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Founding Director Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Founding Product Designer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$40 - $50/hr

Founding Product Designer Department: Buckstop Employment Type: Contract Location: Washington, DC ... Direct collaboration with founders and engineering leadership * Opportunity to define the design ...

Our founding team brings together leaders from manufacturing, logistics, reverse supply chains ... Direct collaboration with founders and engineering leadership * Opportunity to define the design ...

Executive Director About GreenLight Fund Founded in Boston in 2004, GreenLight Fund addresses ... Since our founding, GreenLight has launched and supported 70 innovative organizations across these ...

Director, GTS Revenue Marketing - Americas Public Sector About Gartner Global Marketing: Gartner ... Since our founding in 1979, we've grown to 20,000 associates globally who support over 13,000 ...

Director, GTS Revenue Marketing - Americas Public Sector About Gartner Global Marketing: Gartner ... Since our founding in 1979, we've grown to 20,000 associates globally who support over 13,000 ...

Director, Marketing

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120 - $167/hr

Director, GTS Revenue Marketing - Americas Public Sector About Gartner Global Marketing: Gartner ... Since our founding in 1979, we've grown to 20,000 associates globally who support over 13,000 ...

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Founding Director information

What are some of the unique challenges a founding director faces when building and leading a new organization?

As a Founding Director, one of the main challenges is balancing strategic vision with hands-on operational duties, since you are often responsible for both setting long-term goals and managing daily operations. Building a strong team from the ground up and establishing a positive organizational culture require significant effort and adaptability. Additionally, securing funding and cultivating stakeholder relationships are crucial in the early stages, often demanding persistent networking and resourcefulness. Founding Directors also need to be comfortable adapting quickly to change, as early-stage organizations frequently pivot in response to market feedback or unforeseen obstacles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a founding director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Founding Director, you need strong leadership skills, strategic vision, and a solid background in business development or a relevant industry, often supported by advanced degrees or entrepreneurial experience. Familiarity with budgeting software, project management tools, and legal compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, resilience, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams are standout soft skills in this role. These capabilities are crucial for setting organizational direction, driving growth, and establishing a strong foundation for long-term success.

What is the difference between Founding Director vs Program Manager?

AspectFounding DirectorProgram Manager
Required CredentialsTypically advanced degrees, leadership experience, industry knowledgeRelevant bachelor’s or master’s degree, project management certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in startup or new organization, strategic planningOversees specific projects within organizations, operational focus
Employer & Industry UsageFounding organizations, startups, nonprofitsVarious industries, including nonprofits, corporate sectors, government

The Founding Director is a high-level leadership role responsible for establishing and guiding a new organization or initiative, often requiring strategic vision and industry expertise. In contrast, a Program Manager focuses on managing specific projects within an organization, ensuring they meet goals and deadlines. While both roles require strong organizational skills, the Founding Director has broader responsibilities related to organizational development and leadership.

What does it mean to be a founding director?

A founding director is a person who helps establish and lead a new organization or company from its inception. They are involved in setting the vision, making key decisions, and often hold a significant leadership role during the early stages of the organization’s development.

What are popular job titles related to Founding Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Founding Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Founding Director jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Founding Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Founding Director job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Executive Director, Center for Journalism & Democracy

Washington, DC • On-site


Howard University

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 622 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.
At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.
Here is what we offer:
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
  • Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
  • Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
  • Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
  • Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!
https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness
JOB PURPOSE:
Reporting to the Founding Director, the purpose of this position is to provide day-to-day leadership for all Center for Journalism & Democracy (CJD) staff. The Executive Director will be responsible for implementation and oversight of Center programs at Howard and at its campus partners at various HBCUs. The Executive Director will be responsible for operationalizing the vision of the Founding Director, supervising Center staff and its day-to-day operation, and provide guidance to all members of the team. This position will help the Center fulfill its mission: To bolster the field of journalism in service of our multiracial democracy by supporting the teaching and practice of historically informed investigative reporting at Howard University and across the constellation of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The Center provides academic and financial support to students, faculty and news organizations located at Howard University and the nation's largest journalism programs located at HBCUs.
SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:
Responsible for providing supervision for multiple functions within a department. Formally plans, assigns, directs, and coordinates the work of these functions. Typically, responsible for performing some non-supervisory duties in addition to supervisory responsibilities. Performs staff evaluations and makes recommendations regarding pay and/or performance.
NATURE AND SCOPE:
Internal contacts include executives, administrators, faculty, students, and staff of the university at large. External contacts include alumni, consultants, representatives from other colleges and universities, visitors, and the general public.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
• Provide strategic, holistic, high-level oversight and direction for the Center
• Works closely with the Chief of Staff and Business Manager to manage grant spending and tracking for the CJD's multi-million dollar grant portfolio
• Works closely with the Chief of Staff, Business Manager and Development Manager to supervise the development and monitoring of grant proposal budgets and grant reports, ensuring alignment with the University advancement team and relevant grant accounting offices.
• Creates, in collaboration with division heads, budgets for programming
• Lead Center staff and directors in developing and implementing programs and ensure alignment across the Center's strategic pillars
• Identify and execute strategic partnerships within and outside of the university
• Develop and execute fundraising campaigns in partnership with the Development Manager
• Serve as spokesperson to represent the Center externally in public, professional, and community activities
• Foster an inclusive and productive team culture
• Create a space for professional development of team members
• Ensure that the work of the Center is aligned with the Founding Director's vision and proceeds in a timely and fiscally responsible manner
• Set clear, measurable goals to direct the Center's ongoing work and develop systems to evaluate progress towards those goals
• Lead the development and launch of new projects as appropriate for the Center.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
• At least 10 years of experience leading and managing a team of 10+ individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and bring together a team in pursuit of common, measurable goals
• Familiarity with journalism and investigative reporting; journalism experience preferred.
• Proven success in managing multiple, complex, high-profile projects.
• Demonstrated success performing and leading in a high growth/startup environment.
• Fundraising experience
• Experience developing systems and processes in support of implementing a high-level vision.
• Comfort with developing and managing budgets, including management of intake and use of philanthropic funds.
• Proven experience in successfully navigating and building partnerships across large, complex organizations.
• Willingness to provide and receive direct, constructive feedback
• Passion for working with students and HBCUs
• Ability to prepare and maintain timely and accurate reports and correspondence.
• Extensive experience in the use of computers and experience in word processing, spread sheets, database, and power point applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse population. Must be detail oriented and organized.
• Ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high-level of confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations and work collaboratively across functions, levels, and departments toward shared objectives.
• Experience navigating policy requirements at an academic institution
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Advance degree (Master's, JD, LLM, Ph.D or equivalent) and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience
Compliance Salary Range Disclosure
$147,000-$170,000

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