Director of International Operations

Job Summary

The Director of International Operations provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure the successful execution of global programs from concept through implementation, monitoring, and closeout. This role serves as a key operational connector across program operations, development, marketing, compliance, finance, and senior leadership, ensuring excellence, transparency, and coordination in complex international environments. The position is highly collaborative and hands-on, focused on building scalable systems, strengthening operational processes, managing risk, and supporting teams working across multiple countries.

Key Responsibilities

Program Cycle Leadership

• Support regional leaders in developing actionable plans, advising on program design, compliance, and risk management

• Partner with senior leadership to operationalize the full international program lifecycle from planning through evaluation

• Ensure accurate, timely data on activities, funding, impact, and risk is available to leadership

• Lead or support annual and quarterly planning, including priorities, resources, and operational goals

• Identify and implement operational innovations to improve agility, scalability, and impact

Cross-Departmental Coordination

• Represent international operations in collaboration with development, marketing, compliance, and finance teams

• Ensure timely and accurate program information supports fundraising, donor relations, and communications

• Coordinate with compliance and finance teams to support regulatory requirements, contracts, and third-party processes

• Assist regional teams in resolving operational and compliance-related issues

Operational Systems, Information Management & Reporting

• Guide governance and continuous improvement of program and project management tools

• Develop dashboards and reports to inform leadership and stakeholders on progress, risks, and impact

• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, coordination, and visibility

Risk Management, Travel & Safety

• Oversee international travel approvals and tracking, ensuring appropriate risk mitigation measures

• Support development and implementation of risk assessment and mitigation practices

• Coordinate safety, security, and readiness training needs in collaboration with internal stakeholders

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Identify training, software, and capability needs to improve team performance and safety

• Oversee research and procurement for operational tools and services

• Mentor and support staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in international relations, public policy, business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field

• Extensive experience in international operations or program management in complex, multi-country environments

• Proven ability to manage multi-stakeholder initiatives across diverse geographies

• Strong experience building or improving operational systems, processes, and reporting tools

• Proficiency with program and project management platforms and data reporting tools

• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills

• Highly organized, adaptable, and mission-driven

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with government, defense, diplomatic, or international partners

• Knowledge of compliance, export controls, contracting, and third-party vetting

• Experience collaborating with development, marketing, or fundraising teams

• Familiarity with international risk assessment and mitigation practices

• Prior military experience

This role is ideal for a seasoned international operations leader who excels at building systems, managing risk, and enabling teams to deliver impact effectively in challenging global environments.

Arlington, Virginia, United States

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