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Program Leader Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Forest Service

Program Leader

Baltimore, MD · On-site +1

$169K - $197K/yr

Summary This position serves as a Program Leader on a headquarters staff within the Office of the Deputy Chief for Research in the Forest Service's national headquarters. For additional information ...

Melwood

Be Seen First

Program Leader-Weekend

Nanjemoy, MD · On-site

$250/wk

PROGRAM LEADER, WEEKENDS -($250 each weekend) Flexibility on arrival times on Friday, Saturday 8am-6pm and Sunday 8am-2pm.Recreation Center Job Details Description Flexibility on arrival times on ...

Badlands LLC

Enrichment Program Leader

Rockville, MD

In this new program, students will be in pods with a dedicated Leader, providing a safe learning environment with support in digital studies, vital social interactions and mindful play. Full-time and ...

Badlands LLC

Enrichment Program Leader

Rockville, MD · On-site

In this new program, students will be in pods with a dedicated Leader, providing a safe learning environment with support in digital studies, vital social interactions and mindful play. Full-time and ...

CNIC Careers

Child and Youth Program Leader

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$27.67/hr

CYP Leaders implement program and supervise participant safety, coach/mentor CYP Assistants, assist trainers and interact with parents. They work across age groups and locations as needed, but are ...

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Program Leader information

See Maryland salary details

$24.3K

$87.9K

$114K

How much do program leader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for program leader in Maryland is $87,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $113,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program leader?

A Program Leader is a professional responsible for overseeing and managing specific programs within an organization. Their duties typically include planning, implementing, and evaluating program activities, as well as coordinating staff and resources to achieve program goals. They also monitor budgets, ensure compliance with policies, and communicate progress to stakeholders. Program Leaders often work in education, non-profits, or corporate settings, providing leadership and support to ensure successful program outcomes.

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

As a Program Leader, you'll regularly coordinate with various departments such as project management, engineering, marketing, and operations to align goals and timelines. Effective communication is key, as you'll facilitate meetings, resolve interdepartmental challenges, and ensure everyone is working toward shared objectives. Building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative environment are essential for addressing obstacles quickly and keeping programs on track. This role often requires balancing strategic oversight with hands-on problem-solving alongside team members.

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

To thrive as a Program Leader, you need strong project management abilities, leadership experience, and often a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Asana), budgeting tools, and sometimes certifications such as PMP are common requirements. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills set standout Program Leaders apart. These competencies ensure effective program delivery, team coordination, and achievement of organizational goals.

What is the difference between Program Leader vs Project Manager?

AspectProgram LeaderProject Manager
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., PgMP, PMP), experience in leadership rolesProject management certifications (e.g., PMP), specific project experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects or initiatives within a program, strategic focusManages individual projects, tactical focus
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in organizations with complex, multi-project programs, such as NGOs, corporationsCommon across industries for managing specific projects in IT, construction, etc.

The main difference is that a Program Leader oversees multiple related projects to achieve broader organizational goals, while a Project Manager focuses on executing a single project efficiently. The Program Leader has a strategic, high-level role, whereas the Project Manager handles day-to-day project operations.

More about Program Leader jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Leader jobs in Maryland?

The most popular types of Program Leader jobs in Maryland are:

What are popular job titles related to Program Leader jobs in Maryland?

For Program Leader jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Leader jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Leader jobs in Maryland are:

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Program Leader jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Program Leader job openings:

Program Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Leader job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,888 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Program Leader

Baltimore, MD • On-site

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 294 rated public sector bodies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers

Learn more about U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)external

$169K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

This position serves as a Program Leader on a headquarters staff within the Office of the Deputy Chief for Research in the Forest Service's national headquarters.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Wendy Zirngibl at wendy.zirngibl@usda.gov.
Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled in any of the job series listed below.
Basic Requirement:
GS-0101 Series:
Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
GS-0401 Series:
Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a major field of study that included 24 semester hours in course work in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. Related course work generally refers to courses that may be accepted as part of the program major.
OR
A combination of education and experience that included 24 semester hours in course work in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to the position, AND experience sufficient to demonstrate that I possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform work in the occupation that is comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a full 4-year course of study with a major in the appropriate field needed to perform the work of the position.
GS-1301 Series:
Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GS-15 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level.
Qualifying specialized experience is defined as three or more of the following:
  • Provided national level leadership and expertise for a complex scientific or technical program;
  • Led strategic national program development and planning, including assessing existing activities, identifying emerging issues, anticipating knowledge needs, and coordinating across mission areas;
  • Advised senior Forest Service and USDA leaders on strategic and technical program matters;
  • Led national program planning, coordination, and integration across mission areas;
  • Developed, justified, and managed program budgets and evaluated program performance;
  • Worked as a team leader or team member to support interdisciplinary, interagency collaboration and ensure accountability for integrated policy, communication, and customer service.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. This requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.Education:There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.Employment Type: OTHER

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