Chief of International Operations

About the Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief of International Operations will lead Spirit of America’s global operations and drive the next phase of the organization’s growth, innovation, and impact. The Chief of International Operations will build and lead an entrepreneurial international enterprise that identifies, develops, and executes high-impact opportunities advancing U.S. national security objectives.

This is a transformative leadership role for a strategic thinker, builder, and operational innovator who thrives at the intersection of national security, diplomacy, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. As a member of the Leadership Team, the Chief of International Operations serves as a key enterprise leader and strategic partner to the CEO, working closely with the marketing, communications, development, and other senior leaders to ensure field operations, strategic partnerships, and philanthropic priorities operate as an integrated enterprise capability.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Opportunity Development

International Operations, Communications & Risk

Government & Partner Engagement

Philanthropic & External Engagement

Expected Outcomes

New Opportunities With Asymmetric Impact. Launch new programs, partnerships, and geographic footholds demonstrating SOA’s unique value as an entrepreneurial partner to U.S. national security. Build a robust pipeline of innovative initiatives and demonstrate that SOA identifies opportunities earlier and acts faster than traditional institutions.

Institutionalized Opportunity Development. Establish a repeatable enterprise capability for identifying, validating, incubating, and scaling high-impact opportunities. Build systems that preserve Spirit of America ’s entrepreneurial advantage while ensuring rigor, accountability, and scalability.

Deepened National Security Partnerships. Build strong, trusted relationships across combatant commands, embassies, and senior government stakeholders. Position Spirit of America  as an indispensable partner that reliably advances U.S. objectives and fills critical gaps.

Stronger Visibility & Donor Confidence. Establish compelling global communications that showcase Spirit of America’s impact, people, and partnerships. Increase donor confidence and philanthropic investment through stronger field reporting and demonstrated outcomes.

Organizational Readiness & Risk Management. Develop mature operational readiness capabilities enabling rapid response to emerging geopolitical opportunities and crises. Strengthen safety, legal, operational, and reputational risk management systems.

High-Performance Culture & Enduring Impact. Build a culture of service, patriotism, integrity, entrepreneurship, and accountability. Recruit and retain exceptional global talent. Make measurable progress establishing Spirit of America’s citizen-service model as an enduring and scalable instrument of U.S. engagement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in international affairs, public policy, business, national security, or a related field preferred. 
• Fifteen (15)+ years of progressive executive leadership experience in international operations, national security, foreign affairs, international development, or a closely related field. 
• Demonstrated success developing and executing enterprise strategy while leading complex, globally dispersed operations. 
• Proven experience building or transforming organizations, functions, or enterprise capabilities from concept through implementation, including establishing operating models, talent, processes, and performance systems. 
• Deep understanding of the U.S. national security ecosystem and a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with senior leaders across the Department of Defense, Department of State, U.S. embassies, combatant commands, and other strategic partners. 
• Track record of identifying, developing, and scaling innovative programs, partnerships, or new organizational capabilities that deliver measurable impact. 
• Strong executive leadership, financial, and operational management experience, including oversight of budgets, organizational performance, talent, and enterprise risk. 
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and executive presence, with the ability to effectively engage boards, donors, senior government officials, and other external stakeholders. 
• Ability to travel internationally up to 30–40%, including to austere or higher-risk environments.

Work Location

This position is based at Spirit of America's headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. This is an onsite leadership role, and the selected candidate is expected to work from the office five (5) days per week, except when traveling on behalf of the organization.

Compensation:
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $300,000–$400,000. Final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, leadership capabilities, and overall fit for the role. 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.