Director of Program Operations

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Full Time Senior Management Silver Spring, MD, US

4 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $90,000.00 To $ Annually

Location:

Silver Spring, Maryland
Supervisor:
Vice President of Programs
Status:
Full-Time, Exempt, Supervisory position

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, seeks a Director of Program Operations who will serve as an essential member of the senior leadership team and oversee a diverse portfolio of projects within the Programs Department that advances the mission of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Director of Program Operations will report to the VP of Programs and will work closely with Foundation staff and partners across the National Marine Sanctuary System and NOAA in support of the new Foundation strategic plan:
Voyage 2029.

This position leads a team responsible for the operational aspects of federal and non‑federal awards including federal financial assistance awards and will shape collaborative work with various offices within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other federal agencies. The Director of Program Operations provides strategic guidance and oversight of operational workflows and monitors progress on federally funded projects, privately supported programs, and programs fiscally sponsored by the Foundation.

The Director of Program Operations will work closely with the executive leadership team and members of the Programs, Finance and Development Departments on award management and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and programmatic standards in the deployment of funds from federal awards, state awards, and private funding.

In collaboration with our federal partner, the Director of Program Operations will supervise and manage skilled affiliate staff supporting the Foundation’s Programs Department and federal cooperative agreement activities. This includes ensuring affiliates are effectively integrated into sanctuary operations, and that they understand federal and organizational policies and procedures, maintain clear workplans and reporting structures, and receive the tools, guidance, and professional development necessary to succeed.

The Director works closely with program leadership, federal partners, and human resources to help coordinate a high‑performing, mission‑aligned workforce that advances program delivery, operational excellence, and stewardship of federal and non‑federal resources.

This role collaborates with program leads across Foundation priorities, including conservation, restoration, education, and outreach. The Director plays a critical role in troubleshooting program implementation issues with program leads and partners at national marine sanctuaries, as well as working closely with Finance & Administration team members to provide oversight, management and tracking of funds. The Director will work closely with the VP of Programs and other team members to ensure best practices and compliance across the portfolio.

The Director will serve as a point of contact for technical program leads and other staff across the Sanctuary system on program implementation and operational issues and will communicate guidance on compliance and procurement. The Director will oversee the development and use of appropriate tools and systems to track metrics and results that document impact. They will coordinate with Foundation leadership and across departments (Communications, Development, Finance) to ensure sharing of impact metrics for effective communication to internal and external audiences.

As the Foundation’s Programs team continues to evolve in a dynamic landscape, the Director of Program Operations will work closely with the VP of Programs and other senior staff to adapt processes and structures to meet the needs of partners and programs across the National Marine Sanctuary System.

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