NobleReach™, a nonprofit based just outside Washington, D.C., seeks to strengthen our nation’s security and prosperity through talent and innovation. We inspire the next generation of changemakers to bridge the divide between the private, public and academic sectors to solve big technological challenges. Drawing on our network of over 50 university partners and our curriculum programs, our talent initiatives provide federal, state and local governments with top mission-driven STEM talent, and our innovation programs transform cutting-edge research into ventures in the national interest.
Job Overview:
The Director of Program Experience serves as the primary steward of the Scholar program participant journey from onboarding through alumni engagement, ensuring transformative, cohesive, and community-driven experiences with exceptional program delivery quality. This mission-driven builder role will initially manage the participant lifecycle directly before scaling to lead a team of program managers. The Director will foster an alumni network that grows from dozens to hundreds of engaged professionals working at the intersection of technology, science, business, and public service—supporting NobleReach's mission to bring STEM and business talent into meaningful government roles at federal, state, and local levels. Starting with the flagship Scholars program and expanding to support multiple NobleReach programs, this position requires deep attunement to people and community, exceptional leadership instincts, and a growth mindset to ensure every participant feels supported, challenged, and connected throughout their journey.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement a comprehensive participant experience strategy that ensures a seamless journey from recruitment through alumni engagement, starting with the Scholars program and scaling across additional programs.
- Directly oversee participant lifecycle for Scholars in the near term, ensuring timely and personalized support at each stage; as additional program managers are added, transition to leading and empowering those managers to deliver consistently excellent participant experiences.
- Lead and develop a team of program managers, setting priorities, providing mentorship and coaching, and ensuring accountability for high quality program delivery.
- Build and scale alumni engagement infrastructure, growing from dozens to hundreds of alumni, creating sustainable networks that provide ongoing professional and community value.
- Partner with the Program Operations Director to align budgets and resources with programmatic needs, ensuring participant outcomes are fully supported.
- Oversee and, when appropriate, facilitate programming that bridges technology and science expertise with public service, fostering both technical excellence and mission-driven leadership.
- Develop and oversee metrics and feedback systems to assess impact and continuously enhance the participant experience across programs.
- Ensure effective use of Salesforce and other program management tools to track participant journeys, measure engagement, and inform continuous improvements.
- Form strategic partnerships within area of responsibility to enhance participant opportunities and experiences.
- Oversee program communications related to participant experience, ensuring compelling storytelling stories and consistent engagement across all program stakeholders.
- Ensure participants have access to individualized coaching and mentorship through program managers, mentors, and alumni, and personally support career transitions where appropriate.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
- 7-10 years of progressive experience with a unique combination of:
- Fellowship, leadership development, or talent program management
- Technology or science sector expertise
- Government service or deep familiarity with public sector culture
- Proven experience managing and developing teams in dynamic environments
- Strong conflict resolution, coaching, and facilitation skills
- Deep expertise in participant experiences design, execution, and program facilitation
- Demonstrated commitment to expanding STEM talent in public service with passion for bridging innovation and government
- Track record of building and scaling professional networks and alumni communities
- Experience with event planning and delivery (modules, speaker series, immersive visits, and community gatherings)
- Experience measuring program impact through KPIs, evaluation frameworks, and participant feedback
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with ability to manage difficult conversations and build alignment across diverse stakeholders
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, entrepreneurial environment; ability to exercise flexibility and sound judgment in complex situations
- Appetite for curiosity and desire to learn
$120,000 - $159,000 a year
Salary is commensurate on experience. This position is bonus eligible.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.