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Graduate Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager, Host Vehicle

Long Beach, CA ยท On-site

$140K - $240K/yr

YOUR MISSION True Anomaly is seeking a Program Manager to lead a mission-critical program from ... Or, Graduate Degree and a minimum of 5 years of prior related experience; Or, in lieu of a degree ...

Technical Program Manager - iPad

Cupertino, CA ยท On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

... preferred), or graduate degree in supply chain and/or operations. Minimum 3 years hands-on ... program management capabilities: schedule management, written and verbal communication, risk ...

The Technical Program Manager works in conjunction with the New Production Introduction group as ... preferred), or graduate degree in supply chain and/or operations. Minimum 3 years hands-on ...

Strategic Customer Program Manager

San Jose, CA ยท On-site +1

$185K - $200K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering or physics; graduate degree or MBA is a plus. * End-to-end program management experience in Engineering or R&D within a semiconductor chip or equipment companies.

Strategic Customer Program Manager

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$185K - $200K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering or physics; graduate degree or MBA is a plus. * End-to-end program management experience in Engineering or R&D within a semiconductor chip or equipment companies.

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Graduate Program Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$106.1K

$154.9K

How much do graduate program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate program manager in California is $106,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Graduate Program Manager do?

A Graduate Program Manager oversees the planning, development, and administration of graduate-level academic programs. They coordinate admissions, curriculum design, student support services, and program evaluation to ensure students have a positive and productive experience. Additionally, they often serve as the primary point of contact for students, faculty, and external partners, addressing concerns and ensuring compliance with university policies. Their role is crucial in maintaining the quality and reputation of the graduate program.

What is the difference between Graduate Program Manager vs Program Coordinator?

AspectGraduate Program ManagerProgram Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often advanced degrees or certifications in management or related fieldsBachelor's degree typically sufficient; relevant experience valued
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing multiple programs, managing teamsAdministrative support, coordinating activities, handling logistics
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, corporate training, nonprofit programsUniversities, corporate offices, nonprofit organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles in program managementLooking for support or administrative roles in programs

The Graduate Program Manager typically handles strategic planning, oversees multiple programs, and manages teams, requiring higher education credentials. In contrast, a Program Coordinator focuses on administrative tasks and logistics support. Both roles are common in educational, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

How does a Graduate Program Manager collaborate with academic departments and external partners to enhance program outcomes?

A Graduate Program Manager frequently acts as a liaison between students, faculty, and external organizations to ensure the program meets educational and industry standards. They coordinate with academic departments to align coursework and research opportunities with current trends and employer needs. Additionally, they may develop partnerships with employers or alumni networks to facilitate internships, mentoring, and job placements for program participants. Effective collaboration requires proactive communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to balance diverse stakeholder interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Program Manager, you need expertise in program administration, curriculum development, and student advising, usually supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, learning management systems, and compliance regulations is often required. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring effective program delivery, student satisfaction, and compliance with academic standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Program jobs in California? The most popular types of Graduate Program jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Program Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.
Program Manager, Host Vehicle

Program Manager, Host Vehicle

True Anomaly

Long Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

$140K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.
OUR MISSION
True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors - enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.
OUR VALUES
  • Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
  • What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
  • It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION
True Anomaly is seeking a Program Manager to lead a mission-critical program from concept to execution, integrating technical, schedule, and cost baselines to deliver space-based capabilities with precision and agility. In this cross-functional leadership role, you will drive strategic direction, manage complex program lifecycles, oversee subcontractor performance, and lead high-impact teams across engineering, operations, and mission delivery. Your expertise in risk management, stakeholder engagement, and program execution will play a key role in advancing our national security mission and operational excellence in the space domain.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Manage complex situations, delegate authority, lead and inspire your team, drive innovative thinking, instill collaboration, drive for success, challenge status quo, and demonstrate the ability to adapt to dynamic situations
  • Create, implement, and own the coordinated program baseline (cost, schedule, technical) with the chief engineer
  • Lead, successfully integrate, and execute space vehicle missions as well as product delivery for service-based contracts
  • Direct the responsibilities and activities of the program team including program management, systems engineering, communications and IT, mission operations, facilities management, security, safety, and contracts/financial/supply chain support functions
  • Support establishing a centralized, coordinating body for PM concerns, recommendations, & issues; developing recommended process improvements; facilitating opportunities with Finance
  • Provide strategic direction, set priorities, and resolve day-to-day issues to deliver schedule and budget
  • Perform risk/issue assessments, tracking, resolution, escalation, and closeout to ensure satisfactory program performance
  • Develop innovative solutions to resolve difficult program challenges including cost, schedule, and technical performance
  • Oversee and manage subcontractor activities and deliverables
  • Lead preparations of bids, proposals, studies, and deliverables
  • Develop and lead internal and external program management reviews

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Proven experience and skills in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, strategic thinking, marketing, and literacy in the program management disciplines
  • Proven leadership abilities inclusive of successful change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, holding people accountable, and conducting yearly reviews
  • Demonstrated experience managing risk and cost, schedule, and technical baselines for an aerospace program with an emphasis in space vehicles
  • Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Experience with customer interfacing and National Security aerospace programs
  • Ability to establish new & further refining existing templates, tools, & guidelines for program documentation & execution
  • Strong analytical background with the evaluation of requests for proposals and/or quotes.
  • Experience with preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals and/or quotes
  • Full life cycle experience from development to deployment of a space relevant system
  • Eligible for Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance
  • Ability to travel 25-50% as needed.
  • Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior relevant experience; Or, Graduate Degree and a minimum of 5 years of prior related experience; Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 9 years of prior related experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Master's Degree
  • Ability to work within a cross-functional, geographically dispersed team environment to complete contractual commitments
  • Experience with ensuring compliance with approved Corporate and ISO 9001:2000 Policies and Processes
  • Current Project Management Professional Certification
  • Active TS/SCI US government security clearance with SCI eligibility strongly preferred

COMPENSATION
  • Base Salary: $140,000 - $240,000
  • Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Work Location-Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Long Beach. While we observe a hybrid work environment, most work must be done on site within unclassified and classified spaces.
  • Work environment-office environment; climate-controlled, open office layout.
  • Physical demands-physical demands of the job include sitting/standing at a desk, attending in-person meetings in conference rooms, attending virtual meetings in conference rooms or at a desk.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below.
#LI-Onsite
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.