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Innovation Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Campus Compact

Program Manager, Innovation

Program Manager, Innovation Who We are Campus Compact is a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education. As the largest national higher ...

FedTech

Program Manager, Energy & Innovation

Boston, MA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Manage day-to-day operations of innovation and stakeholder engagement activities, including technical due diligence, program coordination, community events, mentoring, guest speakers, and immersion ...

FedTech

Program Manager, Energy & Innovation

Boston, MA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Manage day-to-day operations of innovation and stakeholder engagement activities, including technical due diligence, program coordination, community events, mentoring, guest speakers, and immersion ...

Collabera

Program Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... Innovation program to the entire IP&S organization. • Anticipate and aggressively remove ... Program Management leadership. • Defines, documents and executes programs of extreme high ...

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Innovation Program Manager information

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$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do innovation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation program manager in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 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.
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Innovation Program Manager jobs near you
Research & Innovation Program Manager

Research & Innovation Program Manager

Montana

Helena, MT • Hybrid

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Research & Innovation Program Manager. This position is responsible for managing and administering the operations and activities of the MDT Research Program, the Experimental Projects Program, and the Technology Transfer Program, as well as the Department's library and related services. Develops and executes a strategic research roadmap aligned with MDT's goals and FHWA's State Planning & Research (SPR) program. Engages internal and external partners, including universities, FHWA, land local agencies to advance the Department's research and innovation agenda. Guides the full research lifecycle ensuring research project outcomes benefit programs statewide. Services as the agency's primary liaison for federal research committees and programs. This position reports to the Business Solutions Office Lead and directly supervises 3 professional staff: two Research Project Managers and the Department Librarian.

For a full job description, please contact Alycia Gereg at agereg@mt.gov.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

         Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance

         Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available

         Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

         Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families

         State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)

         Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek

         Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

         Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

         Benefits apply on first day of employment

         Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation's mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Required Application Materials:

         A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.

         A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as "Relevant."

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Required Education and Experience:

         Bachelor's degree in business, science, transportation or a closely related field. OR 4 years of related experience in lieu of a degree.

         4 years of progressive experience in program administration, transportation research or project and portfolio management. 

         1 year of supervisory or team lead experience. 

         Alternative combinations of related experience and education may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of project and portfolio management principles. 

Skills in stakeholder engagement and collaboration. Ability to facilitate meetings with a variety of stakeholders. 

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

Other Information

The advertised salary includes the 2.5% increase passed by the 2025 MT State Legislature regarding the state pay plan effective July 1, 2026.

Driver's record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant's permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana. 

Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing the Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration for verification. For more inormaton about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here: https://www.e-verify.gov. 

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