Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives & Special Projects at STUDS

New York, New York, United States

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$155,000 – $175,000Compensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Retail, FashionIndustries

Requirements

6–8+ years of experience across top-tier consulting, investment banking, private equity, or high-growth operator roles
Undergraduate degree from a top university; MBA from a leading business school strongly preferred
Exceptional structured thinking and analytical problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives with minimal oversight
Comfort working directly with executive leadership and Board-facing materials
Strong executive communication skills across decks, models, and written memos
Proficient in Excel/Google Sheets and Slides; familiarity with Asana or Monday is a plus
Comfortable navigating ambiguity and making decisions with imperfect information

Responsibilities

Partner directly with the CEO to lead company-critical initiatives tied to growth, new offerings, and operating model evolution
Run end-to-end diligence on whitespace opportunities (e.g. market scans, unit economics, operating requirements, vendor/partner evaluations)
Lead cross-functional execution on strategic initiatives such as pricing architecture, studio expansion modeling, or new product incubations
Build clear project plans that define scope, owners, milestones, and impact—ensuring accountability across functions
Build dynamic models and frameworks to support executive decision-making (e.g. forecast models, margin decomposition, scenario analysis)
Conduct structured research and benchmarking to support business cases (e.g. consumer trends, competitive analysis, adjacent category sizing)
Pressure-test assumptions and surface tradeoffs clearly; convert findings into recommendations that hold up under Board-level scrutiny
Develop investor- and Board-ready materials (e.g. strategic memos, pitch decks, performance snapshots)
Work cross-functionally to clarify priorities, resolve blockers, and ensure timely execution; drive alignment across Finance, Retail, Marketing, Product, and People by clarifying priorities and surfacing risks early
Communicate clearly and concisely in both written and live settings, adapting your message for C-suite, field operators, or external stakeholders

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Strategic InitiativesFinancial ModelingMarket AnalysisUnit EconomicsCross-Functional LeadershipProject ManagementDiligencePricing StrategyBusiness OperationsExecutive Communication

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for the Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives & Special Projects role?

The salary range is $155,000–$175,000.

Is this role remote or based in a specific location?

The role is based in New York, NY.

What experience and skills are required for this position?

Candidates need 6–8+ years of experience across top-tier consulting, investment banking, private equity, or high-growth organizations, along with top-tier analytical skills, strategy training, and the ability to execute in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

What is the reporting structure and work environment like at Studs?

This is a high-impact, high-accountability role reporting directly to the CEO in a fast-paced environment focused on strategic growth.

What makes a strong candidate for this role?

A strong candidate has strategy training from consulting, banking, or investing, top-tier analytical skills, and the ability to shift seamlessly between board memos, financial models, and project execution while thriving in ambiguous, fast-paced settings.

STUDS

Specializes in ear piercing and earrings

About STUDS

Studs.com focuses on ear piercing and earring stacking, allowing customers to express their personal style. The company offers a variety of earring designs, including Captive Bead Rings and Fixed Bead Rings, which promote faster healing for new piercings. Unlike competitors, Studs.com operates a direct-to-consumer model, providing personalized aftercare advice and educational content to enhance the customer experience. Their goal is to combine fashion with personalized care, catering to a diverse clientele in the ear-piercing market.

New York City, New YorkHeadquarters

2019Year Founded

$22.4MTotal Funding

SERIES_BCompany Stage

Consumer GoodsIndustries

201-500Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Mental Health Support

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Flexible Work Hours

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

Sabbatical Leave

Professional Development Budget

Employee Discounts

Pet Insurance

Risks

Increased competition from established jewelry brands could dilute Studs' market share.

The rise of at-home piercing kits threatens Studs' in-store services.

Negative reviews of Mystery Packs could harm Studs' reputation.

Differentiation

Studs offers a unique ear-piercing experience combining art and science.

The company provides educational content for optimal piercing aftercare and longevity.

Studs' earring designs, like Captive Bead Rings, aid in faster healing.

Upsides

Studs is expanding with 10 new store openings planned this year.

Collaborations with brands like Shake Shack enhance visibility and attract new customers.

'Studs on Wheels' reaches new markets, including college campuses and events.

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