Strategic Programs Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

About Airlink 

Airlink is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit humanitarian logistics organization that connects airlines with vetted nonprofits to deliver disaster responders and supplies to communities in crisis worldwide. Airlink and its airline partners have transported over 15,000 passengers and 8,100 tons of cargo in support of a broad range of humanitarian initiatives that have provided aid to more than 75 million people. Airlink has saved our NGO partners more than $57,000,000 in transport costs.

Job Description

Airlink's regional Humanitarian Programs Managers play a key role in the operational delivery of this mission by coordinating across Airlink's partner network during disaster and crisis responses; developing long-term, cost-effective solutions for humanitarian aid delivery to protracted crises; managing key relationships during and between emergencies; and contributing to sector-wide initiatives that build logistics capacity and improve the overall support provided to communities in crisis following an emergency.

Due to the nature of Airlink's mission in support of disaster response, there will occasionally be an expectation to work extended hours or on weekends and holidays, with limited advance notice. Additionally, this position may be requested to support other urgent programmatic or operational activities outside of the primary assignment.   

Key responsibilities include:

Africa Regional Program Development & Account Management (25%)

• Driving preparedness to respond to regional emergencies through ownership of the Africa Regional Strategy, which includes continuous scanning of high-risk countries, regional strategy development and execution, analysis of operational and logistical constraints within the region, and management of key regional partners (NGOs and coordinating bodies).
• Delivering logistics capacity-building and preparedness initiatives for Airlink's Africa network (Sahel, East, Central, West, and Southern Africa), such as Airlink's annual regional workshop, annual global partner forum, and quarterly regional community calls.

Global Humanitarian Operations (45%)

• Managing key ongoing programs in the region, including Airlink's response to the Sudanese civil war (Chad, Sudan, Central African Republic, and South Sudan), and the 2026 Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• When tasked to a new or existing Airlink response program:
  • Gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information regarding humanitarian needs and logistics challenges following an emergency, to inform operational decision-making within Airlink and across its partner network.
  • Liaising with NGO partners to ascertain demand for passenger and cargo movement following an emergency, engaging airlines and other logistics partners to identify airlift opportunities, and coordinating with Airlink's freight forwarding partners regarding specific requirements for the movement of humanitarian cargo.
  • Coordinating Airlink's passenger and cargo operations relating to humanitarian crises, whether during the response or recovery phase, in conjunction with the Director of Humanitarian Programs and other members of the team
  • Where requested, deploying to the field to coordinate with partners, better understand air logistics needs, and effectively communicate the impact of Airlink's operation to wider stakeholders.

Resource Mobilization (20%)

• Developing and managing Airlink's airline and freight forwarding relationships in the region through regular communications, identification of opportunities for collaboration, and reporting.
• Executing grant activities funded by the US Department of State and other institutional and foundation donors.
• Proactively identifying opportunities to mobilize resources in support of projects aligned with Airlink's mission, including foundations, sub-awards, and other opportunities.
• Developing and managing proposals, including monitoring & evaluation and reporting requirements, in conjunction with the Director of Humanitarian Programs and Airlink's development team.

Other (10%)

• Contributing to the wider Airlink operation, including communications activities (report writing, input on social media and blog posts, etc.).
• Representing Airlink at humanitarian, logistics, and aviation conferences in the Africa region.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or relevant work experience and High School diploma. 
• 3-5 years of experience in the humanitarian or logistics sector, with emphasis on field experience in Africa.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and build partnerships, acquired through engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Experience with Monday.com, Salesforce, or other program management and CRM software. 
• Willing to travel within the US and internationally 4-6 times per year, dependent upon operational requirements.
• Unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Skills & Personal Characteristics

• Master's Degree in Humanitarian Affairs, International Development, or Logistics. 

• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to process large volumes of information dynamically in a changing operational environment. 

• Demonstrated ability to multitask and reprioritize in response to evolving operational needs. 

• Working proficiency in French. 

• Familiarity with humanitarian logistics, supply chain operations, or emergency response contexts. 

• Ability to work independently or as part of a team, with a balanced focus on personal accountability and team goals. 

Location:  
Airlink is headquartered in downtown Washington, D.C. and operates a hybrid work schedule with the team in-office three days per week. Given the collaborative nature of this in-person position, we are only considering candidates who are in or willing to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area.

Compensation & Benefits:  
The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $85,000. Additionally, Airlink provides a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: 

• 75% company-paid health benefits, including dental and vision for employees  

• Competitive 401(k) matching  

• Three weeks of paid vacation per year, sick leave, and paid parental leave  

• Company-paid life, short-and-long-term disability insurance  

• EAP Program   

EEO Statement:  
Airlink is an equal opportunity employer. The organization provides equal employment opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information or make-up, or any other protected category enumerated by applicable local ordinance, state law, or federal law.