Regional Director, Latin America & the Caribbean

Spirit of America•Miami, FL

26d•$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 Latin America and the Caribbean in close cooperation and coordination with U.S. military, development, and diplomatic personnel. The Regional Director’s mission is to direct Spirit of America’s international operations in the region, 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 U.S. national security interests in the region and will supervise a small team of Program Managers in the design and implementation of lines of effort to support the strategy. This role is ideal for leaders with private-sector or entrepreneurial experience who thrive in building new ventures, moving quickly from concept to execution, and delivering results in complex environments. As Regional Director, Latin America & the Caribbean, you will apply your entrepreneurial acumen and regional expertise to create high-impact initiatives that advance U.S. national interests and strengthen communities across the region. If you’re looking to translate your skills into purpose-driven, real-world impact, this is that opportunity. Spirit of America’s Regional Director must have boots-on-the-ground experience in fragile or conflict-affected environments and recent experience supporting U.S. stability and security operations, development, or diplomatic initiatives. Demonstrated experience supporting or coordinating closely with the U.S. military, particularly within the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility, either through prior military service or in a civilian capacity. Demonstrated ability to read, write, and communicate professionally in Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole proficiently is a plus. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, as this role requires eligibility for a U.S. Government security clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
At least fifteen years of professional experience in international development, diplomacy, or defense contexts; of at least three years on the ground in fragile or conflict-afflicted states in a leadership role
Demonstrated experience supporting or coordinating closely with the U.S. military, particularly within the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility, either through prior military service or in a civilian capacity.
Proven ability to engage directly with local populations and partner with host nation militaries, governments, and NGOs to solve problems
Significant experience in direct counterinsurgency, stability operations, humanitarian/disaster relief, and/or nonlethal effects at the field level in current U.S. stability and security operations
Deep knowledge of the culture, history, politics, and security dynamics in Latin America and the Caribbean based on work or academic study
Solid understanding of America’s 3Ds of foreign affairs — defense, diplomacy, and development — and of USG interagency entities, roles, and processes is essential
Excellent written and oral communication skills, strong attention to detail, and exceptional organizational skills are required
Candidates must be U.S. citizens, as this role requires eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance
Demonstrated ability to read, write, and communicate professionally in Spanish.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree
Portuguese and/or Haitian Creole language proficiency
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex, fast-moving environments and manage competing priorities across multiple countries

Responsibilities

Cultivate influential relationships and strengthen current relationships throughout the region
Lead the development of a regional strategy to support U.S. national security interests in Latin America and the Caribbean
Develop projects and initiatives where Spirit of America’s assistance can make a rapid and important impact on mission success, as well as complement or fill gaps in U.S. government and military programs
Identify, develop, and manage regional stakeholder relationships with U.S. military command elements, U.S. embassies, 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 fund to a high standard of accountability and performance, including human resources, finance, and compliance
Serve as a regional and sub-regional expert for culture, politics, security, and U.S. policy
Monitor, evaluate, and document the results of and lessons learned from projects supported by Spirit of America in the assigned region and across the regional team
Maintain and deliver timely financial reporting, forecasting, and budgeting
Partner with Spirit of America’s development and marketing team, creating appropriate content to engage donors and partners through media, while reviewing and providing input into the content developed by the broader regional team
Communicate and closely coordinate activities and projects with all levels of U.S. military and civilian personnel, including general officers, ambassadors, and major organizational donors
Closely monitor regional security and safety and coordinate with the Vice President, Program Operations, to ensure sound risk management and a high standard of personnel, physical, operational, and cyber security