Spirit of America-posted 2 days ago
$145,000 - $170,000/Yr
Full-time • Manager
Hybrid • Arlington, VA
11-50 employees

Spirit of America seeks a Director of International Operations to help oversee our global program operations. This role is responsible for ensuring that our international activities — from concept development to implementation, monitoring, and closeout — are executed with excellence, transparency, and strong coordination across the organization. The Director of International Operations serves as an operational bridge between International Operations, Development, Marketing, Compliance, Finance, and senior leadership. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in international program operations, exceptional organizational and information management skills, and a proven track record of building systems and processes that support teams working across multiple countries and complex environments. This is a highly collaborative, hands-on leadership role that requires practical problem-solving. The Director will work closely with regional teams, ensure high-quality data and reporting, and help strengthen the capabilities of a rapidly scaling organization that operates alongside US troops, diplomats, and partners worldwide.

  • Supporting Regional Directors to craft actionable regional plans; advises on program design, compliance, and risk frameworks to enable scalable, high-impact global initiatives.
  • Partners with the Vice President of Program Operations to operationalize the international program cycle, driving execution from concept through evaluation in alignment with organizational priorities.
  • Ensure data on International Operations activities, funding, impact, and risks is accurate, timely, and visible to senior leadership.
  • Lead or support annual and quarterly planning processes for International Operations, including priority setting, resource needs, and operational goals.
  • Champion operational innovation by identifying emerging risks, technologies, and process improvements that position Spirit of America for agility and impact in dynamic global contexts.
  • Represent International Operations as needed in cross-departmental collaboration with Development, Marketing, Compliance, and Finance.
  • Ensure Development and Marketing teams receive timely, accurate program information to support fundraising, donor relations, and public outreach.
  • Partner with Compliance and Finance to ensure third-party vetting, export control processes, contracts, and other regulatory requirements are carried out quickly and effectively.
  • Help regional teams navigate compliance and operational questions by coordinating with relevant internal stakeholders.
  • Guide the use, governance, and continuous improvement of program and project management tools used by International Operations teams.
  • Develop dashboards, reports, and regular updates that inform leadership, donors, and stakeholders about program progress, risks, and impact.
  • Identify process and systems improvements that enhance efficiency, coordination, and visibility across international operations.
  • Oversee travel approvals and itinerary tracking for Spirit of America staff abroad, ensuring risk mitigation measures are implemented and staff are supported.
  • Support the development and implementation of risk assessment and mitigation practices in international contexts.
  • Coordinate with relevant internal stakeholders on training and capability needs related to safety and security (e.g., HEAT, OPSEC, or similar readiness training).
  • Identify requirements for training, software, and other capabilities that will improve the performance, efficiency, safety, or security of International Operations teams.
  • Conduct or oversee market research and procurement processes for operational tools and services supporting International Operations.
  • Support and mentor International Operations staff, helping build a culture of strong execution, clear communication, and continuous improvement.
  • Bachelor’s degree in international relations, public policy, business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
  • 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in international operations or program management, ideally in an international or nonprofit context.
  • Proven track record of managing multi-stakeholder projects across multiple geographies and complex environments.
  • Demonstrated experience building or improving systems, processes, and tools to support global operations.
  • Proficiency with program/project management software and data reporting tools.
  • Exceptional communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and time zones.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Mission focus with a track record of delivering results in challenging contexts.
  • Demonstrated passion and commitment to the ideals of Spirit of America.
  • Experience working with the US military, Department of State, or other US government entities with international operations.
  • Familiarity with compliance requirements related to export control, contracting, and third-party vetting.
  • Experience working with development, marketing, or fundraising teams.
  • Knowledge of US government regulations affecting international assistance and nonprofit operations.
  • Familiarity with risk assessment and mitigation in international contexts or higher-risk environments.
  • Prior military experience is highly valued.
  • medical
  • dental
  • vision insurance
  • 403(b) contribution match to 4%
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