Senior Program Manager- CAEO

Dcode is a team of doers dedicated to bridging the gap between the speed of technology and the federal government. We align people, culture, policies, and processes to get tech in the hands of those who need it most. Operating at the nexus of government leaders, emerging tech companies, and venture capital, we turn roadblocks into results. 

Dcode is looking for a passionate Senior Program Manager who is deeply fluent in the Department of War (DoW) mechanics, money, and power dynamics. As a Senior Program Manager, you will help deliver on high impact, data informed programs that strengthen how our defense sector client identifies operational needs, aligns them with strategic objectives, and integrates innovative solutions to improve mission outcomes. You’ll provide subject matter expertise (SME) for operational planning in support of the Department of War Office of Chief Information Officer (DoW OCIO) to advance Cyber workforce development. 

You’ll manage a workstream on a project from kickoff to delivery, coordinate resources (including our highly experienced Dcode Field Experts), and work directly with senior government leaders to ensure results. You’ll help refine and implement the structures, processes, and analytical workflows that enable the team to move from identifying operational or academic challenges to delivering effective, data-driven solutions.

Salary range: $116,000-$152,000 plus bi-annual bonuses. 

Secret clearance or higher is strongly preferred.  Eligibility for clearance is required. 

Job Responsibilities

Client Success

• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor who understands how authority, influence, incentives, and risk tolerance differ across civilian leadership, uniformed leadership, and staff organizations within the DoW.
• Become a trusted partner for our federal clients as they work to strengthen operational readiness, academic engagement, and knowledge transfer.
• Shape and defend DoW funding decisions by directly supporting Program Budget Reviews (PBRs), CAPE analyses, and senior leader engagements that influence federal fiscal year budget outcomes.
• Provide subject matter expertise in DoW cyber workforce planning and development, supporting the Office of the Chief Information Officer in aligning workforce strategy, training pipelines, and talent initiatives with operational and mission needs.
• Anticipate emerging needs across the team's lines of effort: academic engagement, and innovation, and develop targeted, scalable solutions.
• Offer creative, practical ideas for improving how the government operates—across policy, acquisitions, finance, culture, and processes—to make it more agile and innovative.
• Collect feedback and act on it to continuously improve the client experience.

• Define and track performance metrics to evaluate progress towards objectives, ensuring Dcode’s support drives outsized mission and organizational value.
• Identify and help implement automation opportunities to make processes faster and more efficient.
• Coordinate closely with Dcode leadership and Field Experts to bring the right expertise into projects at the right time.
• Track progress against milestones and communicate updates clearly and frequently to internal and external stakeholders.

Operational Improvement

• Capture lessons learned and recommend and implement process improvements.
• Track performance data and user feedback to help refine workflows.
• Support efforts to remove policy, contracting, and operational barriers.

• Understand and manage contract terms to ensure compliance at all times.
• Flag risks early and work with leadership to resolve them quickly.
• Implement solutions that make delivery more efficient and scalable.

KEY SKILLS

• 8+ years of professional experience, with at least 5 years supporting the Department of War in an operational, policy, budget, or programmatic capacity.
• Direct experience working within or alongside DoW entities such as the OCIO, Service Components, Joint Staff, OSD, or Combatant Commands.
• Deep knowledge of DoW processes and demonstrating an understanding of DoW funding and budget cycles, including the role of Program Budget Reviews and CAPE in allocating funds and evaluating federal fiscal year budgets.
• Experience interfacing directly with senior federal and DoW leaders with the professionalism, discretion, and situational awareness required to navigate high-stakes discussions and drive alignment across diverse priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple moving parts.
• The ability to challenge assumptions respectfully and offer better ways forward.
• Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills.
• A track record of problem-solving, working independently, and delivering results.

You’ll love it here if:

• Thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments.
• Love figuring out how to make big, complex things run smoothly.
• Are energized by working with smart, passionate teammates.
• Don’t wait for permission to fix problems or seize opportunities.
• Can give and take feedback without ego.
• Bring energy, creativity, and persistence to everything you do.

We look for resilient hustlers: 

Our CEO busted her face on the balance beam in college and got back up… our CRO has knocked on a thousand doors, was rejected 999 times, and kept on knocking... What is your story? 

Equal Opportunity Statement

We provide equal opportunity to all persons without regard to ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, family or parental status, national origin, veteran, or disability status. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

We believe diversity is a strength and aim to build an innovative and welcoming culture where people from all backgrounds feel respected and included. We believe that true innovation happens when everyone has the tools, resources, and opportunities to excel.