Senior Director of Strategic Programs

Merlin International•McLean, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Vice President 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.
High integrity and commitment to Merlin’s mission and values.
Strategic thinker with a hands-on, execution-oriented mindset.
Comfortable operating in ambiguity and fast-paced environments.
Strong collaborator with a low-ego, team-first approach.
Intellectually curious and committed to continuous learning.
Ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.