Strategic Planning Vs. Operational Planning

Nonprofit leaders are very familiar with the need and benefits of strategic plans. We hear about them all the time and likely engage in a strategic planning process within your organization on a regular schedule. However, fewer of us in the sector are aware of the term “operational planning.” Below I will walk you through the ins and outs of each type of plan and how you can use them to achieve more significant impacts.

First, let me start by explaining the difference between these two plans:

Strategic Plan

Strategic Planning is the process of setting the vision for the next 3-5 years of the organization. During the strategic planning process, you will conduct internal and external assessments and verify what is working for the organization, what needs improvement, where there are opportunities, and what threatens your programs. After that process of data gathering and analysis, your team will first outline priority areas and then create goals. The last part of the process is to develop both an implementation plan for your goals and an evaluation plan to help you determine if you met the objectives. Your board will lead the strategic planning process and can include staff, volunteers, and other stakeholder input.

Operational Plan

Operational planning is the annual process of determining how you will reach the strategic planning goals. The Executive Director typically leads this work with significant input from the staff. Operational plans focus on the smaller actions steps that make up the big picture. For instance, if your strategic planning goal is to launch a new department in five years, then your operational plan will focus on all the activities you must conduct in the individual years to reach that goal. 

Above is an example of taking the strategic planning goal and creating individual action steps around that goal for the upcoming year. When implemented together in an intentional process, strategic plans and operational plans ensure the effective implementation of your vision. 

The more we can think strategically, the more our organizations will thrive. Setting aside a few months every three to five years and a few days every year to plan helps set you off on the right path.

If you are interested in learning more about implementing strategic planning and operational planning into your organizational patterns, contact Spark Group Consulting today to set up a free 30-minute chat.

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