’ll Do
- Lead long-term strategy planning and company-wide alignment
- Research markets, trends, and competitors to guide decision-making
- Work across departments to turn strategy into execution
- Support fundraising, expansion, or M&A initiatives
- Partner with the CEO on vision, goals, and critical milestones
What We’re Looking For
- [X]+ years in strategic leadership, consulting, or operations
- Strong communicator and systems thinker
- Experience working closely with executive teams
- Confident in both high-level vision and day-to-day execution
- Comfortable leading complex, cross-functional projects
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This isn’t just a high-level planning role. You’ll be embedded in real work that matters—partnering with leadership, driving outcomes, and shaping the direction of the business. If you love big thinking and hands-on impact, this is your seat at the table.
Perks and Benefits
- Competitive executive salary and performance bonuses
- days paid time off + [X] paid flex days
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- Remote or hybrid work options
- Budget for coaching, leadership training, or executive development
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates based on skills—not just résumé keywords.
Click the link below to begin your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
🧱 Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title:
Chief Strategy Officer – [Company Name]
Location: [Location]
Salary Range: [Salary Range]
Employment Type: [Job Type]
🎥 Hear from the CEO
Take 90 seconds to hear directly from our CEO about the kind of leader we’re looking for:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
Who We Are
[Company Name] is a [describe company type—e.g., growing B2B SaaS company, mission-driven health startup, etc.]. Our goal is to [insert simple, engaging sentence about your mission]. We’re looking for a Chief Strategy Officer to help us define what comes next—and align our teams to get there.
Job Brief
We’re hiring a Chief Strategy Officer to guide long-term planning, cross-functional execution, and market expansion. This person will work directly with the CEO and department leaders to shape company priorities and drive strategic clarity.
Responsibilities
- Build and implement strategic roadmaps
- Align departments around quarterly and annual company goals
- Research market and competitor insights to inform direction
- Own frameworks and dashboards for tracking progress
- Partner with leadership to manage high-level initiatives
Requirements
- [X]+ years in strategy, operations, or executive leadership
- Strong business intuition and problem-solving skills
- Proven ability to drive change across teams
- Familiarity with metrics, dashboards, and goal-setting systems
- MBA or relevant experience (preferred, not required)
Perks and Benefits
- Executive compensation package
- paid vacation days + [X] wellness days
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Learning and development stipend
- Flexible location options
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to fairly assess your strategic thinking and communication—no résumé filters, no guesswork.
Click here to begin your short application:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Hard Part of Hiring
Writing a strong job description is only the beginning.
The real challenge? Sorting through dozens (or hundreds) of applicants and figuring out who’s actually qualified.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
If you’re hiring for a high-impact role like Chief Strategy Officer, you can’t afford to rely on gut feeling, résumés alone, or “one-click apply” candidates.
WorkScreen helps you:
🎯 Spot Top Talent Faster
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Hire Based on Real-World Ability
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
🧠 Eliminate Low-Effort and AI-Generated Applications
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
If you’re serious about hiring a CSO who will drive growth and create alignment across your business, WorkScreen helps you:
- Avoid costly hiring mistakes
- Hire faster with confidence
- Build a team you can trust
create your job post and launch your first evaluation in just minutes.
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) – Frequently Asked Questions
While both roles operate at the executive level, their focus is very different:
- COO (Chief Operating Officer) is focused on day-to-day operations—making sure systems, teams, and processes run smoothly. They optimize what’s already in motion.
- CSO (Chief Strategy Officer) is focused on the future—setting long-term goals, identifying market opportunities, and aligning the company around a forward-looking vision. They shape what should happen next.
In short:
The COO manages the engine.
The CSO decides where the car should go next.
The best CSOs are strategic thinkers and strong communicators. Here are the top skills to prioritize:
- Strategic planning – setting long-term goals and pathways
- Market analysis – understanding trends, threats, and opportunities
- Cross-functional collaboration – aligning leadership teams and departments
- Problem-solving – navigating complex, ambiguous decisions
- Executive communication – simplifying ideas for clear decision-making
- Business intuition – knowing what to prioritize and when to pivot
Soft skills like curiosity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence also matter—especially in fast-growing companies.
In the U.S., the average salary for a Chief Strategy Officer ranges between $180,000–$260,000, depending on:
- Industry (tech and finance tend to pay higher)
- Company size and growth stage
- Location (or remote status)
- Bonus, equity, and performance incentives
At startups, CSOs often receive lower base pay but higher equity.
In later-stage companies, the compensation mix may include bonuses tied to business performance.
A CSO is typically hired when:
- The company is scaling rapidly and needs long-term planning
- The CEO is stretched thin between vision and operations
- There’s a need for cross-departmental alignment
- You’re entering new markets, launching new products, or preparing for M&A
If your leadership team is spending more time reacting than planning—it’s likely time to bring in a CSO.
A Chief of Staff is often focused on internal operations, supporting the CEO’s workflow, and making sure the leadership team functions smoothly.
A Chief Strategy Officer operates at a higher level—owning company-wide strategy, leading cross-functional initiatives, and setting long-term priorities.
In some companies, a Chief of Staff may evolve into a CSO as the company scales.
