Director, Department of Programs (Hybrid Remote)

The Geneva Foundation•Bethesda, MD

3d•$160,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Department of Programs (DoP) ensures Geneva’s research and development enterprise operates at the highest level of performance, accountability, and impact. This leader is charged with translating Geneva’s vision into measurable outcomes, driving execution of strategic priorities and key performance indicators (KPIs), and strengthening organizational capabilities to deliver consistent value to sponsors, partners, and employees. The Director of DoP oversees the design, growth, and management of Geneva’s research portfolios, ensuring research activities are executed with rigor, operational excellence, sustainability, and growth. By aligning people, systems, and partnerships, the Director of DoP plays a critical role in positioning Geneva as a leader in military medical research. This is a hybrid position requiring onsite work two days per week. Candidates must be located in or near Bethesda, MD or San Antonio, TX. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Salary Range $160,000 - $180,000. Salaries are determined based on several factors including external market data, internal equity, and the candidate’s related knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Public Health, or related field required; advanced degree (MBA, MHA, MPH, or equivalent) strongly preferred.
12+ years of progressive leadership experience in research administration, research operations, or related non-profit, academic, or government environments.
Experience leading R&D business development in a DoD, industry, or higher education environment.
Proven track record building pre-award capacity that actively drives proposals including capture planning, non-technical volume ownership, lay reviews, and submission readiness.
Expertise in federal and non-federal sponsor regulations, contracts, and grants management.
Demonstrated success in building and scaling high-performing teams with clear accountability and measurable results.
Demonstrated financial acumen in profitability management of federally funded research and industry-sponsored clinical trials.
Proven record of shaping and executing growth strategies that expand research funding, strengthen R&D pipelines, and build institutional partnerships.
Strong operational acumen, with experience in compliance oversight, risk management, and QA/QC system implementation.
Skilled in developing and applying innovative approaches, techniques, and systems modernization to improve efficiency, strengthen organizational learning, and deliver responsive services to customers.
Exceptional communication, relationship management, and external engagement skills across a variety of stakeholder groups.
Commitment to Geneva’s values of Integrity, Superior Customer Service, Quality, Teamwork, Innovation, and Respect for All.

Responsibilities

Lead annual goal setting, performance monitoring, and reporting for DoP.
Actively serve on the Department Leadership Team to ensure Geneva’s vision is translated into actionable strategies and measurable outcomes.
Ensure compliance with federal, non-federal, and Geneva regulations, including human subjects’ protection, animal welfare, intellectual property, conflict of interest, and cost-accounting standards.
Advance modernization of enterprise systems, data, and QA/QC processes to strengthen efficiency, transparency, and decision-making.
Benchmark Geneva’s practices against leading institutions to adopt and execute best-in-class standards.
Conduct risk analyses and develop mitigation strategies to reduce organizational vulnerabilities.
Oversee departmental budget development, monitoring, and variance management to ensure responsible growth and resource optimization.
Deliver accurate and timely reporting of meaningful metrics to demonstrate performance, customer satisfaction, and strategic impact.
Manage long-term planning for research operations, aligning people, infrastructure, and technology with growth projections.
Work with Finance to articulate audit readiness and ensure audit-ready records within DoP.
In coordination with Senior Leadership, direct business development strategy through the Associate Director of BD, ensuring sustainable growth of Geneva’s R&D portfolios.
Cultivate and steward sponsor relationships and external collaborations to increase Geneva’s visibility and competitiveness.
Represent Geneva at conferences, symposia, and policy forums to enhance Geneva’s reputation and thought leadership.