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Director Strategy & Operations Jobs in Washington, DC

Merlin Labs, Inc.

Director, Strategy

Washington, DC · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

... in strategy, operations, or program leadership * Experience in aerospace, defense, autonomy ... direct your inquiries to: people@merlinlabs.com Merlin Labs does not accept unsolicited resumes ...

Merlin Labs

Director, Strategy

Washington, DC

$220K - $290K/yr

You are a strategic operator with a deep interest in aviation, autonomy, and complex, regulated ... operations, or program leadership * Experience in aerospace, defense, autonomy, robotics, or ...

Merlin Labs

Director, Strategy

Washington, DC · On-site

$220K - $290K/yr

You are a strategic operator with a deep interest in aviation, autonomy, and complex, regulated ... operations, or program leadership * Experience inaerospace, defense, autonomy, robotics, or other ...

Merlin Labs

Director, Strategy

Washington, DC · On-site

$220K - $290K/yr

You are a strategic operator with a deep interest in aviation, autonomy, and complex, regulated ... operations, or program leadership * Experience inaerospace, defense, autonomy, robotics, or other ...

Capital One

Business Director, Strategy

Mclean, VA · On-site

Business Director, Strategy As a Business Director at Capital One, you will apply your strategic ... Work closely with colleagues across Capital One including: IT, Sales, Operations, Finance and ...

Capital One

Sr. Business Director, Strategy

Mclean, VA · On-site

Sr. Business Director, Strategy As a Senior Business Director at Capital One, you will apply your ... Work closely with colleagues across Capital One including: IT, Sales, Operations, Finance and ...

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Director Strategy Operations information

See Washington, DC salary details

$38.5K

$122K

$203.3K

How much do director strategy & operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for director strategy & operations in Washington, DC is $121,958.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $153,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges a director strategy & operations faces in this position?

A Director Strategy & Operations frequently encounters challenges such as aligning diverse stakeholder interests, prioritizing conflicting projects, and adapting strategies to rapidly changing business environments. They may need to balance high-level strategic planning with hands-on operational management while ensuring objectives are met across multiple departments. Successfully navigating ambiguity, fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement are key components of the role. These challenges offer valuable opportunities for personal growth and make the position ideal for professionals who thrive in dynamic, results-driven environments.

What does a director strategy & operations do?

A Director of Strategy & Operations is responsible for overseeing business strategy, optimizing operational processes, and driving company growth. They analyze market trends, develop strategic plans, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure efficiency and alignment with company goals. Their role often includes performance monitoring, resource allocation, and identifying opportunities for innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the director strategy & operations position?

To thrive as a Director Strategy & Operations, you need expertise in business strategy, operational planning, financial analysis, and a strong background in management, typically supported by an advanced degree such as an MBA. Familiarity with data analytics tools, ERP systems, and project management software is usually required, and certifications like PMP or Lean Six Sigma can be advantageous. Excellent leadership, critical thinking, and cross-functional communication skills will help you inspire teams and drive organizational change. These skills are crucial for developing effective strategies, optimizing operations, and ensuring seamless execution of complex business initiatives.

What are popular job titles related to Director Strategy & Operations jobs in Washington, DC? For Director Strategy & Operations jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Strategy & Operations jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Director Strategy & Operations jobs in Washington, DC are:
Director Strategy Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Strategy & Operations job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,958 per year, or $58.6 per hour.

Director, Strategy & Operations

The Aspen Institute

Washington, DC • On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

ABOUT US
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society's greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.
PHILOSOPHY & SOCIETY
Through publications, events, and original research, Philosophy & Society grapples with our most pressing questions of societal purpose - What is justice? What is a good life? What is society for? Learn more here.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
The Aspen Institute's Philosophy & Society Program seeks a Director to serve as the program's strategic and operational lead. Working closely with the Executive Director of Philosophy & Society, this role functions as a senior leader within the Initiative, driving execution across program priorities, overseeing operations, and ensuring alignment between the program's intellectual ambitions and organizational capacity.
The Director serves as the principal operational leader for the program, with primary responsibility for staff management and team culture, along with building the systems, partnerships, and organizational infrastructure necessary to advance Philosophy & Society's mission and growth. The role requires exceptional strategic judgment, organizational leadership, and the ability to manage complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders. The successful candidate will combine strong operational and management skills with entrepreneurial energy, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to public impact.
The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $105,000. This is an in-person (non-remote) role-based in Washington, D.C with in-office expectations.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
People & Team Leadership
  • Supervise program staff and support a high-performing team culture.
  • Establish clear goals, accountability structures, and professional development opportunities while ensuring effective collaboration across functions.
  • Establish a positive team culture across the initiative's full- and part-time staff members.

Operational Leadership
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and operational partner to the Director.
  • Coordinate decision-making processes, prepare briefing materials, manage strategic projects, and ensure follow-through on key priorities. Oversee day-to-day program operations and develop systems that support efficiency, accountability, and sustainable growth.
  • Establish workflows and processes that enable the successful execution of program priorities.

Grant & Budget Management
  • Track grant deliverables, monitor progress toward milestones, prepare reporting materials, and ensure compliance with funder requirements.
  • Manage program budgets and support financial planning, forecasting, and resource allocation.

Program Leadership & Strategy
  • Partner with the Executive Director to set and execute the program's strategic priorities.
  • Lead planning processes, drive cross-functional initiatives, and ensure alignment between the program's intellectual agenda, organizational resources, and long-term goals.
  • Develop and manage systems for tracking program performance, evaluating impact, and reporting outcomes, using data to inform decision-making.

Fundraising and Partnership Development
  • Partner with the Executive Director to develop and execute fundraising strategies that support program growth.
  • Cultivate relationships with funders, contribute to donor stewardship, and lead proposal development, reporting, and grant management efforts.
  • Build and manage relationships with philanthropic partners, academic institutions, media organizations, and external collaborators.
  • Identify and develop strategic partnerships that advance program goals and expand the Initiative's reach.

Events & Convenings
  • Oversee the planning and execution of public programs, workshops, convenings, and special events, with direct oversight of the Senior Associate for Events.
  • Ensure successful coordination across programming, logistics, communications, and stakeholder engagement.

Cross-Institute Collaboration
  • Represent the program internally and collaborate with colleagues across the Aspen Institute to identify opportunities for partnership, alignment, and shared impact.

Special Projects
  • Lead or support special initiatives as needed, including new program launches, institutional partnerships, and other strategic opportunities.
  • Any other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in nonprofit leadership, program management, philanthropy, or a related field.
  • Experience managing teams, budgets, grants, contracts, and funded projects.
  • Demonstrated success leading complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
  • Strong strategic planning and organizational leadership skills, with the ability to translate vision into execution.
  • Comfort in a fast-moving environment, where the roles and responsibilities often stretch outside 9-5 hours.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports, proposals, presentations, and briefing materials.
  • Exceptional organizational and project management abilities, with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships across sectors and constituencies.
  • Experience supporting or partnering closely with senior leaders on strategy, decision-making, and organizational management is strongly preferred.
  • Comfort working in a dynamic environment where priorities evolve and new opportunities emerge.
  • A disposition oriented toward initiative, sound judgment, operational excellence, collaboration, and public impact.
  • Interest in the mission of public philosophy and the broader goals of the Philosophy & Society Initiative.
  • Interest in or familiarity with philosophy, ethics, or civic dialogue is a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.
The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation regarding the accessibility of our website, a modification or adjustment of the job application or interview process due to a disability, contact HRSupport@aspeninstitute.org or call (202) 736-5800.

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