Lead, Operational Strategy

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 st...