Head of Events & Programmes

Full-Time Employee

Blue Star Families is a growing non‑profit (Military Service Organization (MSO)) with a history of delivering innovative solutions. We’re the team that senior DoD leaders seek out when they want ground truth on issues facing our military families. Our team members are motivated individuals that help each other do remarkable things for military families to bridge the civilian‑military divide every day. We deliver first‑class solutions that transform the military experience for military family members. We operate in an agile arena where great minds come together to make life better for military members and their families. We focus on data‑driven insights while understanding the value of spirited storytelling. And we do all this in a highly flexible, virtual environment with great benefits! Our diverse and inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging among our team resulting in innovative and creative decision‑making. This integral role is dedicated to fostering exceptional membership stewardship and customer service, ensuring that every interaction strengthens a sense of belonging among military families. The Program Director will manage multiple programs for the local Chapter, including, but not limited to, projects currently within Blue Star Families’ portfolio. In addition to driving membership and volunteer growth and engagement, the Program Director will support the Executive Director on high‑impact initiatives on local advocacy, fundraising, and essential operational tasks critical to the Chapter’s success. While this role is remote, periodic out‑of‑town, overnight travel is an essential function. In‑person time is critical to how we work — enabling deep collaboration, team alignment, creative problem‑solving, and a shared sense of purpose. Team members are expected to travel several times per year for offsites, planning sessions, and company‑wide gatherings. These events are essential for contributing to team outcomes, building trust across the organization, and staying aligned in a distributed environment. Participation in these in‑person gatherings is a required part of the role and integral to successful performance in our remote‑first organization.

Manage programs and events for Blue Star Families’ local chapter, while ensuring program design and execution align with current and prospective funding opportunities to maximize impact and sustainability.
In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop and support local fundraising efforts including identifying opportunities, developing proposals, leading peer‑to‑peer fundraising campaigns, stewarding relationships, and contributing to achieving chapter revenue goals.
Work with the Executive Director to maximize local collaborations by identifying key local private, public, and philanthropic organizations interested in supporting active duty and veteran military families.
Support the Executive Director on local advocacy efforts, as well as other initiatives essential to the Chapter’s success.
Build and steward relationships with local partners to support both program delivery and fundraising opportunities
Educate key community leaders using Blue Star Families’ Annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey.
Seek opportunities to connect military families with the resources and programs offered by community organizations and partners.
In collaboration with the Volunteer department, develop a volunteer management program for the chapter.
Execute marketing and communications strategies, including social media management, to elevate the Chapter’s presence and attract membership growth.
Implement a strategic calendar that supports Blue Star Families' presence in community events.
Utilize and manage project management technologies and tools to administer projects actively and effectively (including, but not limited to, HIVE, Hive Brite, Salesforce, Google Workspace Suite, Zoom, etc).
Support the Senior Director of Chapter Relations on key initiatives to ensure clear and achievable project objectives.
Ensure that membership engagement remains a top priority across all interactions at the Chapter, fostering a welcoming environment that strengthens the sense of belonging within the community.
Ensure that national policies are implemented effectively at the community level, specifically on programs and events.
Foster an organizational culture that prioritizes strategic thinking, thoughtful planning, and collaboration both within the mission and across Blue Star Families, while reinforcing trust, commitment to the mission, and continuous professional and organizational growth.

Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 30 lbs
An entrepreneurial spirit eager to engage with potential partners to build community‑based solutions
Initiative to engage with leaders in the community and on the installation(s)
Volunteer recruitment and management experience
Excellent writing skills
Project management experience
Travel requirements required outside of your home office will be up to 25% or less depending on our business needs.
Regular evening and weekend work is an essential function of this position. Occasional holiday hours may also be required to support programs, events, and organizational priorities.

Bachelor’s degree preferred
Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems; and familiarity with Salesforce a plus
Blue Star Families empowers military and Veteran families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors — both people and organizations — to create strong communities of mutual support. With the help of neighbors across the country, Blue Star Families is overcoming the isolation and alienation of frequent moves, deployments, and reduced support from the government. Our innovative programs are solving specific challenges for military families, including fighting economic insecurity with resources that foster spouse career development, creating family strength with rich family programming, and providing critical peer support for caregivers, whose numbers are only increasing. EEO Policy
Blue Star Families is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Virtual/remote nonprofit organization that moves with you (position specific)
Career growth opportunities
Excellent benefits (403(b) with matching, Flexible Spending, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Communications Allowance, and more)
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave for Active Duty Military Spouses
On‑the‑job professional development training