Strategic Operations Director

Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with bragging rights to the only network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world.   For over 20 years, Iridium’s unique network and services have supported critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things.

At Iridium, we understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. People across the globe, including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers, as well as ships, aircraft and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications very seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed.  Likewise, Iridium is committed to providing an exciting and innovative workplace, where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions.  Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world.  Iridium fosters an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves.   We are looking for others who want to join this truly unique company that celebrates our employees and provides the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world.

What We’re Looking For:

The Strategic Operations Director to the Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing is a senior, high-impact role for a seasoned industry professional who will serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the EVP. Drawing on deep familiarity with the satellite communications and adjacent technology markets, the Strategic Operations Director will help translate the EVP's vision into organizational reality, ensuring priorities are clearly defined and communicated, resources properly allocated, and cross-functional initiatives driven to completion.

The ideal candidate brings executive-level judgment, strong business acumen, and the credibility to represent the EVP's interests internally and externally. They will bridge the gap between leadership intent and organizational execution — monitoring financial performance, managing information flow, preparing C-level / board-level materials, and ensuring the progress of high-priority programs. This role requires someone who thrives in a fast-moving, complex environment and who has earned the trust needed to act as the EVP's proxy when required.

What You’ll Do:

• Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic proxy to the EVP, representing the EVP's interests in key internal and external meetings, driving decisions forward, and ensuring commitments are followed through timely.
• Monitor and analyze the performance of the Sales, Marketing & Product Management organization, including financial metrics, commercial activities and organizational efficiency.
• Drive the development of business dashboards and related data management tools to improve group visibility into commercial performance and trends, reducing the time from information to action.
• Prepare and coordinate group materials for Monthly Operational Reviews, Quarterly Business Reviews, and Board of Directors presentations, ensuring content is accurate, compelling, and aligned with the group’s strategic messaging.
• Facilitate seamless communication across the EVP's organization, drafting executive communications, presentations, and internal memos, and ensuring consistent and clear messaging throughout.
• Drive group alignment around broad organizational priorities, including goals-setting, operating cadence, and prioritization of resources and investments.
• Identify organizational gaps, process inefficiencies, and structural bottlenecks; develop and implement solutions that improve organizational effectiveness.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of relevant experience in the satellite communications, telecommunications, or adjacent technology industry, including prior experience in executive or senior leadership roles.
• Deep knowledge of the MSS, NTN or commercial satellite services markets, with the credibility to serve as a subject matter resource to the EVP and the broader organization.
• Demonstrated ability to operate as a trusted advisor and strategic thought partner to a senior executive.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust, influence without authority, and navigate sensitive organizational and interpersonal dynamics with discretion and integrity.
• Strong financial acumen, with hands-on experience monitoring and analyzing revenue, OpEx, and CapEx performance.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing board-level presentations, executive briefings, and organizational communications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills — able to synthesize complex information quickly, identify the critical path, and drive clarity in ambiguous situations.

Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:

• Prior experience in a Chief of Staff, Strategic Advisor, or similar senior operational leadership role supporting a C-suite or EVP-level executive.
• Familiarity with Iridium's product portfolio, partner ecosystem, and go-to-market strategy.
• Experience managing or contributing to board-level governance processes, investor relations, or executive reporting cycles.
• International business experience and a global mindset.

We’ll also need you to:

• Be able to work in the office at least 4 or more days a week
• Be available outside standard business hours as needed to support time-sensitive priorities
• Travel domestically and internationally up to 25% of the time
• US Citizen Required

Work Environment:

This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary with the majority of the position working with a computer. The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer. 

We believe in-person connection drives innovation, strengthens mentorship, and builds culture, while flexibility enables employees to do their best work. Under Iridium’s Hybrid Work Policy, employees are expected to work at least three days per week (approximately 60%) in an Iridium office to support collaboration, relationship-building, and professional growth.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work for this role and is not a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned additional responsibilities as needed.

Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.