Lead, Operational Strategy

About this role

Job Description The Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC) seeks to hire a Lead, Operational Strategy to support the Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) program in overseeing day-to-day operations, participant management, and program execution. This role is responsible for ensuring that program systems, workflows, and deliverables are effectively designed, implemented, and continuously improved across concurrent cohorts.

This position requires a highly organized, initiative-driven operator with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously. The individual will be responsible for maintaining operational systems, supporting cross-functional coordination, and ensuring that program timelines and outcomes are met consistently. In addition to core operational responsibilities, this role will contribute to process design, systems improvement, and program scaling efforts as the DCTC program evolves. The Lead, Operational Strategy will work closely with program leadership and serve as a key connector across teams, including administration, partnerships, finance, education, mentorship, and communications.

Program Operations Responsibilities • Build, maintain, and improve operational systems supporting participant lifecycle management across cohorts • Translate program goals into structured workflows, timelines, and clear ownership of tasks and deliverables • Oversee execution of core program components and ensure alignment across concurrent workstreams • Maintain systems for tracking program and participant data using tools such as Notion, Excel, and CRM platforms • Develop reporting tools and dashboards to support leadership visibility into program performance and risk areas • Support decision-making by organizing operational data, synthesizing information, and surfacing key tradeoffs and options • Document and standardize processes to support consistency, continuity, and knowledge management across the program

Program & Stakeholder Management • Serve as a central management point across leadership, administration, partnerships, finance, education, mentorship, and communications • Ensure alignment of timelines, deliverables, and dependencies across all program workstreams • Facilitate cross-functional communication to ensure clarity of expectations and execution priorities • Support stakeholder engagement by preparing materials, organizing inputs, and ensuring follow-through on key decisions • Collaborate across departments to accurately represent program needs, goals, and outcomes

Organizational Scaling & Systems Development • Support budgeting inputs, resource planning, and operational forecasting for program growth and future cohorts • Lead the design and refinement of scalable operational infrastructure to support increasing program complexity and participant volume • Contribute to the development of organizational structure, including roles, responsibilities, and operating models as the program evolves • Partner with leadership to define and operationalize future program state, translating strategic priorities into executable systems • Identify operational risks, including process inefficiencies, communication breakdowns, and system limitations, and implement solutions to mitigate impact • Develop repeatable frameworks and standardized processes to enable program scalability and replication

Qualifications • 5–7 years of experience in operations, program management, strategy, or a related field • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Psychology, Organizational Leadership, Education, Communications, or a related field • Experience building or improving operational systems in a fast-paced or evolving environment • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously • Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders and managing complex projects • Proficiency with tools such as Excel, Notion, CRM systems, or similar platforms • Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to work across all levels of an organization

Preferred Qualifications • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Education, Psychology, or a related field • Experience in workforce development, education, government, or mission-driven program environments, particularly in participant-facing program delivery or operations • Experience supporting budgeting, financial planning, or resource allocation within a program or organizational context • Experience working directly with senior leadership, including preparing executive briefings and supporting decision-making processes • Demonstrated ability to operate in fast-paced, evolving environments with shifting priorities • Strong ability to move between strategic thinking and operational execution while maintaining structure in ambiguous settings • High ownership mindset with experience independently driving initiatives from planning through execution

Department Defense Civilian Training Corps

 Compensation Range In compliance with the New Jersey Wage Transparency Act, the annual base range for this position is $150,000 - $170,000. This range represents the University’s good faith estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Stevens Institute of Technology determines compensation based on factors including the position’s scope and responsibilities, the candidate’s experience, education, skills, internal equity, market data, and organizational considerations. The final salary will be set considering departmental budget, qualifications, and relevant credentials. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes additional forms of compensation, such as incentives, stipends, or other applicable pay components. For a full overview of our benefits offerings, please refer to the Stevens Institute of Technology Benefits Guidebook, avail

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