How to Write a Strategy Director Cover Letter (With Example)

Updated August 2, 2023

Many large organizations employ strategy professionals to provide support for strategic planning, development, execution, and evaluation. Effective strategy directors have a deep understanding of business operations, target audience, and how people interact with their products or services. Understanding how to write an effective cover letter for a management position in strategy development can help you develop your career and grow your job prospects. In this article, we explain what a strategy director cover letter is, describe the steps for writing one, list tips for effective cover letters, and provide a template and example.

What is a strategy director cover letter?

A strategy director cover letter is a document that candidates use to highlight their abilities, experience, and suitability for this managerial position. You can use this letter to accompany your resume when submitting your job application to describe how your qualifications and knowledge have prepared you for this role. Job seekers typically include details of their strong leadership skills, negotiation abilities, and knowledge of strategy design and execution when applying for this role. Candidates can use this opportunity to highlight their past successes or describe why they're uniquely qualified for the role to which they're applying.

How to write a cover letter for the position of strategy director

If you're interested in pursuing a job as a strategy director, here are the steps you can take to prepare your cover letter:

1. Review the job posting

Before drafting your cover letter, it's important to review the job posting carefully to identify specific keywords, qualification requirements, or skills the employer is looking for when evaluating candidates. As this is a management position, it's also important that you demonstrate your strong understanding of the hiring organization and their mission, vision, and values.

You can review the company's website to gain a better understanding of this information and how you might be able to contribute your knowledge and expertise to the position. As this may be your first impression, it's essential to showcase your vast industry knowledge and experience.

2. Begin with an introduction

You can format your cover letter with a header including your full name and contact information. Use the same format as your resume, including your phone number, professional e-mail address, and location. Include the date and employing company name, and address your letter to the hiring manager by name, if it's known.

Candidates typically begin their letter by stating their name, followed by a statement describing the position for which they're applying. You can also explain your interest in the role, how your experience qualifies you for the position, or how you feel the organization might benefit from your leadership.

3. Develop your professional summary

The following paragraph summarizes your relevant experience and qualifications, highlighting measurable achievements when possible. You can include information not highlighted in your resume to ensure you're making the most of the opportunity to demonstrate your vast expertise. Explain why you are a good fit for the organization and include any details that attracted you to the position or organization.

4. Explain your relevant work experience

If you have prior work experience in strategy development or execution, you can include highlights of your achievement and experiences in your letter. It's especially helpful for hiring managers if you include quantifiable data in your work history that relate to the position. You can feature any instances where you thought creatively to solve problems or used your excellent leadership skills to guide a team towards success. Ensure you're including any information relevant to the job posting and effectively explaining any work-related gaps in your experience.

5. Summarize and close professionally

End your cover letter by summarizing the value you can bring to the company and reiterating why you're applying for the position. While you are restating your interest, try to include new information that you haven't already shared to maintain the hiring manager's attention. Briefly explain your passion for corporate strategy and confirm the reasons you're uniquely suited to the role. It's important to express your gratitude for the hiring manager's time and consideration at the end of your letter. Keep the letter brief and ensure you're using professional language and tone throughout.

6. Include a call to action

Before signing your letter, you can ask the manager to contact you to discuss your application further. This is another opportunity for you to express your excitement at the opportunity to apply. You can also mention you look forward to reconnecting with them soon. If there are certain dates, times, or preferred methods of contact, you can include this information in your conclusion. Proofread your cover letter thoroughly to ensure your document is free from spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure errors. It's also important to double-check the spelling of the hiring manager's name before submitting.

Tips for writing a cover letter for a strategy director

A cover letter is an important aspect of your application, as it allows you to express your unique suitability for the role and desire to fill the position. Here are some tips you can consider when preparing your cover letter:

Use proper formatting. The format of your cover letter typically mirrors the contact information header on your resume. Because these documents are part of the same package of application materials, they generally complement each other and appear as though they belong together.
Connect on a personal level. It's essential for management personnel to showcase their personality effectively in a cover letter to ensure they are a good fit with other executives. Include some personal information that can give the employer a sense of who you are and what you value.
Research the company. It's essential to research the organization thoroughly before submitting a job application for the role of strategy director. This allows you to adjust the tone and language of your letter appropriately and demonstrate your knowledge of the company, including its vision and mission.
Include a meaningful referral. When applying for a senior position within a company, it's helpful to include a referral from another member of the management team or an individual who knows the hiring manager. This can provide the manager with additional proof that you're a qualified candidate for the role.

Cover letter template for a strategy director position

Here's a cover letter template for a strategy director position that you can consider when writing your own:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification, if applicable]
[Phone number] | [E-mail address] | [City], [Province or territory] [Postal code]

[Date]
[Company name]

Dear hiring manager,

[Express excitement for the position, including the role title and the company name]. [Introduce yourself by explaining why you're applying for the job, how the job aligns with your career goals, and what specifically draws you to the company].

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what's in your resume]. [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible.] [Explain why you'd be a good fit for the company]. [If required, you can address an employment gap or career transition here].

[Express gratitude]. [Summarize qualification]. [Restate interest in role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method].

[Complimentary close],
[Signature]

Example cover letter for a strategy director

You can consider the following example cover letter when writing your own for a strategy director position:

Alex Jensen, MBA

647-555-6966 | alex.jensen@email.com | Oakville, Ontario | A1A 2B2

August 21, 2022
Off Trade Consulting

Dear Mrs. Jones,

My name is Alex Jensen, and I am pleased to be writing to apply for the position of strategy director at Off Trade Consulting. I have 15 years of experience in strategy, including the development, execution, and evaluation of corporate strategic plans. I enjoy engaging my team to achieve the goals as outlined in the strategy and welcome the challenge of doing so at your organization.

In my most recent role, I consulted on strategy with some of the top financial firms in the region. I managed the effective development and implementation of marketing plans that exceeded our conversion objectives by 120%. I understand the importance of evaluating business goals and devising strategic plans to align with and achieve those goals. If given the opportunity, I look forward to returning to the corporate sector from the consulting one, as I enjoy seeing the longevity of my plans come to fruition.

I am confident I have the knowledge and experience in the financial business sector to be a valuable member of your executive team. I appreciate your consideration of my application and know that if given the opportunity, I can contribute to your continued success. Please see my attached resume which further summarizes my skills, experience, and accomplishments. I look forward to hearing from you soon if you feel I am a good fit for the position.

Regards,
Alex Jensen