Vice President of Programs

Vice President of Programs

Title: Vice President of Programs

Organization: LGBTQ+ Victory Institute

Location: Washington, DC

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Salary: $130,000 – $150,000

Position Summary

The Vice President of Programs will serve as the senior leader overseeing all domestic and global programmatic work of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. This role is responsible for setting strategic direction, ensuring program excellence, and driving impact across the organization’s leadership development, training, elected official engagement, and global initiatives.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President of Programs will lead a high-performing team of four direct reports and eight total staff, working collaboratively across departments to scale programs, strengthen outcomes, and deepen Victory Institute’s impact in building LGBTQ+ political power.

This is a critical leadership role at a pivotal moment for the organization, requiring a strategic thinker, strong people manager, and experienced operator who can translate vision into execution.

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Vision

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive program strategy aligned with organizational priorities and growth goals
  • Identify opportunities to expand and innovate programs domestically and globally, including expansion into new regions such as East Asia
  • Ensure programs are responsive to the evolving political landscape and the needs of LGBTQ+ leaders
  • Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organization-wide strategy and decision-making

Team Leadership & Management

  • Lead, mentor, and support a team of four direct reports and eight total staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture
  • Provide clear direction, accountability, and professional development opportunities for team members
  • Strengthen internal systems, workflows, and communication within the Programs team and across all other organization
  • Promote a culture of inclusion, innovation, and operational excellence

Program Portfolio Oversight

  • Oversee the full portfolio of Victory Institute programs, including:
    • Candidate & Campaign Trainings and LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summits
    • Fellowships and internships, including the Victory Congressional Internship and David Bohnett Leaders Fellowship
    • Elected and appointed officials engagement and support initiatives
    • David Mixner Political Appointments Program
    • Global programs and international convenings
    • International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference and other high-profile convenings
  • Ensure alignment, cohesion, and strategic integration across all program areas
  • Identify opportunities to scale high-impact programs and sunset or evolve programs based on performance and strategic fit

Program Execution & Impact

  • Ensure high-quality, consistent execution across all programs, maintaining strong standards and participant experience
  • Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess program impact, reach, and effectiveness
  • Drive continuous improvement across programs based on evaluation, participant feedback, and organizational priorities

Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships

  • Proactively identify and pursue funding opportunities to support and expand Victory Institute’s programmatic work, in close partnership with the Development team
  • Cultivate and engage corporate partners, foundations, and major donors, including participating in strategic conversations and relationship management
  • Contribute to proposals, grant applications, and sponsorship efforts by clearly articulating program impact, growth opportunities, and funding needs

Budget Management & Financial Oversight

  • Develop and manage the annual Programs team budget in partnership with the Chief Operating Officer and Finance team
  • Monitor program budgets on a monthly basis, tracking expenditures, forecasting variances, and making adjustments as needed
  • Maintain budget fidelity across all program areas, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and responsibly
  • Support accurate and timely programmatic and financial reporting for grants, funders, and internal stakeholders

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner closely with Development, Communications, and Operations teams to align programmatic work with fundraising, storytelling, and organizational capacity
  • Support fundraising efforts by contributing to proposals, donor reports, and strategic conversations
  • Collaborate with Communications to elevate program visibility and impact

External Engagement & Representation

  • Represent Victory Institute externally with key stakeholders, partners, and funders
  • Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, movement leaders, and partner organizations
  • Support convenings, events, and public-facing opportunities that advance programmatic goals

 

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in program leadership, nonprofit management, political or leadership development work, or related fields
  • Proven experience managing teams and leading complex program portfolios
  • Strong strategic thinking with the ability to operationalize vision into effective programs
  • Demonstrated success in building partnerships and working across diverse stakeholders
  • Experience working in or with LGBTQ+ communities and a deep commitment to the mission of Victory Institute
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with political campaigns, public service, or leadership development programs
  • Global program experience or familiarity working across international contexts
  • Experience working in a growing or transitioning organization
  • Proficiency in Spanish or an East Asian language is a plus

 

To Apply

Victory Institute is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. Please send a cover letter including salary requirements and resume to jobs@victoryinstitute.org. No phone calls or walk-ins please.

 

About LGBTQ+ Victory Institute

LGBTQ+ Victory Institute works to ensure LGBTQ+ leaders have the skills, networks, and support to run for office and serve effectively. Through trainings, fellowships, and global partnerships, we are building a pipeline of leaders who are advancing equality and strengthening democracy around the world.