Director, Strategic Programs & Special Projects

MDW Associates•Washington, DC

About The Position

MDW is seeking a seasoned professional to serve as Director, Strategic Programs & Special Projects. This individual will bring a broad strategic perspective and demonstrated, enterprise-level knowledge of the Department of War-including its mission areas, operating structures, acquisition environment, and interagency relationships-to lead complex, cross-cutting initiatives that support national priorities. This role is based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The Director, Strategic Programs & Special Projects may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties:

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of experience as a Program Manager or Deputy Program Manager overseeing $20-30M annual programs
Demonstrated understanding of the Department of War mission environment and interagency dynamics
Strong, proactive leadership and decision-making capabilities
Excellent communication, negotiation, and client-facing skills
Ability and willingness to travel to client sites within the U.S.
U.S. Citizenship required for the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Bachelor's degree in business, program management, or a related discipline. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing multi-site enterprise Government programs
Experience overseeing large Federal contracts and task orders
Experience leading staffing surges and task-order transitions
Demonstrated success leading innovation, automation, or digital transformation initiatives

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain trusted, collaborative relationships with senior leaders at the DoW and other Federal C-suite stakeholders.
Provide overall leadership and accountability for program execution, ensuring performance remains within approved cost, schedule, and scope constraints.
Lead and coordinate multiple, complex, multi-faceted projects involving diverse stakeholders, critical deadlines, and constrained budgets.
Oversee the integration of advanced technologies and systems into existing operational environments while ensuring continuity of mission operations.
Serve as the single point of contact with Government management personnel, enforcing work standards and translating Government policies and objectives to program teams.
Direct day-to-day program operations, including schedule management, resource allocation, and deliverable execution.
Oversee required program reporting, compliance tracking, staffing plans, and documentation.
Provide personnel leadership including staffing actions, mentorship, training, evaluations, and subcontractor oversight.
Review and recommend operational, technical, and process improvements to Government leadership.
Review and approve technical solutions, contract modifications, and subcontract documentation.
Lead hiring and onboarding activities.
Engage with DoW stakeholders early to shape acquisition approaches and requirements.
Drive proactive identification and qualification of high-value DoW opportunities.
Proactively identify, assess, and communicate program risks and mitigation strategies.