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Program Executive Jobs in Sterling, VA (NOW HIRING)

The work Program Executives lead portfolios of data, artificial intelligence, and technology work where delivery quality, client trust, and organizational growth meet. They are accountable across ...

The work Program Executives lead portfolios of data, artificial intelligence, and technology work where delivery quality, client trust, and organizational growth meet. They are accountable across ...

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General Program Management Support

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$47K - $55K/yr

Coast Guard Office of Aviation Acquisition (CG-931) and the Program Executive Office (CG-93). This role supports strategic-level activities including internal and external

Program Management Support

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$47K - $55K/yr

The incumbent provides support to the Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers (PEO CVN), aligned to either the Future Aircraft Carriers Program Office (PMS 378), In-Service Program Office ...

Program Management Support

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$47K - $55K/yr

The incumbent provides support to the Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers (PEO CVN), aligned to either the Future Aircraft Carriers Program Office (PMS 378), In-Service Program Office ...

Account Executive - Navy

Mclean, VA ยท On-site +1

$140K - $200K/yr

Build relationships with Flag Officers, SES leaders, Program Executive Offices, Program Managers, and technical decision makers. * Generate and manage a qualified pipeline capable of exceeding annual ...

Build relationships with Flag Officers, SES leaders, Program Executive Offices, Program Managers, and technical decision makers. * Generate and manage a qualified pipeline capable of exceeding annual ...

Federal Account Executive

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Develop trusted relationships with acquisition officials, program executive offices (PEOs), program managers, defense innovation organizations, prime contractors, and strategic partners. * Lead ...

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Program Executive information

See Sterling, VA salary details

$26.8K

$94.5K

$185.8K

How much do program executive jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for program executive in Sterling, VA is $94,459.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,600.00 and $121,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program executive?

A Program Executive is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing multiple projects or programs within an organization. They ensure that all initiatives align with the company's strategic goals, manage budgets, coordinate teams, and monitor progress to achieve desired outcomes. Program Executives collaborate with various stakeholders, provide leadership to project managers, and address risks or issues that may arise. Their role is critical in delivering complex, high-impact programs efficiently and effectively.

What is the difference between Program Executive vs Project Manager?

AspectProgram ExecutiveProject Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees and certifications like PMP or PgMPUsually holds a PMP or similar certification, with a focus on project management
Work EnvironmentStrategic, overseeing multiple projects and programs at an organizational levelOperational, managing individual projects within scope, time, and budget
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in government, large corporations, and organizations with complex programsWidely used across industries for specific project delivery

The Program Executive focuses on strategic oversight of multiple projects and programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. In contrast, the Project Manager handles the day-to-day management of individual projects. Both roles require strong project management skills and certifications, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

How does a program executive typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure program success?

A Program Executive works closely with cross-functional teams by aligning project goals, timelines, and resources across departments such as operations, finance, and marketing. They facilitate regular meetings, set clear expectations, and proactively address potential roadblocks by fostering open communication. This collaborative approach helps ensure that all stakeholders are engaged, risks are managed, and program objectives are achieved efficiently. Effective collaboration is essential for maintaining momentum, adapting to changes, and delivering successful outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program executive, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Executive, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, and program management skills, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Asana), budgeting tools, and sometimes certification like PMP is highly valuable. Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving abilities help you drive teams and align diverse groups toward common goals. These skills ensure successful program delivery, effective resource management, and organizational alignment with strategic objectives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Sterling, VA? The most popular types of Program jobs in Sterling, VA are:
What cities near Sterling, VA are hiring for Program Executive jobs? Cities near Sterling, VA with the most Program Executive job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Executive job openings in Sterling, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,459 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Program Executive Role

OpenDataJobs

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The work
Program Executives lead portfolios of data, artificial intelligence, and technology work where delivery quality, client trust, and organizational growth meet. They are accountable across engagements, not only for what teams promise and deliver, but also for the leaders, operating standards, and relationships that make sustained performance possible.
The role stays close to the work. Program Executives set direction, allocate leadership and resources, resolve cross-program risks, maintain candid executive communication, and intervene when delivery needs authority or clarity. They also build the next layer of leaders and help organizations recognize where strong delivery can open the next valuable problem.
What you'll build
โ€ข Portfolios that connect client priorities, delivery commitments, resources, risks, and measurable outcomes.
โ€ข Executive relationships sustained through accurate status, sound advice, and direct handling of difficult news.
โ€ข Leadership systems that develop program managers, technical leaders, and successors rather than concentrating every decision at the top.
โ€ข Quality and governance standards that remain consistent across teams, contracts, partners, and changing assignments.
โ€ข Growth grounded in delivery credibility, informed opportunity shaping, and a realistic view of organizational capability.
Who you are
You are an executive who still wants to understand the work. You can detect trouble before it reaches a dashboard, ask the question that changes the decision, and give teams both clear accountability and the authority to deliver.
You build trust through candor and follow-through. You are comfortable with clients, senior government and contractor leaders, technical specialists, and delivery teams, and you know that durable growth begins with work people want repeated.
What you bring
โ€ข A record of senior leadership across multiple programs, engagements, contracts, or major workstreams.
โ€ข Experience owning delivery outcomes, executive relationships, financial or resource tradeoffs, and material risk.
โ€ข Enough fluency in data, artificial intelligence, software, cloud, governance, or security to lead technical portfolios credibly.
โ€ข The ability to develop leaders, set operating standards, make difficult decisions, and create accountability without unnecessary bureaucracy.
โ€ข Executive communication, negotiation, organizational judgment, and experience operating in regulated or federal-sector environments.
About OPEN Data Jobs
OPEN Data Jobs connects AI, data, and software professionals with critical roles, primarily in the federal sector. Registering with ODJ can put your profile in view for multiple positions across several clients.
Register for Program Executive Role
Click Apply below to register for Program Executive Role.
Requirements
What openings may require
Openings may emphasize portfolio delivery, executive client leadership, Chief Data Officer advisory support, cross-agency programs, major modernization efforts, organizational growth, or oversight of several technical disciplines. The balance among delivery, relationship leadership, operations, and growth will vary.
Specific openings will state the portfolio scale, financial and people responsibilities, domain experience, work location, citizenship, work authorization, background, suitability, clearance, and other executive requirements.
Benefits
Compensation, benefits, work location, and employment terms are set for each specific opening and will be stated with that opening