MDW Associates

Lead complex, cross-cutting initiatives supporting national priorities within the Department of War, managing stakeholder relationships, and overseeing program execution. | Minimum 10 years of experience as a Program Manager overseeing large federal programs, with understanding of the Department of War mission environment and interagency dynamics. | MDW is seeking a seasoned professional to serve as Director, Strategic Programs & Special Projects. This individual will bring a broad strategic perspective and demonstrated, enterprise-level knowledge of the Department of War-including its mission areas, operating structures, acquisition environment, and interagency relationships-to lead complex, cross-cutting initiatives that support national priorities. This role is based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The Director, Strategic Programs & Special Projects may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties: Develop and maintain trusted, collaborative relationships with senior leaders at the DoW and other Federal C-suite stakeholders. Provide overall leadership and accountability for program execution, ensuring performance remains within approved cost, schedule, and scope constraints. Lead and coordinate multiple, complex, multi-faceted projects involving diverse stakeholders, critical deadlines, and constrained budgets. Oversee the integration of advanced technologies and systems into existing operational environments while ensuring continuity of mission operations. Serve as the single point of contact with Government management personnel, enforcing work standards and translating Government policies and objectives to program teams. Direct day-to-day program operations, including schedule management, resource allocation, and deliverable execution. Oversee required program reporting, compliance tracking, staffing plans, and documentation. Provide personnel leadership including staffing actions, mentorship, training, evaluations, and subcontractor oversight. Review and recommend operational, technical, and process improvements to Government leadership. Review and approve technical solutions, contract modifications, and subcontract documentation. Lead hiring and onboarding activities. Engage with DoW stakeholders early to shape acquisition approaches and requirements. Drive proactive identification and qualification of high-value DoW opportunities. Proactively identify, assess, and communicate program risks and mitigation strategies. Required Experience/Skills: Minimum of 10 years of experience as a Program Manager or Deputy Program Manager overseeing $20-30M annual programs Demonstrated understanding of the Department of War mission environment and interagency dynamics Strong, proactive leadership and decision-making capabilities Excellent communication, negotiation, and client-facing skills Ability and willingness to travel to client sites within the U.S. Desired Experience/Skills: Experience managing multi-site enterprise Government programs Experience overseeing large Federal contracts and task orders Experience leading staffing surges and task-order transitions Demonstrated success leading innovation, automation, or digital transformation initiatives Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree in business, program management, or a related discipline. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Clearance Requirements: U.S. Citizenship required for the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Incorporated in 2012, MDW is a small business headquartered in McLean, VA with offices in Huntsville, AL. We provide Federal government clients with consulting, management services, advisory and assistance services, decision support, strategic planning, process planning and improvement, task execution and metrics analysis. Our mission is to make our clients more successful by providing honest assessments, exceptional analysis, prudent advice, direct communication, and hard work. Our core capabilities include: Strategic Planning Cost Estimating Budget Programming and Justification Budget Execution Acquisition Management Financial Systems Support & Integration MDW Associates, LLC ("MDW") is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, covered veteran status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy or any other unlawful basis unrelated to the ability to do the job. MDW seeks to employ talented, ethical, and entrepreneurial-minded persons. Our applicants and employees are protected from discrimination as required by Federal law. Additional Information We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits and compensation package for our employees, including but not limited to: Health Dental Vision Group Life Insurance/Long Term Disability/Short Term Disability Retirement/401(k) Flexible Leave Policy