Director of Defense Programs
- (186479)
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
The Director of Defense Programs is the principal leader responsible to the Federal Business Group President for the growth and execution of HDR’s Defense programs. This role is responsible for leading, developing, implementing, and monitoring effective programs run by service-specific Client Directors, including new business prospects, technical services, staff development, and quality delivery. As a priority, this role will be responsible for developing and driving strategic initiatives to increase market share in the Pacific and other business group priorities. The successful candidate must effectively collaborate with company operational and business group leaders to set the vision and develop objectives for program growth. The individual must be capable of working with a broad spectrum of external and internal stakeholders, partners, and clients to deliver quality work products and services. This person will work in conjunction with the Federal Leadership Team in establishing and monitoring overall program direction and goals and on occasion, may take on a principal level role on project delivery to manage client and community relationships.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead Defense Services Programs strategic direction. Provide direct supervision to Directors of Army, Navy, Air Force, ADF, NATO, and Canadian Defense Programs.
- Spearhead the company’s overall strategy for growth in the Pacific region.
- Leverage knowledge and relationships within client organizations to drive visioning and prioritization.
- Lead Client Director teams to achieve sales goals related to Defense Programs.
- Achieve market growth to plan and direct all aspects of program pursuit and execution within all market sectors of HDR.
- Lead Defense strategic planning efforts and coordinate initiatives and directives with regional and area leadership teams.
- Lead Defense strategic initiatives to include geographic expansion, service diversification and other Federal Market Sector priorities.
- Prepare annual budgets and monitor performance of company-wide execution within Defense Programs to achieve defined goals.
- Monitor Defense Programs direction, growth, technical capabilities, policies and practices, risk management, and adherence to company policies and procedures.
- Serve as a company role model within HDR and in industry.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a professional area of study relevant to engineering, architecture, planning or science; master’s degree preferred.
- Professional registration in area of study.
- 25+ years progressive leadership experience in large, complex organizations with 15+ years of demonstrated success at the executive level.
- 10+ years of planning, design and construction experience within the Pacific.
- Demonstrated experience in development and management of diverse teams.
- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and program management.
- Committed to quality, improvement and promoting company values at HDR.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or closely related field
- A minimum of 12 years industry experience including leadership
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong skills in client management, client development and a documented history of growing/leading a practice
- Strong business skills; specifically handling budgets, staff and operational issues
- Strong ability to analyze the marketplace and strategically position HDR An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. Range: $206,976 - $295,680
United States-District of Columbia-Washington DC
Federal
Full-time
Regular
Federal Project Management
Jul 22, 2025
