Associate Director, Strategic Engagement and Support

About the role

The Associate Director, Strategic Engagement and Support acts as a senior strategic partner to the Chief Operating Officer, providing research, analysis and narrative development across the Operations portfolio. The role enhances executive engagement, ensures coherent storytelling, and supports both internal and external visibility of the Operations function.

Key responsibilities

• Produce timely research, analysis and synthesis on operational, institutional and sectoral developments for the COO.
• Identify emerging themes, stakeholder considerations and opportunities that influence COO engagements and Operations priorities.
• Prepare executive briefing packs, talking points, speeches and presentations, ensuring accuracy and balance.
• Plan and support high‑priority internal and external engagements, including meetings, town halls, conferences and stakeholder visits.
• Develop and steward a portfolio‑level narrative that articulates the purpose, choices and achievements of Operations.
• Collaborate with Communications and Institutional Effectiveness to maintain a consistent digital presence and messaging.

Required profile

• Degree‑level education or equivalent professional experience.
• Extensive experience providing strategic advisory, research and briefing support to senior executives in a globally distributed, mission‑driven organization.
• Proven track record working across programmatic and operational functions in the nonprofit, international development or related sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high‑quality executive materials and thought‑leadership content.