Director of Strategic Programs

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs—from R&D to flight testing. If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

Position Overview

The Director of Strategic Programs provides strategic leadership in developing, coordinating, and executing initiatives that support North Wind's growth, operational objectives, and national security mission. This position works closely with executive leadership, program management, engineering, business development, and government stakeholders to align organizational capabilities with customer needs, strengthen strategic partnerships, and translate opportunities into executable programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of strategic programs and initiatives aligned with North Wind's business objectives, technical capabilities, and long-term growth strategy.
• Partner with executive leadership to develop and adapt business unit strategy, identify and execute on organizational priorities and emerging opportunities, and plan strategic investments.
• Represent business unit executive leadership in discussions, meetings, and events with internal and external partners, customers, and stakeholders.
• Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, program management, finance, and business development to plan and execute strategic initiatives. Develop the assurance processes that provide confidence initiatives and programs are meeting objectives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with government customers, industry partners, national laboratories, and other strategic stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing programs, secure funding, and transition emerging technologies into sustainable programs.
• Collaborate with Growth and Business Development teams on customer engagement, program development, and strategic partnerships.
• Provide oversight of assigned program resources, budgets, schedules, risks, and performance objectives.
• Establish program governance, performance metrics, and executive reporting processes to improve accountability and execution.
• Evaluate organizational challenges and recommend strategies to improve operational efficiency and program effectiveness. Provide leadership for cross-organizational teams that execute improvement initiatives
• Develop and coordinate communications materials in conjunction with senior and executive leadership across the company. Present strategic recommendations, program performance, and growth opportunities to executive leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Program Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in program management, strategic operations, business development, or related leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multidisciplinary programs or strategic initiatives.
• Experience managing significant program resources, budgets, and organizational priorities.
• Strong background working with government customers, defense organizations, or highly technical environments.
• Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships and influence stakeholders across multiple organizational levels.
• Strong leadership, analytical, communication, and executive presentation skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance, as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Department of Defense, Department of Energy, NNSA, or national laboratory programs.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, hypersonics, advanced manufacturing, or emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated success securing government funding, developing strategic partnerships, or expanding programs.
• Experience overseeing multimillion-dollar programs or portfolios.
• Active government security clearance.

Key Success Measures

• Successful execution of strategic initiatives aligned with company objectives.
• Growth in government partnerships, program opportunities, and funding.
• Improved program performance, organizational coordination, and accountability.
• Measurable contributions to North Wind's long-term growth and operational effectiveness.

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.