Associate Director of Program Operations & Strategy

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Associate Director of Program Operations & Strategy based in the United States.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced operations professional to drive the successful delivery of complex, mission-driven programs that create meaningful impact at scale. In this role, you will serve as a strategic partner to senior leaders, translating high-level objectives into efficient operational plans while ensuring seamless execution across multiple initiatives. You'll oversee program logistics, reporting, budgeting, and cross-functional coordination, while continuously improving systems and workflows to increase organizational effectiveness. The position offers the chance to leverage AI-enabled tools and innovative operational practices to streamline processes and support long-term growth. Working in a collaborative, fully remote environment, you'll play a key role in enabling teams to focus on delivering high-quality outcomes while strengthening organizational capacity nationwide.

As the operational leader supporting multiple strategic programs, you will oversee end-to-end planning, execution, and continuous improvement while ensuring projects are delivered efficiently and successfully.

• Lead the operational planning and execution of multiple concurrent programs, ensuring milestones, timelines, and deliverables are achieved.
• Translate scopes of work into detailed project plans while proactively identifying risks, managing dependencies, and resolving operational challenges.
• Coordinate virtual and in-person events, including logistics, scheduling, venue management, materials, technology, and on-site execution.
• Manage program budgets, financial tracking, reconciliations, forecasting, and reporting in partnership with finance teams.
• Design and oversee data collection processes, dashboards, operational reporting, and executive presentations that support informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure clear communication, alignment, and successful project delivery.
• Improve operational systems by developing scalable processes, documentation, knowledge management practices, and AI-enabled workflow enhancements.
• Build trusted relationships with senior leaders by anticipating needs, providing strategic recommendations, and driving operational excellence.

Requirements

The ideal candidate combines strong program management expertise with strategic thinking, exceptional organizational skills, and a passion for improving systems in dynamic environments.

• 5–7+ years of experience in program operations, project management, or complex operational leadership roles.
• Proven ability to translate strategic objectives into detailed execution plans and manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong experience coordinating events, logistics, and large-scale program delivery.
• Experience managing budgets, financial reporting, forecasting, and operational tracking.
• Proficiency with project management platforms such as Asana or similar collaboration tools.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data collection, reporting, dashboard creation, and insight generation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments.
• Interest in leveraging AI tools and automation to improve operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness.
• Experience within education, nonprofit, or other mission-driven organizations is preferred.
• Practitioner-level familiarity with AI-enabled workflows and process optimization is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary ranging from $89,686 to $114,146, with a standard starting salary of $101,916 and higher starting compensation available for candidates with additional directly relevant experience.
• Fully remote work environment with moderate nationwide travel for programming, retreats, and professional development.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees, with substantial dependent coverage.
• 401(k) plan with 4% employer matching.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (medical, childcare, and commuter expenses).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Generous paid time off, beginning with 22 vacation days annually, increasing with tenure.
• 16 additional paid holidays, including floating holidays.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development, collaboration, and meaningful mission-driven work.