1

Innovation Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Innovation Program Lead

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

This position will also work with program managers to analyze, report, and improve operational performance. The successful candidate will be integral to the implementation of the City's 2026 Solid ...

As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Program Innovation Manager supports solving complex challenges at the intersection of human-centered ...

Showing results 21-40

Innovation Program Manager information

See salary details

$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do innovation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 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 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.

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 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 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.

More about Innovation Program Manager jobs

What cities are hiring for Innovation Program Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Innovation Program Manager job openings:

What states have the most Innovation Program Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Innovation Program Manager jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Innovation Program Manager jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Innovation Program Manager jobs are:

Infographic showing various Innovation Program Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Innovation Program Lead

City of New York

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


City Of New York rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

626th of 853 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Company Description
Job Description
The Resource Recovery Division (RRD) in the Bureau of Solid Waste Management directs waste reduction and diversion programs and develops and administers policies to support the Department's sustainability goals. RRD is currently seeking an experienced policy researcher with specific experience in applied research & data analysis and an understanding of the application of technology to innovate towards a circular economy. This position will also work with program managers to analyze, report, and improve operational performance. The successful candidate will be integral to the implementation of the City's 2026 Solid Waste Management Plan.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
-Research waste management policies and programs across the US and internationally to identify new innovations.
-Prepare documentation, statistics, and analyses for reporting and program improvements.
-Manage the execution of waste composition research studies, including field operations potentially in outdoor environments
-Monitor and provide frequent updates and analyses of local, state, and federal circular economy and resource recovery policies.
-Prepare comprehensive presentations on the status of Bureau programs (including charts, graphs and tables), and the results of research studies.
-Participate in the implementation and tracking of the city's Solid Waste Management Plan
-Support for other Bureau functions as needed. May require occasional evening or weekend work.
CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744
Qualifications
1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.
NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

What City Of New York employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom