Director of International Operations at Spirit of America – Arlington, Virginia

Location: Arlington, VA

Work Days in Office: Hybrid 4 days in office with 1 day remote

Travel: Up to 30%

Position Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt

About Spirit of America:

Spirit of America is a privately funded 501c3 nonprofit headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Our mission is to engage citizens in preserving the promise of a free and better life. We do this by working alongside US troops and diplomats and providing private assistance to defend freedom, strengthen America’s national security, and save and improve lives.

Spirit of America leverages an unprecedented partnership with the US military based on a groundbreaking agreement with the Department of Defense. Our agreement with the Department of Defense allows the military to collaborate with us, identify needs, receive and distribute our assistance, and provide us with logistical support. No other nonprofit has such an agreement. Thus, every dollar invested in Spirit of America builds on and leverages investments made by the US government and military. That leverage — combined with our entrepreneurial, venture capital capability — provides philanthropic investments in Spirit of America with asymmetric impact and return on investment.

Our work saves and improves lives, prevents conflict, and strengthens America’s security. In the world’s toughest places, people experience the best of who Americans are and what we stand for.

About the Role:

Spirit of America seeks a Director of International Operations to help oversee our global program operations. This role is responsible for ensuring that our international activities — from concept development to implementation, monitoring, and closeout — are executed with excellence, transparency, and strong coordination across the organization.

The Director of International Operations serves as an operational bridge between International Operations, Development, Marketing, Compliance, Finance, and senior leadership. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in international program operations, exceptional organizational and information management skills, and a proven track record of building systems and processes that support teams working across multiple countries and complex environments.

This is a highly collaborative, hands-on leadership role that requires practical problem-solving. The Director will work closely with regional teams, ensure high-quality data and reporting, and help strengthen the capabilities of a rapidly scaling organization that operates alongside US troops, diplomats, and partners worldwide.

Reports To: Vice President of Program Operations

Direct Reports: Security Manager, Purchasing Manager, HQ Program Managers, and International Operations Interns

The Director of International Operations will:

Responsibilities:

Program Cycle Leadership

Supporting Regional Directors to craft actionable regional plans; advises on program design, compliance, and risk frameworks to enable scalable, high-impact global initiatives.Partners with the Vice President of Program Operations to operationalize the international program cycle, driving execution from concept through evaluation in alignment with organizational priorities.Ensure data on International Operations activities, funding, impact, and risks is accurate, timely, and visible to senior leadership.Lead or support annual and quarterly planning processes for International Operations, including priority setting, resource needs, and operational goals.Champion operational innovation by identifying emerging risks, technologies, and process improvements that position Spirit of America for agility and impact in dynamic global contexts.Cross-Departmental Coordination

Represent International Operations as needed in cross-departmental collaboration with Development, Marketing, Compliance, and Finance.Ensure Development and Marketing teams receive timely, accurate program information to support fundraising, donor relations, and public outreach.Partner with Compliance and Finance to ensure third-party vetting, export control processes, contracts, and other regulatory requirements are carried out quickly and effectively.Help regional teams navigate compliance and operational questions by coordinating with relevant internal stakeholders.Operational Systems, Information Management & ReportingGuide the use, governance, and continuous improvement of program and project management tools used by International Operations teams.Develop dashboards, reports, and regular updates that inform leadership, donors, and stakeholders about program progress, risks, and impact.Identify process and systems improvements that enhance efficiency, coordination, and visibility across international operations.Risk Management, Travel & SafetyOversee travel approvals and itinerary tracking for Spirit of America staff abroad, ensuring risk mitigation measures are implemented and staff are supported.Support the development and implementation of risk assessment and mitigation practices in international contexts.Coordinate with relevant internal stakeholders on training and capability needs related to safety and security (e.g., HEAT, OPSEC, or similar readiness training).

IO Capability & Team Support

Identify requirements for training, software, and other capabilities that will improve the performance, efficiency, safety, or security of International Operations teams.Conduct or oversee market research and procurement processes for operational tools and services supporting International Operations.Support and mentor International Operations staff, helping build a culture of strong execution, clear communication, and continuous improvement.

What Success Looks Like in This Role:

Success in this role means that Spirit of America’s international operations run on clear, well-understood systems that enable teams to move quickly, safely, and effectively in complex environments. Within the first year, a successful Director of International Operations will have:Established strong, trust-based working relationships with regional teams and key partners across Development, Marketing, Compliance, Finance, and Program Operations.Improved visibility into global activities, funding status, and risk, enabling leadership to make faster, better-informed decisions.Strengthened program management tools, data quality, and reporting processes so that information from the field is accurate, timely, and usable for donors and decision-makers.Identified and implemented practical improvements in workflows and cross-department coordination that reduce friction and increase impact.Become a go-to leader and problem-solver for questions related to international program operations, risk, and execution.Built systems for resilience and adaptability in volatile environments.

Key Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in international relations, public policy, business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).15+ years of progressively responsible experience in international operations or program management, ideally in an international or nonprofit context.Proven track record of managing multi-stakeholder projects across multiple geographies and complex environments.Demonstrated experience building or improving systems, processes, and tools to support global operations.Proficiency with program/project management software and data reporting tools.Exceptional communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and time zones.Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Mission focus with a track record of delivering results in challenging contexts.Demonstrated passion and commitment to the ideals of Spirit of America.

Preferred:

Experience working with the US military, Department of State, or other US government entities with international operations.Familiarity with compliance requirements related to export control, contracting, and third-party vetting.Experience working with development, marketing, or fundraising teams.Knowledge of US government regulations affecting international assistance and nonprofit operations.Familiarity with risk assessment and mitigation in international contexts or higher-risk environments.Prior military experience is highly valued.

Compensation Range:

Salary ranges from $145,000 to $170,000 based on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, and 403(b) contribution match to 4%.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Spirit of America is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics in accordance with applicable laws.