Director of Program Implementation and Data Analytics

Position Title:              Director of Program Implementation and Data Analytics

Location:                      Arlington, Virginia; Little Rock, Arkansas; or Remote

Department:                Programs

Reports To:                  VP, Programs

Winrock International is a recognized leader in the U.S. and globally, providing solutions to some of the world’s most complex social and agricultural challenges. Our mission is to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunities and sustain natural resources. It is central not only to what we do, but how we do it.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Program Implementation and Data Analytics is a key leadership role within Winrock’s Programs department responsible for ensuring implementation excellence across Winrock’s international and US domestic programs.  This role ensures programs achieve social impact goals, have robust data analytics systems in place for project impact, learning and reporting, stay on budget and comply with all donor requirements. The Director of Program Implementation and Data Analytics works closely with senior leadership, program managers, Project Leaders, Finance, and support teams to drive program success and foster a culture of continuous improvement and systems development.

The Director of Program Implementation and Data Analytics will have the opportunity to streamline, and design improved processes, standards and systems to strengthen program delivery. This role provides visionary leadership to program teams and ensures that their teams meet and maintain high standards of performance and accountability. The Director of Program Implementation and Data Analytics is expected to build strong partnerships with program teams and support units across the organization, while also representing Winrock’s programs teams as a thought leader on implementation excellence in external forums.  
While this role may be remote within the contiguous United States, the expectation is Eastern/Central Time working hours. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:         

Strategic Leadership & Continuous Improvement:

• Provide visionary leadership and coaching to program teams, fostering innovation and best practices in program delivery.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs to ensure they are effective, scalable, and sustainable.
• Develop and lead a quarterly project review (QPR) process, including adaptively managing the QPR process to meet funder, departmental and organizational needs.
• Establish minimum standards for operational procedures, program management, and financial management in program delivery and country operations.
• Work collaboratively with unit leaders to help integrate across program activities and functions, and ensure that policies, procedures, and standards are implemented uniformly.
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous learning focused on capacity building of all staff across global projects.
• Lead with a diversity and inclusion focus, fostering a high-performance work environment.

Program Management and Operational Excellence

• Implement robust systems and processes for program management, including monitoring and evaluation, risk management, and quality assurance.
• Contribute to the development and submission of high-quality project reports, proposals, and other deliverables.
• Provide quality assurance at project budget development and proposal reviews to ensure that proposed projects are adequately resourced and reflect best practices for project startup, implementation, and close-out.
• Monitor program performance against goals and objectives, ensuring compliance with all donor requirements.
• Provide supportive management for Data Analytics team and thought leadership regarding improving organizational impact.
• Drive operational efficiency and effectiveness across all program areas.
• Ensure that programs are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

Stakeholder Engagement & Business Development

• Work closely with Development Unit contributing to proposal development, geographic expansion, and donor diversification.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, government agencies, and local organizations.
• Represent Winrock at external events as a thought leader at both domestic and international events.

QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field, preferably in international development, business administration, or other discipline required. Advanced degree preferred. PMP Certification preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience (international development, project management, business development, contract administration) required.

Position-Specific Skills: 

• Deep understanding of end-to-end project implementation life cycle in the international development sector.
• Significant experience in the oversight, design, and implementation of M&E systems for social impact programs.
• Experience developing executive dashboards using KPIs for portfolio oversight and decision making.
• Experience developing staffing and management plans and MEL plans for competitive international development proposals
• Experience in oversight, design and training on the use of project management tools, and budgeting tools.
• Strong attention to detail and understanding of compliance requirements of a variety of donors, including USG, and with a focus on ethics and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and contribute at a high level to project/departmental operational strategic planning.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation abilities.
• Project management certification (PMP, PMDPro, or other) preferred.
• Highly diplomatic, inclusive, and collaborative interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to achieve results through both independent effort and as a team member/leader.
• Country-based experience at a senior level in an international non-governmental organization highly preferred.

Skills:                   

• Ability to communicate effectively with donors, local partners and host country governments
• Adept at project planning, budgeting, management, and financial analysis
• Demonstrated skills in project management to achieve targets within scope, budget, and on time
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for project management, donor and partner relations, and new business development
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks, and work under pressure while ensuring quality
• Demonstrated strong analytical capability and problem-solving abilities required
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and foster a positive working environment
• Ability to always demonstrate the highest level of ethical standards
• Fluent English is required, competency in additional foreign languages strongly preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally

Computer/Technical Skills: Proficient with MS Office. Costpoint familiarity preferred.  

Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills required. 

Language: English speaking and written communication is required.

Required Travel: International travel may be required, approximately 20- 30%.

The salary range for this role is set between $135,000 and $150,000, with the majority of candidates typically landing within the midpoint of this range. Winrock offers a robust benefits package including a 10% annual contribution to your 403b.

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by law. 
At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation.