Special Projects Lead, Office of the President

About Wind RiverX

Wind RiverX is the growth and innovation engine of Wind River, delivering secure, mission-critical software platforms for aerospace, defense, and highly regulated industries. Wind RiverX operates with startup velocity inside an enterprise-grade organization, requiring disciplined execution, cross-functional alignment, and strong executive leadership.

Role Overview

Wind RiverX is seeking a highly trusted, execution-focused Director of Special Projects to report directly to the President. This role will serve as an extension of the President-acting as a proxy when needed, driving cross-functional initiatives, and ensuring priorities, timelines, and deliverables are met across the organization.

This individual will combine strategic thinking, operational rigor, executive communication, and light internal legal support to help the President operate effectively and scale the business.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Proxy & Strategic Support

• Act as a proxy for the President in internal meetings and cross-functional forums when the President is unavailable
• Represent the President's priorities, decisions, and expectations with clarity and authority
• Drive follow-ups and accountability from leadership and functional teams

Special Projects & Execution

• Own and manage high-priority, cross-functional initiatives on behalf of the President
• Track progress against timelines, milestones, and deliverables across multiple teams
• Identify risks, blockers, and dependencies early and drive resolution
• Ensure initiatives remain aligned with Wind RiverX strategic objectives

Executive Communications & Presentations

• Develop executive-level presentations, briefing materials, and talking points for internal and external use
• Synthesize complex information into clear, concise narratives for senior leadership
• Support preparation for board, customer, partner, and executive meetings

Operational Oversight & Alignment

• Ensure internal projects and commitments are progressing as planned
• Hold stakeholders accountable to agreed timelines and outcomes
• Improve operational cadence, reporting, and communication across the organization

Internal Legal & Counsel Support (Limited Scope)

• Provide initial internal support on legal and contractual matters impacting the President, including:
  • Contract and NDA review
  • General company matters requiring legal awareness or coordination
• Act as a liaison between Wind RiverX leadership and external legal counsel
• Help manage outside counsel engagement to ensure efficiency and cost control
• Escalate matters appropriately to qualified internal or external legal resources

(Note: This role does not replace formal legal counsel but provides informed, practical support to the President.)

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in special projects, chief of staff, operations, strategy, legal, or executive support roles
• Proven ability to operate effectively at the executive level with discretion and sound judgment
• Strong project management skills with experience driving cross-functional initiatives
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive presentations
• Working knowledge of contracts, NDAs, and corporate legal processes
• High degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity

Preferred Qualifications

• Legal background (JD or equivalent experience) strongly preferred
• Background in technology, software, or regulated industries (e.g., defense, aerospace)
• Familiarity with managing or coordinating external legal counsel

Key Attributes

• Trusted advisor mindset
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and execution-driven
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and fast-changing environments
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence without authority
• Calm, decisive, and confident under pressure

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Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Client-provided location(s): Washington, DC

Job ID: Aptiv-J000695669

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-03-21T20:31:37