Regional Director - Asia-Pacific

Spirit of America•Arlington, VA

4h•$145,000 - $170,000•Remote

About The Position

Spirit of America seeks an experienced, strategic leader to serve as our new Regional Director to lead our initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region in close cooperation and coordination with US military, diplomatic personnel, partner militaries, and civil society organizations. The Regional Director’s mission is to guide Spirit of America’s international operations throughout the Asia-Pacific, utilizing private philanthropic funds to engage citizens in preserving the promise of a free and better life. The Regional Director will lead the design of a regional strategy to support US national security interests throughout the region and will supervise a small team of Program Managers in the design and implementation of lines of effort to support the strategy. A Spirit of America Regional Director must have boots-on-the-ground experience in conflict-affected environments as well as recent experience working on US stability and security operations. Prior US military service will be particularly well-regarded. Candidates with overseas experience with the US Department of State, USAID, and other US government civilian agencies as well as returned Peace Corps volunteers are also encouraged to apply. Optimism, patience, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a great sense of humor in the face of adversity are also essential.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 12 years' professional experience in international development, diplomacy, or defense contexts, of which at least three years should be on the ground in fragile or conflict-affected states in a leadership role.
Proven ability to engage directly with local populations and partner with host nation militaries, governments, and nongovernmental organizations to solve problems.
Prior experience and success in representational roles, public speaking, and briefing of senior officials and/or industry/private sector senior leaders.
At least three years' direct counterinsurgency, stability operations, humanitarian/disaster relief, and/or non-lethal effects experience at the field level.
Sound knowledge of the culture, history, politics, and security dynamics of the Asia-Pacific based on work or study.
A solid understanding of America’s three Ds of foreign affairs — defense, diplomacy, and development — and of USG interagency entities, roles, and processes.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, strong attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills.
A willingness to work outside regular hours to accommodate meetings in different time zones, and willingness to travel frequently within the region.
Candidates must be U.S. citizens, as this role requires eligibility for a U.S. Government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Substantive experience working in a US Embassy, in close collaboration with a US Country Team, in a Department of State/USAID regional bureau, or on a deployed Defense Cooperation or Civil Affairs mission.
Previous experience working with INDOPACOM.
Prior program/project management experience, including monitoring and managing budget, schedule, and ensuring quality deliverables.
Complete fluency in English and proficiency in an Asian language, such as Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or a Southeast Asian language.

Responsibilities

Cultivate influential relationships and strengthen current relationships throughout the region.
Lead the development of a regional strategy to support US national security interests in the Asia-Pacific.
Develop projects and initiatives where Spirit of America's assistance can make a rapid and important impact on mission success and complement or fill gaps in US government and military programs.
Identify, develop, and manage regional stakeholder relationships with US military command elements, US Embassies, other USG partners, and other key interlocutors.
Coach, develop, and mentor program managers through the full project lifecycle.
Oversee the development, execution, and closeout of projects supported with Spirit of America funds to a high standard of accountability and performance, including quality of deliverables, finance, and compliance.
Collaboratively evaluate and document the results and lessons learned from projects supported by Spirit of America in the assigned region and across the regional team. Use evaluations to inform follow-on programming and new initiatives.
Maintain and deliver timely financial reporting, forecasting, and budgeting.
Collaborate with the strategic initiatives team related to larger projects that touch the region.
Partner with Spirit of America's Development and Marketing teams, creating appropriate content to engage donors and partners through media while reviewing and proving input into the content developed by the broader regional team.
Coordinate and represent Spirit of America and projects with all levels of US military and civilian personnel to include general officers, ambassadors, and major organizational donors.
Closely monitor regional security and safety and coordinate with the Program Operations team to ensure sound risk management and a high standard of personnel, physical, operational, and cyber security.