Senior Director, Strategy and Operations

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the NFLPA's Programs function.
• Drive operational alignment across Wellness, Benefits, Former Players, the Gene Upshaw Player Assistance Fund, and Player Affairs, ensuring services are delivered effectively, efficiently and consistently.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve coordination, service delivery, and the overall player experience.
• Ensure player-facing programs and services operate as a cohesive, integrated portfolio.

• Lead the development and execution of strategic priorities across the active and former player portfolio in partnership with department leadership.
• Develop and maintain performance measurement frameworks, dashboards, and reporting tools to evaluate program effectiveness, business impact, and return on investment.
• Partner with IT, Finance, and department leaders to strengthen data analytics, operational reporting, and decision-making capabilities.
• Facilitate strategic planning sessions across Player Affairs functions to align priorities, measure progress, and drive achievement of departmental objectives.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation processes across the department. 
• Assess outcomes, identify trends, and recommend improvements to programs, services, operations, and investments. 

• Identify emerging player needs and opportunities to strengthen existing programs and services.
• Lead the development and implementation of new programs, initiatives, and service offerings.
• Ensure programs remain relevant, accessible, and impactful throughout a player’s career and beyond.
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence across the Player Affairs portfolio. 

• Build and maintain effective relationships with external partners, sponsors, service providers and affiliated organizations. 
• Represent the NFLPA in program-related discussions, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison to the Trust, Mackey-White Committee, and Player Assistance Fund Boards, as needed.
• Ensure partnerships and stakeholder relationships advance organizational priorities and deliver meaningful value to players.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CPAO on sensitive player-affairs matters, providing balanced recommendations, sound judgment, and discretion. 
• Lead, develop, and mentor the Programs, Data Analytics, and Operations team members.
• Drive accountability and resolution of complex issues by establishing clear ownership, timelines, follow-up actions, and escalation pathways. 

• Foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration, empathy, accountability, and respect.
• Promote effective communication and alignment across teams and stakeholders.
• Model the values and leadership behaviors that strengthen the NFLPA’s service to active and former players.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in business administration, public administration, nonprofit management, organizational leadership, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in strategy, operations, program management, business administration, nonprofit management, sports administration, or related fields.
• Proven experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and driving organizational change in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Demonstrated success translating strategic priorities into measurable outcomes and operational execution. 
• Experience developing performance metrics, reporting frameworks, dashboards, and business analytics. 
• Experience overseeing budgets, forecasting, resource allocation, and operational planning.
• Strong background in program design, implementation, and continuous improvement.
• Experience managing external partnerships, vendors, sponsors, and service providers.
• Proven ability to build alignment and influence outcomes across departments and levels of leadership.
• Exceptional judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to service, collaboration, and mission-driven work.

About the NFLPA: 

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is the Union representing all active NFL players. Over 70 years ago, NFL players approached owners with a list of demands, including clean socks and jocks. The fight that ensued over issues ranging from fair wages, safe working conditions and basic employee benefits formed the foundation for what is now the NFL Players Association. We serve as the voice of the players, ensuring that they are more than just employees and have a seat at the collective bargaining table as partners in the most popular and highest revenue-generating sport in America.  Please visit our website to learn more about the organization: www.nflpa.com. 

In addition to competitive salaries and comprehensive benefit package, the NFLPA also offers an engaging, learning culture and hybrid work environment. All full-time employees are required to work onsite in our Washington, DC a minimum of three days a week.