Senior Director of Strategic Programs

Merlin International Inc • Mclean, VA

8h

About The Position

Merlin Group operates at the intersection of cyber innovation, national security, and technology-driven transformation. With a mission to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies across the U.S. public sector and regulated commercial markets, Merlin is uniquely structured around three core tenets – Invest, Enable, and Scale – each designed to address a specific stage of the technology lifecycle. Together, our affiliates – Merlin Ventures, CGC, and Merlin Cyber – form a flywheel that builds enduring capability for customers, partners, and the broader cyber ecosystem, operationalizing technological advancement into mission-ready, enterprise-grade solutions.

At Merlin, we believe our strength lies in our people. Team members are encouraged to be creative, collaborative, and nimble, pursuing paths to deliver the cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that our customers rely on. From next-generation cyber defense to secure cloud and AI, we are united by one purpose – transforming innovation into mission impact.

The Senior Director of Strategic Programs will play a critical role in driving revenue growth by building and managing trusted relationships across the cybersecurity ecosystem. Reporting to the Senior Director of Growth Initiatives, this leader will collaborate with key partners—including System Integrators (SIs), Value-Added Resellers (VARs), and cybersecurity product companies—to develop strategic programs that accelerate deal flow, expand market reach, and generate measurable revenue outcomes.

This individual will serve as a connector across the ecosystem, working closely with partners, internal leadership, and go-to-market teams to identify opportunities, structure collaborative engagements, and drive joint initiatives that generate new business and deepen customer relationships.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity, technology partnerships, business development, or strategic programs.
• Proven experience working with ecosystem partners such as System Integrators, VARs, and cybersecurity product companies.
• Demonstrated success driving revenue through partnerships or ecosystem collaboration.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience structuring and executing strategic programs or initiatives.
• Excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills.
• Must be a US Citizen.

Nice To Haves

• Deep network within the cybersecurity ecosystem.
• Experience working in partner-led or ecosystem-driven sales models.
• Background in strategic alliances, channel development, or go-to-market strategy.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Ecosystem Development
• Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic partners across the cybersecurity ecosystem, including System Integrators, VARs, and technology vendors.
• Identify partnership opportunities that expand market access and create new revenue streams.
• Develop and operationalize strategic programs that connect partners, customers, and internal teams.
• Revenue & Deal Acceleration
• Collaborate with partners to identify joint sales opportunities and help drive deals through the pipeline.
• Support revenue generation through ecosystem-driven initiatives, co-selling opportunities, and partner engagement.
• Work closely with internal growth and go-to-market teams to align partner efforts with business priorities.
• Program Leadership
• Design and execute strategic programs that strengthen the company’s position within the cybersecurity market.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration between sales, partnerships, and executive leadership.
• Track program performance and partner engagement to ensure initiatives are delivering measurable results.
• Relationship Management
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders within partner organizations.
• Foster long-term relationships that position the company as a central connector within the cybersecurity ecosystem.
• Represent the organization in industry engagements, partner meetings, and strategic discussions.

Benefits

• Our wellness package provides access to an on-site gym and includes medical, dental, and vision insurance along with options for FSA and EAP.
• We offer 401(k) with employer match, unlimited PTO, and a culture respectful of the reality that not everything in one’s personal life is guaranteed to happen only after hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed