Principal Consultant

📍 Remote | Occasional Travel

About Ascend Strategic Advisory

At Ascend Strategic Advisory, we help mid-sized agribusinesses and mission-driven organizations navigate change with confidence. Our expertise lies in aligning strategy with execution, optimizing operations, and fostering organizational resilience through tailored change management solutions. We work alongside our clients to drive measurable results, reduce risk, and create sustainable success.

The Role

As a Principal Consultant, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-impact strategic consulting and change management solutions to our clients. You will work directly with leadership teams, guiding organizations through transformation efforts, optimizing business performance, and ensuring change is adopted at all levels. This position requires strong executive presence, deep expertise in change management and strategic execution, and a track record of delivering measurable business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

✅ Strategic Advisory & Client Engagement

• Partner with mid-sized organizations to assess business challenges, define strategic priorities, and develop actionable solutions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives and senior leaders, helping them navigate complex transformations, M&A integrations, process improvements, and cultural shifts.
• Provide thought leadership on best practices in change management, business transformation, and organizational design.

✅ Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead client engagements from assessment through implementation, ensuring successful delivery of strategy, change management, and business transformation initiatives.
• Design and execute tailored change management plans, including stakeholder alignment, communication strategies, training programs, and adoption tracking.
• Develop and implement strategic roadmaps, operational frameworks, and performance metrics to drive efficiency and measurable outcomes.
• Facilitate workshops, leadership offsites, and stakeholder engagement sessions to align teams and accelerate adoption.

✅ Thought Leadership & Business Development

• Contribute to the evolution of Ascend’s methodologies, frameworks, and consulting best practices.
• Identify and develop new opportunities with existing and potential clients, contributing to business growth and client expansion.
• Represent Ascend at industry events, conferences, and professional networks to enhance brand visibility.

What We’re Looking For

🔹 10+ years of experience in management consulting, change management, strategic planning, or a related field.
🔹 Deep expertise in organizational transformation, change adoption, and business execution.
🔹 Strong ability to synthesize complex challenges, develop strategic recommendations, and drive execution.
🔹 Experience working with mid-sized organizations (preferably in agribusiness, manufacturing, or mission-driven industries).
🔹 Ability to build relationships with senior executives and influence decision-making.
🔹 Exceptional communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
🔹 Certifications such as PMP, Prosci Change Management, Lean Six Sigma, or similar are a plus.

Engagement Details

This is a 1099 independent contractor role, offering flexibility and autonomy. Engagements are project-based, and hours may vary depending on client needs. While this role is not a full-time, salaried position, there is potential for ongoing collaboration and growth within Ascend Strategic Advisory.

Why Join Ascend?

✨ Make a real impact – Work on high-visibility projects that drive meaningful change.
✨ Flexibility & Autonomy – As a 1099 consultant, you have the freedom to manage your workload and engagements while partnering with a dynamic team of strategic advisors.
✨ Collaborative Culture – Work alongside like-minded, high-caliber professionals who are passionate about driving transformation.
✨ Opportunities for Growth – We invest in continuous learning, leadership development, and expanding your expertise.

🔹 Ready to help organizations ascend to new heights? Apply today and let’s start the conversation.