Country Manager - Ukraine

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Travel: Ability to travel within Ukraine and regionally, as needed
Position Type: Full-time
FLSA Status: Exempt

Post: Unaccompanied

About Spirit of America:

Spirit of America is a privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Our mission is to engage citizens in preserving the promise of a free and better life. We do this by working alongside U.S. troops and diplomats and providing private assistance to defend freedom, strengthen America’s national security, and save and improve lives.

Spirit of America leverages an unprecedented partnership with the U.S. military based on a groundbreaking agreement with the Department of Defense. Our agreement allows the military to collaborate with us, identify needs, receive and distribute our assistance, and provide us with logistical support. No other nonprofit has such an agreement. Thus, every dollar invested in Spirit of America builds on and leverages investments made by the U.S. government and military. That leverage—combined with our entrepreneurial, venture capital capability—provides philanthropic investments in Spirit of America with asymmetric impact and return on investment.

Our work saves and improves lives, prevents conflict, and strengthens America’s security. In the world’s toughest places, people experience the best of who Americans are and what we stand for.

The Opportunity:

Spirit of America is seeking a Country Manager, Ukraine to lead and grow our work in Ukraine—one of the most strategically important environments for advancing our mission alongside U.S. partners.

This is a high-impact, forward-deployed role for a seasoned operator who can navigate complex environments, build trusted relationships at senior levels, and translate strategic opportunities into executable programs that deliver real-world impact.

Based in Kyiv, Ukraine, this individual will serve as Spirit of America’s in-country lead, working closely with U.S. military and diplomatic partners, Ukrainian government and military counterparts, and local civil society actors to identify needs, shape initiatives, and deliver support that advances shared objectives.

The Country Manager will also contribute to broader regional efforts, as appropriate and as security conditions permit.

Reports to: Regional Director, Europe

What You’ll Do:

Program Development & Execution

• Identify, shape, and execute high-impact programs aligned with Spirit of America’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Translate partner-identified needs into actionable, fundable initiatives.
• Oversee end-to-end program delivery, ensuring speed, quality, and accountability.
• Track outcomes and ensure clear articulation of program impact.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with:
  • Ukrainian government and military leaders
  • U.S. military and embassy personnel
  • Local partners, NGOs, and civil society actors
• Operate comfortably at senior levels, representing Spirit of America with credibility and professionalism.
• Serve as a connector across stakeholders to unlock opportunities and remove barriers.

Strategic Opportunity Development

• Identify emerging opportunities aligned with Spirit of America’s Ukraine priorities.
• Assess feasibility, risk, scalability, and funding pathways.
• Collaborate with the Regional Director and Program Operations leadership on new initiatives.
• Contribute to shaping Spirit of America’s Ukraine strategy and regional posture.

Donor & External Engagement

• Support donor engagement efforts, including:
  • Hosting and supporting donor visits
  • Providing program insights and storytelling
  • Contributing to proposal development and funding strategies
• Help translate field activity into compelling narratives that demonstrate Spirit of America’s impact and value.

Operational & Security Coordination

• Coordinate closely with Spirit of America leadership on duty-of-care and security considerations.
• Track staff and partner movement as needed and contribute to in-country security awareness.
• Ensure programs are executed in alignment with Spirit of America policies and risk posture.

Who You Are:

You are a mission-driven operator with the judgment, credibility, and agility to succeed in complex, high-stakes environments.

You bring both strategic perspective and executional discipline—you can identify an opportunity, shape it into an actionable initiative, and deliver results on the ground.

Required Experience & Capabilities:

• At least ten (10) years of professional experience in international programs, national security, development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience working with Ukrainian government and/or military stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience working with the U.S. government, including DoD, State, or related agencies.
• Proven ability to operate effectively with senior-level stakeholders across government, business, military, and civil society.
• Strong program management experience, including planning, execution, and oversight.
• Experience working in Ukraine and/or coordinating with NATO or the U.S. military is strongly preferred.
• English proficiency required.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens, as this role requires eligibility for a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Candidates must be willing and able to reside in Kyiv, Ukraine, and travel within Ukraine and regionally as required.

Core Competencies:

• Mission-First Leadership – Anchors decisions in impact and purpose.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset – Identifies and pursues opportunities with initiative and creativity.
• Judgment & Decision-Making – Navigates ambiguity with sound, timely decisions.
• Relationship Building – Develops trust across diverse, senior stakeholders.
• Execution & Accountability – Delivers results with rigor and follow-through.
• Communication – Communicates clearly, concisely, and effectively across audiences.

What Success Looks Like in the First 12–18 Months:

• Established as a trusted, credible partner with U.S. and Ukrainian stakeholders.
• Built a strong pipeline of high-impact, fundable programs.
• Successfully executed multiple initiatives demonstrating clear, measurable impact.
• Strengthened Spirit of America’s presence and reputation in Ukraine.
• Contributed meaningfully to Spirit of America’s Ukraine strategy and regional operations.
• Enabled compelling donor engagement tied directly to field impact.

Why This Role Matters:

Ukraine represents a critical front for advancing stability, partnership, and shared security interests in the region.

This role is an opportunity to help shape and deliver that impact—on the ground, in real time.

Compensation:

Salary ranges from $125,000 to $145,000, based on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance and a 403(b) contribution match of up to 4%.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Spirit of America is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics in accordance with applicable laws.