Senior Director, Programs & Strategy

About the David Lynch Foundation

The David Lynch Foundation (DLF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 that addresses the epidemic of trauma and toxic stress among at-risk and under-resourced populations through the implementation of the scientifically researched and evidence-based Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique. DLF has earned broad public interest and support for its work, and continues to focus on fundraising, strategic partnerships, and best-in-class research to advance the long-term scalability and sustainability of TM programs.

The Opportunity

The David Lynch Foundation (DLF) is seeking a strategic and collaborative Senior Director, Programs & Strategy to lead national program implementation, strengthen external partnerships, and support sustainable growth.

Reporting to the Chief Programs and Strategy Officer, this position will oversee program performance and operational excellence while working across Programs, Development, Research, Finance, and Operations. The Senior Director will also cultivate relationships with healthcare systems, universities, government agencies, foundations, nonprofit organizations, and other partners.

DLF is a nonprofit organization addressing trauma and toxic stress among at-risk and under-resourced populations through the scientifically researched Transcendental Meditation technique.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee national program implementation, performance, quality, and outcomes.
• Translate organizational priorities into effective operational plans.
• Identify opportunities for program growth, funding, partnerships, and long-term sustainability.
• Develop and manage relationships with healthcare, government, university, foundation, nonprofit, and community partners.
• Collaborate on grant proposals, program design, reporting, research alignment, and stewardship.
• Provide input on budgets, contracts, staffing, resource allocation, and financial planning.
• Lead cross-functional projects, process improvements, strategic meetings, and change initiatives.
• Guide team workflows, performance, professional development, and accountability.
• Represent DLF in external meetings, conferences, and partnership discussions.

What You’ll Bring

• Five or more years of progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, public health, government, or other mission-driven organization.
• Experience managing complex multisite, regional, or national programs and multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of program implementation, evaluation, performance management, and continuous quality improvement.
• Familiarity with public, philanthropic, or grant-funded programs and sustainable funding models.
• Experience developing budgets, managing resources, and supporting contracts.
• Proven success building relationships with institutional and community partners.
• Strong strategic thinking, project management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and collaborate across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace.

Benefits

We believe great work starts with taking care of our people. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, voluntary benefit options, a 403(b) retirement savings plan, paid time off, and more. Join a team where your work matters, your contributions are valued, and you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Research shows that women and people from traditionally excluded groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job posting describes you, then please apply for this role.

DLF provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.