Senior Manager, Outposts

Role Description

The Senior Manager of Outposts is responsible for executing and managing Blue Star Families Outposts network. This includes implementing the strategy to increase our reach and depth of programming into new communities. The position will also oversee the day-to-day management of the selected Outposts, third-party organizations responsible for delivering BSF’s mission to strengthen military and veteran families by connecting them with their neighbors to create vibrant communities of mutual support. A successful candidate will be passionate, self-motivated, highly organized, flexible, and able to pivot when necessary.

Key Job Functions:

• Manage the vetting and selection of local organizations to serve as Outpost partners.
• In collaboration with the Outposts, support the execution and management of high-quality business strategies and plans, ensuring their alignment with BSF’s short- and long-term objectives.
• Work with Outposts and BSF Programs and Digital teams to identify programs, services, and events to be carried out at Outpost locations.
• Train and onboard outposts.
• Collaborate with the BSF Research and Evaluation team on the delivery of national research initiatives (MFLS, Pulse Checks) and ensure program evaluation practices are implemented by outpost partners.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Alliances and Government Relations teams to ensure that community leaders, elected officials, senior military, and other key stakeholders are aware of and engaging with BSF Outposts, resources, and programming.
• In partnership with cross-departmental teams, communicate KPIs to help evaluate and track Outpost performance, impact, and progress.
• Assist with preparing and monitoring budgets, contracts, and MOUs.
• Support Chapter Executive Directors with the management and oversight of Outposts in their service areas.
• Manage Outpost marketing, public relations, and social media strategies and materials.
• Support expansion into new markets, including outreach, partner development, and launch planning.
• Execute annual Outpost goals and strategic initiatives, driving cross-functional alignment across BSF departments to ensure successful delivery.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by supporting proposals, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement to sustain and scale the Outposts program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field or commensurate experience.
• 4-7 years of progressively responsible work experience in program management and community outreach roles.
• Experience in monitoring budgets and reviewing contracts.
• Self-motivated with the ability to quickly and easily adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Strong communication (written, verbal, and interpersonal) skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Cultural competence in the military and Veteran space.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary to support key organizational initiatives.
• Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 30 lbs.

Requirements

• Ability to travel out of town overnight several times per year for staff offsites, planning retreats, and company-wide events.

Company Description

Blue Star Families is the largest nonprofit dedicated to making military life better for families. Each year, we support over 1.5 million military- and veteran-connected family members through a national network of 300,000+ members and local chapters in communities across the country.

Our mission is simple and bold: We make military life awesome for families. We listen, share, partner, and act to deliver evidence-based, data-driven solutions that work for real people. We’re a lifestyle organization, a friend and neighbor, and a trusted partner.

A Blue Star Family is one with an immediate family member — a spouse, parent, or child — actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Guard and Reserves. These families face unique challenges, including frequent relocations, deployments, career disruptions, and isolation. We respond with research-informed programs that create connection, build resilience, and foster a true sense of belonging.

We serve with urgency but build trust over time — because change happens at the speed of trust. Whether we’re driving spouse employment, supporting caregivers, or helping communities welcome military families, we strive for upstream solutions.