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Program Lead Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Lead, Program Finance

Millersville, MD · On-site

$105 - $196K/hr

Lead, Program Finance Job Code: 34567 Job Location: Millersville, MD. Schedule: 9/80- Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off The Acoustic ...

Lead, Program Management- Maritime Acoustic Systems Job Code: 38341 Job Location: Herndon VA. Schedule: 9/80- Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other ...

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Program Lead information

See Washington salary details

$28.3K

$102.6K

$133.1K

How much do program lead jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for program lead in Washington is $102,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $131,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Program Lead, you need expertise in project management, strategic planning, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with project management tools like Asana, Trello, or MS Project, and certifications such as PMP or Agile Scrum Master, are typically valuable. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help a Program Lead effectively guide teams and manage stakeholder expectations. These abilities are crucial for ensuring programs are delivered on time, within scope, and meet organizational objectives.

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

Program Leads play a pivotal role in coordinating efforts between multiple departments, such as product, engineering, marketing, and operations. They facilitate regular meetings, set clear expectations, and ensure alignment on program objectives and deliverables. Effective communication and relationship-building are essential, as Program Leads often mediate between teams to resolve conflicts and keep projects on track. This collaborative environment not only streamlines workflows but also fosters innovation and accountability across the organization.

What are Program Leads?

Program Leads are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating specific programs within an organization. They manage program objectives, schedules, budgets, and teams to ensure successful delivery of projects or initiatives. Program Leads often act as the main point of contact between stakeholders and program teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Their role involves strategic planning, problem-solving, and monitoring progress to achieve desired outcomes.

What is the difference between Program Lead vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProgram LeadProject Coordinator
CredentialsOften requires experience in project management, certifications like PMP or PgMPTypically requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like CAPM are common
Work EnvironmentLeads multiple projects within a program, strategic focusSupports individual projects, operational focus
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries like IT, construction, healthcare for overseeing complex initiativesCommon across various industries for day-to-day project support
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare roles for leadership and strategic responsibilitiesPeople compare roles for coordination and support functions

The Program Lead oversees multiple related projects, focusing on strategic alignment and overall program success. In contrast, the Project Coordinator supports individual projects with planning and administrative tasks. While both roles require project management knowledge, the Program Lead has a broader scope and higher responsibility level.

What are popular job titles related to Program Lead jobs in Washington? For Program Lead jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Program Lead jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Program Lead job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Program Lead jobs in WA? For Program Lead jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
International Trade Compliance Program Lead

International Trade Compliance Program Lead

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$155.70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 56 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you searching for meaningful work in international trade compliance?
Are you passionate about ensuring that U.S. technology is properly protected?
Do you enjoy working with cutting-edge innovations and emerging technologies?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
Join our team of experienced professionals working together to support one of the country's premier research laboratories to think boldly and support the nation on critical national security space, and national health missions. We are seeking an International Trade Program Lead with expertise in International Traffic and Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) licensing and compliance. The position will report to the International Trade Compliance Office (ITCO) Section Supervisor who oversees the trade compliance program, within the Office of General Counsel (OGC). As the Trade Program Lead, you will support the mission areas by managing and evaluating jurisdiction, classification and specially determinations of hardware, software, technical data, and services enumerated under the ITAR, EAR, and Customs Regulations. Accurate classification decisions will enable the development of appropriate defense and commercial import and export authorizations. This position is responsible for reviewing program and project proposals, contracts, and subcontracts, as well as determining licensing and compliance requirements associated with the various foreign interaction activities. The role includes recommending import/export contract clauses that enable ITAR and EAR exemptions, Technical Assistance Agreements (TAA), and Manufacturing License Agreements (MLAs).
The Trade Program Lead must understand the operational needs of the mission areas and coordinate with ITCO on all operational aspects of the international programs being managed. Serving as the primary point of contact for the mission areas on trade licensing and compliance matters, the Trade Program Lead will provide first-level triage, work with staff to determine appropriate trade authorizations, and guide staff on various import/export forms and recordkeeping requirements.
The mission areas will support the Trade Program Lead by integrating this individual into Sector/Department activities, including regular mission area meetings, project meetings, engagements, and daily work. Beyond communicating trade compliance requirements through these forums, the Trade Program Lead must develop a solid understanding of the various technologies within the mission area to address effectively domestic and international trade compliance needs. This role is for an experienced International Trade Compliance (ITC) professional who will oversee export and import activities for designated programs.
As the International Trade Program Lead, you will...
  • Understand and train program management and project technical staff on the Order of Review process for the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce.
  • Actively engage as a business partner with Program Management and Mission Area leadership.
  • Be sought after as the Mission Area international licensing and compliance subject matter expert (SME).
  • Demonstrate ability to act as consultant and trusted advisor to program management.
  • Demonstrate proficient technical knowledge of various trade regulations.
  • Know and understand business plans and strategies.
  • Function as professional authority and consultant, providing expert analysis of governmental export/import regulations, laws and requirements and interpretation of their interrelationships with specific and general activities.
  • Apply your knowledge of parts, components and systems as delineated in the ITAR and EAR.
  • Interact with program team personnel to understand products, software, technology, and services utilized in the mission area business segments.
  • Be responsible for the preparation, implementation, and modification of export license applications, TAAs, MLAs, and exemption/exception usage to support program execution and new business opportunities.
  • Provide focused training and guidance to ensure compliance with terms and conditions of approved export/import authorizations, and research/interpret complex Government regulations such as the ITAR and EAR.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's degree in field relevant to the duties as described above.
  • Have at least 5 years of relevant experience working with the ITAR and EAR performing jurisdiction and export classification reviews of hardware, software, and technical data.
  • Have experience with preparing authorizations and training on ITAR and EAR licenses, Technical Assistance Agreements, and exemptions.
  • Have working knowledge of the DECCs and SNAP-R licensing systems and international export and import shipping practices.
  • Have strong organizational skills and are proficient with MS Office programs and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Have strong inter-personal skills, including excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Are able to obtain an interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a Master's degree in a relevant field.
  • Have a least 6 years of experience as an export coordinator, preferably with ITAR and EAR export and import licensing and compliance experience.
  • Have an aerospace background.
  • Have experience with naval vessels.
  • Have a working knowledge of the OCR EASE import/export integrated database management system.
  • Have knowledge of research and development in a government contracting setting.
  • Are qualified, or have the ability to become qualified, as an Empowered Official.
  • Hold an active Top Secret level clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$72,400 Annually
Maximum Rate
$180,300 Annually