At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cross-functional projects and enhance collaboration across teams for impactful initiatives.
- Company: Join Tergar International, a non-profit dedicated to mindfulness and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous PTO, paid retreat time, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Fully remote role with a focus on European time zones and a commitment to mindfulness values.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by supporting 100,000 practitioners through innovative project management.
- Qualifications: 3-7+ years in program management with strong communication and systems thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Tergar International: Tergar Meditation Community supports individuals, practice groups, and meditation communities around the world in learning to live with awareness, compassion, and wisdom. Grounded in the Tibetan Buddhist lineage of our guiding teacher, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, our online and in-person programs are accessible to people of all cultures and faiths, and support a lifelong path toward the application of these principles in everyday life. Tergar International is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that develops and delivers Tergar programs, in partnership with our sister organization Tergar Asia. Tergar International is based in the United States (Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota), with a staff of nearly 70 employees and core contractors working in various locations around the world.
Overview: We are looking for a Cross-Functional Program Manager to serve as part of our primary engine for our Operations Blueprint 2026–2028. As we scale toward our North Star of supporting 100,000 practitioners, this role focuses on initiatives that require coordination across multiple functions—Product, Engineering, Marketing, Operations, and Fundraising. This is not a traditional team-level PM role; it is a high-visibility execution role designed to remove the "organizational vagueness" that slows our mission. You will build the systems that allow our teams to work with more joy and less friction. Tergar is globally distributed, but this role requires substantial real-time collaboration with EU-based leadership and supports EU-centered initiatives (e.g., GDPR and global VAT), so candidates should be based in, or able to work during core hours in, CET reliably.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive Cross-Functional Execution: Own projects from planning through execution, specifically those that involve multiple teams or fall outside existing product scopes.
- Implement Decision Architecture: Use our four-tier decision framework and RACI frameworks to ensure every project has a named owner and clear decision rights.
- Establish Planning Rhythms: Facilitate quarterly and monthly alignment cadences that connect team roadmaps to our three strategic frameworks.
- Create Radical Visibility: Maintain clear tracking systems (Asana) to ensure the Innovation and Operations Council has a real-time view of initiative health, risks, and blockers.
- Operationalize Risk & Compliance: Lead high-stakes cross-functional projects such as GDPR/VAT compliance, systems migrations, and grant-related fundraising initiatives.
- Champion Embedded Project Management: Model and document best practices to help transition project management into an "embedded skill" across the organization by 2027.
- Leverage AI for Capacity: Identify and implement AI-driven workflow automations to help reach our goal of shifting capacity toward "Transformation" work.
Profile & Requirements
- Experience: 3–7+ years in program management, ideally within a scaling nonprofit or global organization.
- Credentials: No formal project management certification (e.g., PMP, CSM) is required. We weight demonstrated, hands-on results over credentials—equivalent practical experience is what matters most.
- Strategic Execution: Proven ability to create structure in ambiguous environments and a "bias toward action".
- Communication: Clear, direct, "low-noise" communication skills with the ability to drive accountability across functions.
- Systems Thinking: Ability to identify recurring workflow breakdowns and propose practical, simple improvements.
- Technical Proficiency: Advanced experience with Asana and Notion; a strong interest in utilizing AI tools to automate routine administrative tasks.
- Mission Alignment: A commitment to the values of awareness, compassion, and wisdom in how we work together.
Reports to: Project Management Lead/ PMO
What Success Looks Like
- Fewer Dropped Balls: Cross-functional projects move forward consistently without needing constant leadership escalation.
- Clarity of Ownership: The question "who owns this?" is answered by a RACI framework, not a meeting.
- Productive Cadences: Meetings lead to clear decisions, documented owners, and immediate follow-through.
- Capacity Relief: Teams spend less time on manual coordination and more time on the mission-critical work that serves practitioners.
- Collaboration: Works daily with Product PM's, Engineering, Marketing, Operations, and Fundraising (some collaborators are US-based).
Location & Schedule: Full-time Remote position: Candidates may be based in a European time zone (Central European Time).
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- 200 hours of PTO annually
- 40 hours of Paid Retreat Time (PRT) annually
- Professional development opportunities
- Complimentary access to all Tergar meditation programs
- Reduced fees for retreats with Mingyur Rinpoche
Application Deadline: June 30th, 2026, or until a suitable candidate is selected.
Cross-Functional Program Manager (Strategic Operations) employer: Tergar International
Tergar International is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and compassionate work culture, dedicated to the personal and professional growth of its employees. With a commitment to mindfulness and community, staff enjoy competitive salaries, generous PTO, and unique benefits such as paid retreat time and access to meditation programs, all while collaborating in a flexible remote environment that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cross-Functional Program Manager (Strategic Operations)
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Tergar International.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Tergar International.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Tergar International.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Tergar International. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Cross-Functional Program Manager (Strategic Operations)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Tergar International. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Cross-Functional Program Manager (Strategic Operations), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tergar International
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Tergar International. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
