Sr. Director Operations - Marine Corps University Foundation

The Marine Corps University Foundation (MCUF) seeks a driven and experienced Senior Director of Operations to serve as its chief operational and financial leader.

About the Opportunity

The Marine Corps University Foundation (MCUF) is the only national nonprofit solely dedicated to investing in the future of the Marine Corps and its leaders through accelerated support for Marine Corps University. Founded in 1980, MCUF provides private resources to advance educational, research, and leader-development initiatives beyond what government funding alone can support. The Foundation brings together military leaders, academia, industry, and philanthropy to advance priorities including innovation, emerging technology, international military engagement, and wargaming.

During an important period of growth, MCUF seeks a Senior Director of Operations to serve as its chief operational leader. Reporting to the President & CEO, this executive will oversee day-to-day operations, financial administration, human resources, board support, and protocol while strengthening systems and resources to support the Foundation’s expanding mission. The Senior Director will oversee operations for a Foundation with an approximately $2 million FY26 budget and supervise the Executive Assistant and Director of Programs. The successful candidate will bring strong financial acumen, discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution in an environment involving senior military leaders, diplomatic officials, elected officials, donors, and other distinguished guests.

Key Responsibilities

Foundation Operations

• Lead daily operations, aligning staff, systems, resources, and administrative support with organizational priorities.
• Supervise and develop staff; oversee hiring, onboarding, benefits, performance management, and HR compliance.
• Manage vendors, contracts, operational policies, information security, and organizational risk management.

Financial Management

• Lead annual budgeting and monitor revenue, expenses, cash flow, and financial performance.
• Provide financial reporting, forecasts, and analysis to the President & CEO and Board.
• Oversee financial administration, internal controls, payroll, audits, tax filings, and compliance.

Board Governance

• Support Board governance, including meetings, committee coordination, policies, records, and member onboarding.
• Coordinate agendas, financial reports, program updates, and materials for informed decision-making.
• Track Board decisions, action items, and deadlines, ensuring timely follow-through and professional communications.

Event Leadership

• Oversee Foundation events, receptions, meetings, and high-level engagements with an event planning consultant.
• Ensure appropriate military protocol, formal etiquette, and hospitality for distinguished guests.
• Anticipate logistical challenges and coordinate executive scheduling, travel, and event support.

Experience, Skills and Qualities

• 10 years of leadership experience, including five years of direct employee supervision, preferably in a nonprofit or foundation.
• Proven track record of organizational growth.
• Strong financial management experience, including budgets of $1 million or more, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks Online.
• Experience leading HR functions, including performance management, hiring, onboarding, HRIS, and compliance; Rippling experience is a plus.
• Ability to move between strategy, planning, problem-solving, and hands-on execution.
• Experience managing contracts, vendors, and administrative systems.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with senior leaders and external partners.
• Strong staff coaching, development, and accountability skills.
• Experience managing complex, cross-functional projects.
• Professionalism, discretion, attention to detail, and comfort with operational technology.
• Experience with military or educational institutions and knowledge of Marine Corps culture are preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range is $155,000–$175,000, with benefits including paid time off, a healthcare stipend, and retirement benefits.

Working Location

Based in Quantico, Virginia, with a hybrid schedule currently allowing three office days and two approved remote days weekly. Periodic travel and occasional evening and weekend commitments are required.

Application Process

MCUF has partnered with Good Insight, an executive search firm serving the nonprofit sector. Interested applicants should submit a PDF resume and cover letter at good-insight.org/careers. Direct confidential inquiries to Kate Dykgraaf and Tej Pikle at MCUF@good-insight.org. Apply by early November for best consideration.

Equal Opportunity Employer

MCUF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.