Director of Strategic Programs

North Wind

. Lead the development and execution of strategic programs and initiatives aligned with North Wind's business objectives, technical capabilities, and long-term growth strategy .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $135,000 - $230,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading strategic programs and initiatives, managing complex multidisciplinary projects, and developing strong partnerships with government and industry stakeholders. Proven ability to oversee program resources, budgets, and performance metrics while driving operational efficiency and program effectiveness.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program ManagementStrategic OperationsGovernment PartnershipsLeadership SkillsExecutive Presentation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program DevelopmentBudget ManagementPerformance MetricsOperational EfficiencyStrategic PlanningCross-Functional Team LeadershipRisk ManagementAnalytical SkillsStakeholder InfluenceComplex Program Oversight

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsRelationship BuildingCollaborationAdaptabilityProblem-Solving

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Defense OrganizationsAerospaceAdvanced ManufacturingEmerging TechnologiesDepartment of DefenseDepartment of EnergyNNSANational Laboratory Programs

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the development and execution of strategic programs and initiatives aligned with North Wind's business objectives, technical capabilities, and long-term growth strategy
Partner with executive leadership to develop and adapt business unit strategy, identify organizational priorities and emerging opportunities, and plan strategic investments
Represent business unit executive leadership with internal and external partners, customers, and stakeholders
Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, program management, finance, and business development
Develop assurance processes to ensure initiatives and programs meet objectives
Build and maintain relationships with government customers, industry partners, national laboratories, and strategic stakeholders
Identify opportunities to expand programs, secure funding, and transition emerging technologies into sustainable programs
Collaborate with Growth and Business Development teams on customer engagement, program development, and strategic partnerships
Oversee assigned program resources, budgets, schedules, risks, and performance objectives
Establish program governance, performance metrics, and executive reporting processes
Evaluate organizational challenges and recommend strategies to improve operational efficiency and program effectiveness
Lead cross-organizational teams executing improvement initiatives
Develop and coordinate communications materials with senior and executive leadership
Present strategic recommendations, program performance, and growth opportunities to executive leadership
Drive successful execution of strategic initiatives, government partnerships, program opportunities, funding, performance, coordination, and accountability

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Program Management, or a related field
Minimum of 10 years of experience in program management, strategic operations, business development, or related leadership roles
Experience leading complex, multidisciplinary programs or strategic initiatives
Experience managing significant program resources, budgets, and organizational priorities
Strong background working with government customers, defense organizations, or highly technical environments
Ability to develop strategic partnerships and influence stakeholders across multiple organizational levels
Strong leadership, analytical, communication, and executive presentation skills
Must be a U.S. citizen
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance, as required
All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States
Preferred: Experience supporting Department of Defense, Department of Energy, NNSA, or national laboratory programs
Preferred: Experience in aerospace, defense, hypersonics, advanced manufacturing, or emerging technologies
Preferred: Success securing government funding, developing strategic partnerships, or expanding programs
Preferred: Experience overseeing multimillion-dollar programs or portfolios
Preferred: Active government security clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal opportunity employer
Safe and drug-free workplace
Pre-employment background checks and drug testing
Pay transparency
Potential eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance