Senior Manager, Outposts

About the role

Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest chapter-based non-profit organization serving military and Veteran families. With more than 450,000 members, serving more than 1.5 million military-connected family members each year, we ensure that wherever military and veteran families go, they always feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive in every community. BSF is expanding its reach into new communities by setting up Outposts throughout the Continental U.S., its territories, and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Manage the vetting and selection of local organizations to serve as Outpost partners.
• Collaborate with the Outposts, support the execution and management of high-quality business strategies and plans, ensuring their alignment with BSF’s short- and long-term objectives.
• Work with Outposts and BSF Programs and Digital teams to identify programs, services, and events to be carried out at Outpost locations.
• Train and onboard outposts.
• Collaborate with the BSF Research and Evaluation team on the delivery of national research initiatives (MFLS, Pulse Checks) and ensure program evaluation practices are implemented by outpost partners.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Alliances and Government Relations teams to ensure that community leaders, elected officials, senior military, and other key stakeholders are aware of and engaging with BSF Outposts, resources, and programming.
• Partner with cross-departmental teams to communicate KPIs to help evaluate and track Outpost performance, impact, and progress.
• Support Chapter Executive Directors with the management and oversight of Outposts in their service areas.
• Manage Outpost marketing, public relations, and social media strategies and materials.
• Execute annual Outpost goals and strategic initiatives, driving cross-functional alignment across BSF departments to ensure successful delivery.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by supporting proposals, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement to sustain and scale the Outposts program.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field or commensurate experience.
• 4-7 years of progressively responsible work experience in program management and community outreach roles.
• Experience in monitoring budgets and reviewing contracts.
• Self-motivated with the ability to quickly and easily adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Strong communication (written, verbal, and interpersonal) skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Cultural competence in the military and Veteran space.
• Ability to travel out of town overnight several times per year for staff offsites, planning retreats, and company-wide events. These gatherings are essential for connection, brainstorming, and staying strategically aligned across teams. Participation is required as a core part of the role.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary to support key organizational initiatives.
• Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 30 lbs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Familiarity with membership-driven organizations.