Manager for Leadership Programs Strategy and Operations

Mount Vernon•Mount Vernon, VA

2d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The George Washington Leadership Institute (GWLI), based at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, delivers premier leadership development programs grounded in the life, leadership, and legacy of George Washington. Serving corporate, government, and military audiences, GWLI is committed to building a nationally recognized center of excellence for executive leadership. The Manager for Leadership Programs Strategy and Operations is a strategic operational leader responsible for advancing the infrastructure, systems, and organizational effectiveness of GWLI. This position provides high-level oversight of institute operations, cross-functional coordination, financial administration, and continuous improvement initiatives that ensure a consistently exceptional client and participant experience. The role requires an experienced professional who can operate with a high degree of independence, exercise sound judgment, and lead complex operational initiatives in support of GWLI’s long-term growth and institutional excellence. The Manager serves as a key thought partner in operational strategy, organizational planning, and program execution, helping position GWLI as a premier leadership institute with national visibility and impact. This position reports to the Executive Director and works in close collaboration with the Senior Manager, Leadership Programs and Client Experience, and senior institutional stakeholders across Mount Vernon.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Hospitality Management, Communications, or a related field required.
Minimum of 5-8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in operations leadership, executive education, organizational management, program administration, institutional operations, or related environments.
Flexibility to work non-traditional hours as program schedules require.
Experience exercising independent judgment and decision-making authority in a senior administrative or operational leadership role.
Demonstrated experience in program operations, event management, project management, or organizational administration, ideally in an educational, nonprofit, or professional development context.
Exceptional organizational and systems-thinking skills, with the ability to design and manage complex, multi-faceted workflows.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including proficiency in producing polished, professional documentation and correspondence.
Proven ability to build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and navigate cross-functional coordination with diplomacy and clarity.
Experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and administrative compliance.
High degree of accuracy and attention to detail in all deliverables.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
A genuine passion for leadership development, American history, and GWLI's mission.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
Experience working with CRM platforms (Monday.com) to manage client information, program logistics, and participant tracking preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the operational strategy and administration for GWLI programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, client expectations, and long-term organizational goals.
Establish operational standards, policies, and best practices that promote organizational efficiency, program consistency, and a high-quality client and participant experience.
Evaluate organizational workflows and operational performance metrics to identify opportunities for increased effectiveness, enhanced service delivery, and improved participant outcomes.
Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership in the development and execution of annual operational plans, institute objectives, and strategic initiatives.
Exercise independent judgment in resolving operational challenges, balancing competing priorities, and making recommendations that impact program delivery and institutional effectiveness.
Serve as GWLI’s primary operational liaison with internal departments, including Special Events, Food and Beverage Services, Guest Services, Interpretation, Security, Communications, Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Special Collections, to ensure seamless execution of programs and events.
Oversee pre-program operational readiness, including advance on-site operational support, room and material setup verification, and final quality assurance checks to ensure seamless program execution.
Maintain operational ownership throughout the full program lifecycle, serving as the primary operational manager during program delivery, proactively identifying and resolving real-time logistical and operational issues to ensure seamless program execution.
Establish operational standards and quality assurance measures for program execution, materials management, scheduling, logistics, and event delivery.
Oversee onboarding, coordination, and support for faculty, speakers, consultants, and strategic partners participating in GWLI programming.
Manage operational budgets and financial processes for GWLI programs and initiatives, including forecasting, expense oversight, invoice approvals, financial tracking, and compliance with institutional policies.
Develop operational reports, dashboards, and presentations for senior leadership and key stakeholders that communicate program performance, operational effectiveness, and organizational impact.
Champion a culture of innovation, professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout institute operations.