Director; Program Management

About the role

This position provides strategic program leadership for federal software and data operations serving Intelligence Community and Department of Defense clients. The role requires guiding large technical programs to mission-focused outcomes through end-to-end delivery accountability. Leaders translate Clarity and customer objectives into program initiatives that guide daily team activities toward a shared mission vision. Program delivery and milestone ownership aligns cost, technical, scope, and schedule commitments so features and objectives remain realistic, achievable, and error-free. Risk and change management anticipates and identifies threats early, taking action across several teams with limited oversight to mitigate programmatic risks. Acquisition knowledge applies DoW acquisition lifecycle principles, RDT&E and O&M distinctions, color-of-money differences, and FAR-based contract rules compared to OTAs. Team health and welfare builds cohesion and resiliency across multi-functional squads while prioritizing happiness, productivity, and respectful technical debate.

What you'll do

Strategic execution translates Clarity and customer objectives into program initiatives that guide daily team activities toward a shared mission vision. Program delivery and milestone ownership aligns cost, technical, scope, and schedule commitments so features and objectives remain realistic, achievable, and error-free. Risk and change management anticipates and identifies threats early, taking action across several teams with limited oversight to mitigate programmatic risks. Acquisition knowledge applies DoW acquisition lifecycle principles, RDT&E and O&M distinctions, color-of-money differences, and FAR-based contract rules compared to OTAs. Team health and welfare builds cohesion and resiliency across multi-functional squads while prioritizing happiness, productivity, and respectful technical debate.

Requirements

The posting states a pay range of $146000 to $390000. Active Top Secret / SCI clearance is mandatory for this position. Program management experience must total 5 15 years within federal software or cyber domains, with a record of managing programs of 20+ FTEs. "Lead-of-leads" leadership must delegate responsibilities to subordinate technical or team leads. A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required, or 4 years of related experience can substitute for the degree. Mastery of Agile methods, SDLC frameworks, lean product management, and user-centered design is required. Direct experience with Jira and Confluence must maintain project backlogs, deliverables, and knowledge bases. Understanding of Federal acquisition guidelines, FAR and DFARS, OTAs, CSOs, and contract execution rules is required. Comprehension of rate components, financial health metrics, and P&L impact is required.

Practical notes

This role operates in a national security environment with strict compliance expectations, and travel or onsite presence may be required based on client needs.

Typical interview steps

Leadership hiring usually includes a strategy case, a people scenario, and a values conversation. Candidates may be asked to turn around a struggling team or plan for growth. Past results are examined closely, especially how decisions were made. Interviewers dig into specific decisions you made and their consequences. Preparing two or three decision stories with numbers and lessons is the best use of time.

Good to know

Work in software and data engineering teams using Agile methods and DevSecOps pipelines. Build products for government clients using cloud infrastructure and data transport layers. Operate at scale with frameworks such as SAFe and manage complex matrixed resources. Focus on documentation, knowledge sharing, and structured governance for large programs.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.

Career growth

Leadership careers move from manager to senior manager, director, and executive roles. Each step adds more scope and more responsibility for outcomes. The best leaders keep learning how to delegate, communicate, and decide. Leadership careers reward a record of building and developing people. The higher you go, the more your communication shapes the whole organization.