Senior Program Manager

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. 

We are seeking a mission-driven, results-oriented Senior Program Manager to lead the execution of high-priority initiatives for a defense sector client. In this role, you’ll help launch and operate a function that can rapidly identify needs, scout technologies, integrate solutions, and scale what works. This means building structure, workflows, and processes that overcome legacy constraints to ensure speed, precision, and measurable impact. You will be responsible for leading daily client engagements and navigating complex stakeholder relationships. Success in this role means navigating ambiguity, moving with urgency, and producing results that have a tangible mission impact.

This role requires exceptional program leadership skills, knowledge of DoD acquisition and contracting pathways, and the ability to translate complex operational requirements into actionable strategies and repeatable processes.

Salary range: $110,000- $149,000 plus bi-annual bonuses

Security clearance eligibility required.  Secret or Top Secret preferred.  

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the launch and sustained operation of a high-tempo capability that rapidly connects identified needs to fielded solutions.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable plans, workflows, and performance metrics.
• Drive iterative execution cycles to ensure progress is visible and measurable in weeks, not months.
• Provide creative, novel perspectives and approaches to how the government operates in the areas of policy, acquisitions, finance, culture, and processes, in order to drive innovation and agility inside their missions.

• Serve as a trusted partner to senior defense leaders, providing clear, and data-backed recommendations.
• Facilitate alignment across diverse stakeholder groups to ensure priorities, timelines, and objectives are synchronized.

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Establish mission-relevant performance metrics and implement tracking mechanisms to assess progress and impact.
• Drive continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and refining processes for future application.
• Monitor risks, resolve issues quickly, and adapt plans to changing operational realities.
• Manage resourcing to ensure profitability targets are met.

Contract Management

• 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.

Required Skills and Experience

• 7+ years of relevant work experience, including leadership of government-facing contracts in acquisition, technology integration, or operational support.
• Proven experience managing government contracts (DoD preferred), with strong understanding of contracting mechanisms such as OTAs, CSOs, and IDIQs.
• Strong familiarity with technology scouting, evaluation, and integration into complex environments.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to brief senior leaders and produce decision-ready materials.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment and deliver results under pressure.
• Understanding and comfort with agile project management.

• Thrive in high-tempo, mission-driven environments.
• Can distill complex needs into focused, actionable initiatives.
• Balance strategic thinking with tactical execution.
• Proactively remove barriers and enable others to succeed.

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.