THIS ROLE IS HYBRID WITH REGULAR DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL. INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS WELCOME. PLOUGHSHARES HAS PHYSICAL OFFICES IN WASHINGTON DC AND SAN FRANCISCO, CA.

ABOUT WOMEN TRANSFORMING GLOBAL SECURITY (WTGS)

Women Transforming Global Security (WTGS) is an unprecedented international initiative reshaping how the world approaches global security challenges. Formed as a partnership between Ploughshares, Horizon 2045, and The Elders, WTGS brings together former heads of state, emerging leaders, and global changemakers to reimagine security through an interconnected, feminist lens.

With champions including Mary Robinson, Helen Clark, and Hillary Clinton, WTGS addresses the most urgent and interlinked global threats: nuclear weapons, climate change, emerging technologies, and human rights. The initiative recognizes that these challenges do not exist in isolation — they must be approached through integrated, cross-sector collaboration.

Following WTGS’s highly successful public launch on September 22, 2025, the organization is now seeking an exceptional Director to serve as the operational backbone of this transformative, global effort.

OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Salary range: $125,000 - $140,000

Benefits include (US)

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Retirement matching
Generous PTO and paid sick leave
Flexible hybrid arrangements to support coordination across multiple time zones

YOU ARE

A talented international program manager with deep experience navigating complexity and multi-stakeholder environments.
A strategic thinker who can move fluidly between high-level vision and operational excellence.
A culturally competent leader who builds trust across diverse global contexts and Global North/South partnerships.
A calm, adaptive professional who thrives in ambiguity, solves problems with creativity, and handles sensitive relationships with grace.
A collaborative, non-hierarchical manager who embodies humility, humor, and a commitment to advancing women’s leadership in global security.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Women Transforming Global Security (WTGS) will serve as the initiative’s primary operational and program management leader. Reporting to Samara Dun, Executive Director of Ploughshares — and working closely with Emma Belcher, President of Ploughshares, and Erika Gregory, President of Horizon 2045 — the Director ensures seamless coordination across the three partner organizations, serving as WTGS’s operational and program facilitation secretariat.

This role requires exceptional judgment, cross-cultural awareness, and the ability to manage complex, international programming that engages former heads of state, senior leaders, and emerging changemakers. The Director will oversee program operations, strategic initiative development, and resource development support, ensuring WTGS’s mission is advanced with excellence and integrity.

Ploughshares is proudly orchestrating coordination with its partners for this important initiative and therefore overseeing the management of this position.

ABOUT PLOUGHSHARES

Ploughshares is a global security foundation committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating nuclear weapons threats. The organization envisions a safer and more secure world, driven by its mission to transform nuclear policy. To achieve this, Ploughshares strengthens the nuclear field by amplifying diverse voices, fostering public engagement, and challenging the status quo. Through its Equity Rises initiative, the organization prioritizes inclusion, equity, and justice in nuclear policies, creating inclusive spaces and cultivating collaboration with partners inside and outside the nuclear field.

Ploughshares relies on the generous support of individuals, families, and foundations to advance its mission.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Direction (60% – Program Management & Coordination)

Manage complex program logistics across Ploughshares, Horizon 2045, and The Elders, navigating distinct operating cultures and expectations.
Coordinate quarterly working groups, learning expeditions, and annual global convenings of 50+ leaders, including events in high-profile international locations such as Iceland.
Oversee international travel logistics for senior leaders, ensuring safety, security, and diplomatic protocol compliance.
Build and maintain relationships with former heads of state, emerging leaders, vendors, partners, and contributors with cultural competence and discretion.
Steward virtual network operations across multiple time zones.
Troubleshoot issues in real time, ensuring excellence across all program operations.

Strategic Implementation/Coalition Building (25% – Initiative Development)

Partner with leadership across the three organizations to transform vision into actionable program design.
Develop systems for knowledge sharing and network-wide collaboration.
Support the design of learning expeditions and convenings that advance WTGS’s global objectives.
Navigate ambiguity and emergent strategy with ease, advancing work even without perfect roadmaps.
Develop and cultivate relationships with key outside stakeholders
Convene, organize, and facilitate coalition and other stakeholder/partner meetings
Build bridges across international and cultural divides, particularly between the Global North and Global South.

Resource Development Support (15% – Fundraising Support)

Work with the Ploughshares Development team on WTGS-specific proposals.
Provide content and impact stories for donor outreach and communications.
Support grant reporting across multiple funders.
Participate in donor cultivation activities as a program expert.

COMPETENCIES

Program Management Experience
7–10+ years managing complex international programs with multiple stakeholders.
Experience with leadership networks or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Advanced logistics management skills paired with high emotional intelligence.
Experience managing relationships with high-profile leaders and coordinating large-scale international events.
Proficiency with digital collaboration and project management tools.
Domain Knowledge
Experience in global security–adjacent fields such as peacebuilding, international development, or climate action preferred.
Familiarity with UN systems and global forums is helpful but not required.
Demonstrated cultural competence in diverse international contexts.
Fundraising experience preferred but not essential.
Strategic Approach
Collaborative leadership style that connects across organizational cultures.
Ability to bridge strategic vision with strong operational execution.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
Ability to travel internationally and obtain necessary travel documentation.
Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate global time zones.

IMPACT & CULTURE

This is not just a program management role — it is an opportunity to shape a transformative global movement. The Director will work with world leaders, support emerging changemakers, and contribute directly to rethinking how humanity addresses interconnected global threats.

WTGS offers the chance to be part of something unprecedented: a truly integrated, feminist approach to global security grounded in collaboration, vision, and global leadership.

Ploughshares is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building an inclusive team and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics.

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Director - Ploughshares/Women Transforming Global Security