Program Operations Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Location: Arlington, VA

Work Days in Office: 4 days onsite each week, with the option to work remotely on Fridays

Travel: 10% to 20%

Position Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt

About Spirit of America:

Spirit of America is a privately funded 501c3 nonprofit headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Our mission is to engage citizens in preserving the promise of a free and better life. We do this by working alongside US troops and diplomats and providing private assistance to defend freedom, and strengthen America’s national security, and save and improve lives.

Spirit of America leverages an unprecedented partnership with the US military based on a groundbreaking agreement with the Department of Defense. Our agreement with the Department of Defense allows the military to collaborate with us, identify needs, receive and distribute our assistance, and provide us with logistical support. No other nonprofit has such an agreement. Thus, every dollar invested in Spirit of America builds on and leverages investments made by the US government and military. That leverage — combined with our entrepreneurial, venture capital capability — provides philanthropic investments in Spirit of America with asymmetric impact and return on investment.

Our work saves and improves lives, prevents conflict, and strengthens America’s security. In the world’s toughest places, people experience the best of who Americans are and what we stand for.

About the Role:

The Program Operations Manager ensures smooth execution of the full program cycle across International Operations (IO). This role provides structured support to regional teams, maintains clarity on the budget and commitments picture, manages key program information systems, and connects operational dots across departments to ensure SOA programs are well‑coordinated, well‑tracked, and strategically aligned. The ideal candidate is a strong organizer with excellent communication and cross‑departmental coordination skills.

Reports To: Director, Program Operations

Direct Reports: None

Key Responsibilities

The Program Operations Manager will:

Program Cycle Management

• Convene and facilitate concept meetings, implementation updates, and periodic program reviews.
• Guide regional teams through required program cycle processes, including templates, approvals, and documentation.
• Ensure consistent adherence to program standards and troubleshoot process bottlenecks in coordination with Director of Program Operations.
• Provide recommendations on how to improve processes and procedures

Finance

• Track program financial status in coordination with IO, Finance, and Compliance teams.
• Audit expense reports to ensure proper documentation.

Program Information Management

• Maintain IO program trackers, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and usefulness to stakeholders.
• Support rollout, adoption, and configuration of program management software as part of a team. Once system is rolled out, serve as point of contact for system issues
• Serve as a central coordination point for program recordkeeping and version control.
• Maintain IO SharePoint site

Reporting & Communication

• Produce routine and ad hoc program reports for internal leadership, Development, Communications, and external stakeholders as needed.
• Coordinate with Development and Comms to ensure program reporting supports fundraising and storytelling objectives.
• Collect and share out weekly IO bullets

Contracting & Procurement for International Operations

• Manage contracting of consultants and service providers required for HQ‑based and IO‑wide programming.
• Coordinate procurement actions in alignment with Compliance and Finance requirements.

Travel

• Manage travel calendar and traveler tracking in coordination with Director of the CEO's office.
• Manage travel approval system and monthly international travel reports to insurance providers.
• Coordinate forward deployment of overseas staff.

What Success Looks Like in This Role:

• Established strong trust-based working relationships with regional teams and key partners across Development, Marketing, Compliance, Finance, and Program Operations.
• Teams are clear on processes and how to use program management tools/ templates.
• Identifying practical improvements to workflows.
• Become a resource and problem-solver for questions related to international program operations.

Key Qualifications:

Required:

• At least 6 years’ experience in program operations, project management, or international program support.
• BA degree
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience coordinating across varied teams and time zones.
• Demonstrated ability to manage systems, data, and structured processes.

Preferred:

• Background in international programming, nonprofit operations, or mission‑driven organizations.
• Familiarity with program management software or tech-enabled workflows.
• Master’s degree

Compensation:
Salary ranges from $92,000 to $108,000 based on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, and 403(b) contribution match to 4%.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Spirit of America is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics in accordance with applicable laws.