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Innovation Program Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$98K - $130K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking a mission-driven, results-oriented Program Manager to lead the ... Familiarity with government acquisition, innovation programs, or technology integration

Role Summary We are seeking a mission-driven, results-oriented Program Manager to lead the ... Familiarity with government acquisition, innovation programs, or technology integration

The Program Manager ensures effective execution across the software development lifecycle, supports continuous system operations, and drives innovation through emerging technologies such as ...

As we continue to build our workforce, we look for people that exemplify our core values, leadership characteristics, and approach to innovation. TMPC is seeking a Program Manager to join our growing ...

As we continue to build our workforce, we look for people that exemplify our core values, leadership characteristics, and approach to innovation. TMPC is seeking a Program Manager to join our growing ...

As we continue to build our workforce, we look for people that exemplify our core values, leadership characteristics, and approach to innovation. TMPC is seeking a Program Manager to join our growing ...

The Senior Program Manager (SPM) will help operate and maintain a US government agency's enterpris ... We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and ...

Innovation Initiatives * Project Management Quality Assurance (PMQA) * Ensure timely, high-quality delivery of project deliverables and ongoing support services * Facilitate executive-level reporting ...

Description The Red Gate Group is seeking a Program Manager to support a non-personal services ... innovation priorities by supporting key initiatives across science and technology, mission ...

The Senior Program Manager (SPM) will help operate and maintain a US government agency's enterpris ... We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and ...

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Innovation Program Manager information

See Washington salary details

$43.6K

$121.7K

$177.8K

How much do innovation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation program manager in Washington is $121,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $150,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Innovation Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, strategy development, and a background in business or technology, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like PMP. Familiarity with innovation frameworks, agile methodologies, and collaboration tools such as Jira or Trello is typically required. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and effective stakeholder communication are critical soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills enable the successful design, execution, and scaling of innovative initiatives, ensuring organizational growth and competitive advantage.

What does an Innovation Program Manager do?

An Innovation Program Manager oversees and coordinates initiatives that drive innovation within an organization. They design, implement, and manage programs that encourage creative thinking, development of new products, and improvement of existing processes. Their responsibilities often include collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing budgets, measuring program outcomes, and fostering a culture of innovation. By identifying emerging trends and technologies, they help organizations stay competitive and adapt to changes in the market.

What is the difference between Innovation Program Manager vs Product Manager?

AspectInnovation Program ManagerProduct Manager
Primary FocusDeveloping and managing innovation initiatives and programsOverseeing product development and lifecycle
Required SkillsInnovation strategy, project management, cross-functional collaborationProduct design, market analysis, user experience
Work EnvironmentCorporate innovation labs, R&D departments, cross-industryTech companies, consumer goods, software firms
CertificationsProject management, innovation management certificationsProduct management certifications (e.g., Pragmatic, Scrum)

While both roles involve strategic planning and cross-functional work, the Innovation Program Manager focuses on fostering new ideas and managing innovation initiatives, whereas the Product Manager concentrates on developing and delivering specific products to market.

How does an Innovation Program Manager typically foster collaboration across different departments?

An Innovation Program Manager often acts as a bridge between various teams—such as R&D, marketing, finance, and operations—to drive new initiatives. They facilitate workshops, organize cross-functional meetings, and implement structured processes for idea generation and evaluation. By maintaining open communication channels and aligning stakeholders on shared goals, they ensure that innovative projects have broad support and clear direction. This collaborative approach is essential to overcome silos and accelerate the implementation of creative solutions.
What are popular job titles related to Innovation Program Manager jobs in Washington? For Innovation Program Manager jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Innovation Program Manager jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Innovation Program Manager jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Innovation Program Manager jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Innovation Program Manager job openings:
Program Manager, Defense & Commercial Innovation

Program Manager, Defense & Commercial Innovation

FedTech

Arlington, VA • On-site

$92K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Description
If you're passionate about driving the success of groundbreaking innovation programs - we'd love to connect!
Who we are:
  • FedTech is a group of entrepreneurially minded people on a mission to unlock the benefits of technology.
  • We believe in the value of deep tech and its positive impact on the world, aspiring to democratize access to it for entrepreneurs and professionals around the world.
  • We are venture builders who thrive at the intersection of US entrepreneurship, breakthrough technologies, and mission-driven organizations.
  • Since 2015, we have supported over 1,000 companies that have collectively raised more than $5B in funding, while also partnering with hundreds of corporate, government, and university clients.

What you'll do:
You will lead the design, execution, and growth of accelerator programs that support technology commercialization, venture creation, and strategic partnerships across the defense, homeland security, and dual-use innovation ecosystem. Ideal candidate would bring a strong program management background, thrive in fast-paced environments, and can build trusted relationships across government, industry, startups, and research organizations. This position requires a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to manage complex, multi-phase initiatives from strategy through execution.
Typical functions include:
  • Lead and execute multi-phase accelerator and commercialization programs supporting defense, homeland security, and dual-use innovation sponsors.
  • Source, evaluate, and transition emerging technologies from federal labs, research institutions, startups, and international partners into commercialization and mission-driven opportunities.
  • Build and manage relationships with senior stakeholders across government, industry, venture, and innovation ecosystems to align program outcomes with mission priorities.
  • Advise participating startups and technology teams on government funding pathways, procurement processes, small business programs, and commercialization strategies.
  • Plan and host demo days, technology showcases, pitch competitions, testing events, and stakeholder engagements that connect ventures with end-users, acquisition leaders, and technical evaluators.
  • Track and communicate program performance metrics, including venture progress, commercialization milestones, stakeholder engagement, and ROI to sponsors and leadership teams.
  • Support operational execution through management of timelines, deliverables, budgets, reporting, and cross-functional coordination.
  • Represent FedTech at industry events, government forums, conferences, and partner engagements to strengthen organizational visibility and business development efforts.
  • Contribute to evolving organizational priorities by supporting new initiatives, strategic projects, and process improvements as needed

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience supporting defense innovation, technology commercialization, venture programs, or entrepreneurship initiatives, particularly within or alongside government organizations.
  • Familiarity with DoD, Navy, homeland security, or dual-use innovation ecosystems and related commercialization pathways.
  • Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across government, startups, industry, and research communities.
  • Demonstrated program or project management experience overseeing complex initiatives, coordinating multiple workstreams, and managing events or deliverables in fast-paced environments.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to facilitate meetings and convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Analytical and detail-oriented, with experience using data and reporting to support decision-making and program success.
  • Comfortable using collaboration and productivity tools such as Google Workspace, Airtable, Slack, Beautiful.ai, Forecast, and similar platforms.
  • Highly organized, adaptable, and self-driven, with an entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to take ownership in a dynamic environment.

Our Values:
  • Boldness: We have the fortitude to forge new paths and push beyond our comfort
  • Unity: We treat our clients, team members and partners as we would like to be treated - we are one united team
  • Introspection: We recognize introspection is the necessary ingredient in which self-improvement flourishes
  • Leadership: We embrace servant leadership - putting the interests of client, team partners and partners first
  • Decisiveness: We have a strong bias towards action

Compensation:
  • Base salary range: $92-110k
    • The salary range listed for this position is based on market data and internal compensation structure. The final compensation package will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills and education. This range is not a guarantee of compensation, and offers may fall outside this range in exceptional cases.
  • In addition to the base salary, compensation includes performance based bonus (OTE) and ability to earn equity
  • A competitive benefits package including 401K with employer match, health/dental/vision plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield, accrued PTO, professional development funds, employer paid disability insurance, parental leave, transportation and wellness reimbursements, amongst others.

Location:
  • Open to candidates in Arlington (VA), Austin (TX), Boston (MA), Los Angeles (CA), and Huntsville (AL)
  • Hybrid in Arlington, Austin & Boston; remote in Los Angeles and Huntsville.
Travel: 10-20% based on business needs