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Senior Manager, Leadership Programs Strategy and Operations
Mount Vernon, VAPosted Yesterday
onsite
Job Description
Job Id:
938
# of Openings:
1
The Senior Manager, Leadership Programs Strategy and Operations, is a strategic operational leader responsible for advancing the infrastructure, systems, and organizational effectiveness of GWLI. This position provides high-level oversight of institute operations, cross-functional coordination, financial administration, and continuous improvement initiatives that ensure a consistently exceptional client and participant experience.
The role requires an experienced professional who can operate with a high degree of independence, exercise sound judgment, and lead complex operational initiatives in support of GWLI’s long-term growth and institutional excellence. The Senior Manager serves as a key thought partner in operational strategy, organizational planning, and program execution, helping position GWLI as a premier leadership institute with national visibility and impact.
This position reports to the Executive Director for the Washington Library and works in close collaboration with the Senior Manager, Leadership Programs and Client Experience, and senior institutional stakeholders across Mount Vernon.
Senior Manager, Leadership Programs Strategy and Operations
Full-Time, Exempt
Position Overview:
The George Washington Leadership Institute (GWLI), based at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, delivers premier leadership development programs grounded in the life, leadership, and legacy of George Washington. Serving corporate, government, and military audiences, GWLI is committed to building a nationally recognized center of excellence for executive leadership.
Full-Time, Exempt
Position Overview:
The George Washington Leadership Institute (GWLI), based at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, delivers premier leadership development programs grounded in the life, leadership, and legacy of George Washington. Serving corporate, government, and military audiences, GWLI is committed to building a nationally recognized center of excellence for executive leadership.
The Senior Manager, Leadership Programs Strategy and Operations, is a strategic operational leader responsible for advancing the infrastructure, systems, and organizational effectiveness of GWLI. This position provides high-level oversight of institute operations, cross-functional coordination, financial administration, and continuous improvement initiatives that ensure a consistently exceptional client and participant experience.
The role requires an experienced professional who can operate with a high degree of independence, exercise sound judgment, and lead complex operational initiatives in support of GWLI’s long-term growth and institutional excellence. The Senior Manager serves as a key thought partner in operational strategy, organizational planning, and program execution, helping position GWLI as a premier leadership institute with national visibility and impact.
This position reports to the Executive Director for the Washington Library and works in close collaboration with the Senior Manager, Leadership Programs and Client Experience, and senior institutional stakeholders across Mount Vernon.
Essential Duties:
- Lead the operational strategy and administration for GWLI programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, client expectations, and long-term organizational goals.
- Establish operational standards, policies, and best practices that promote organizational efficiency, program consistency, and a high-quality client and participant experience.
- Evaluate organizational workflows and operational performance metrics to identify opportunities for increased effectiveness, enhanced service delivery, and improved participant outcomes.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership in the development and execution of annual operational plans, institute objectives, and strategic initiatives.
- Exercise independent judgment in resolving operational challenges, balancing competing priorities, and making recommendations that impact program delivery and institutional effectiveness.
- Serve as GWLI’s primary operational liaison with internal departments, including Special Events, Food and Beverage Services, Guest Services, Interpretation, Security, Communications, Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Special Collections, to ensure seamless execution of programs and events.
- Establish operational standards and quality assurance measures for program execution, materials management, scheduling, logistics, and event delivery.
- Oversee onboarding, coordination, and support for faculty, speakers, consultants, and strategic partners participating in GWLI programming.
- Manage operational budgets and financial processes for GWLI programs and initiatives, including forecasting, expense oversight, invoice approvals, financial tracking, and compliance with institutional policies.
- Develop operational reports, dashboards, and presentations for senior leadership and key stakeholders that communicate program performance, operational effectiveness, and organizational impact.
- Lead the collection, analysis, and interpretation of program evaluation data and operational performance indicators. Use data to develop recommendations and implementation strategies that strengthen program quality, operational efficiency, and participant satisfaction.
- Champion a culture of innovation, professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout institute operations.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Hospitality Management, Communications, or a related field required.
- Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in operations leadership, executive education, organizational management, program administration, institutional operations, or related environments.
- Experience exercising independent judgment and decision-making authority in a senior administrative or operational leadership role.
- Demonstrated experience in program operations, event management, project management, or organizational administration, ideally in an educational, nonprofit, or professional development context.
- Exceptional organizational and systems-thinking skills, with the ability to design and manage complex, multi-faceted workflows.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including proficiency in producing polished, professional documentation and correspondence.
- Proven ability to build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and navigate cross-functional coordination with diplomacy and clarity.
- Experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and administrative compliance.
- High degree of accuracy and attention to detail in all deliverables.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Flexibility to work non-traditional hours as program schedules require.
- A genuine passion for leadership development, American history, and GWLI's mission.
Work Environment:
This position is performed in a professional office environment. The role involves routine use of standard office equipment and frequent communication with internal and external stakeholders. The environment is generally climate-controlled with moderate noise levels. The role involves frequent interaction with the public and groups of varying sizes.
Physical Requirements:
This position is performed in a professional office environment. The role involves routine use of standard office equipment and frequent communication with internal and external stakeholders. The environment is generally climate-controlled with moderate noise levels. The role involves frequent interaction with the public and groups of varying sizes.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods
- Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
- Ability to communicate effectively, including exchanging accurate information
- Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 15 pounds
- Ability to move continuously throughout the workday, including standing and walking
- Ability to communicate information clearly to individuals and groups
Benefits:
- 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
- Employee recognition at 5 years of service
- Monthly employee events
- Employee referral program
- On-site Library
- Discount on Public Event Tickets
- Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
- Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
- Free Parking
- Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
- Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
- Paid leave for sick time, vacation, and Holidays
- Flexible spending account for medical care
The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
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