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Program Manager Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Grad Medical Edu Prog Mgr Job Summary: The Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Medicine & Public Health is seeking a Graduate Medical Education Program Manager to ...

The Program Manager will oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of strategic programs, ensuring alignment with business objectives, timelines, budgets, and quality standards. This role ...

The Program Manager plays a central role in administering UW-Madison's research security compliance program, with supporting responsibilities in export control. This position conducts research ...

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Program Manager information

See Madison, WI salary details

$38.8K

$108.4K

$158.3K

How much do program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager in Madison, WI is $108,357.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,200.00 and $133,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are program managers?

Program managers are professionals responsible for overseeing multiple related projects within an organization, ensuring they align with strategic goals and deliver expected outcomes. They coordinate the efforts of project managers, manage resources, set priorities, and address risks and issues that arise across the program. Unlike project managers who focus on individual projects, program managers take a broader view, ensuring that all projects within a program work together effectively to achieve long-term business objectives.

What jobs make $1,000,000 a year?

Program managers in large corporations or technology firms can earn over $1 million annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, and executive-level responsibilities. High-level executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions also frequently reach or exceed this income level, often requiring extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced education. These roles typically involve strategic decision-making, significant accountability, and long working hours.

Can I be a PM without experience?

While some entry-level program management roles may accept candidates with limited experience, most Program Managers are expected to have several years of relevant experience, strong organizational skills, and knowledge of project management tools like MS Project or Jira. Gaining certifications such as PMP can also improve prospects for those new to the field.

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

To thrive as a Program Manager, you need strong project management skills, strategic planning abilities, and a relevant degree, often supported by certifications like PMP or Agile. Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, or Asana is essential for tracking progress and managing resources. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you motivate teams and navigate complex stakeholder environments. These competencies ensure that programs are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals.

What jobs pay 200,000 a year in the USA?

Program Managers in large organizations or those with extensive experience, certifications, and specialized skills can earn $200,000 or more annually. High-paying roles often require leadership, strategic planning, and project management expertise, along with industry-specific knowledge and advanced certifications like PMP or PgMP.

What are some common challenges Program Managers face when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Program Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning priorities across diverse teams, managing conflicting stakeholder expectations, and ensuring clear communication among departments with different workflows. Navigating these challenges requires strong negotiation and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to build consensus and foster collaboration. Successful Program Managers proactively establish regular check-ins, promote transparency, and adapt strategies to keep projects on track and maintain team engagement.

What Is the Job of a Program Manager?

The job of a program manager is to plan, organize, and coordinate management programs or external programs for a business or institution. As a program manager, your duties vary depending on the type of organization for which you work, but many of the responsibilities for this role are similar or overlap. You typically supervise numerous associates and analysts who help prepare data and assessments about current programming and how it can be improved. You help to implement new programs for employees or customers and promote them through HR or outreach coordinators and marketing professionals. You also assess individual projects and how they interact with one another.

What is the role of the program manager?

A program manager oversees multiple related projects within an organization to ensure they align with strategic goals. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, and track progress, often using project management tools like MS Project or Jira. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Program Manager vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProgram ManagerProject Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree, PMP or similar certifications often preferredUsually requires a bachelor’s degree; certifications like CAPM are common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects within a program, strategic focusSupports project teams, handles administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries like IT, construction, healthcareCommon in similar industries, supporting project execution

The Program Manager focuses on managing multiple related projects to achieve strategic goals, while the Project Coordinator supports individual projects with administrative and logistical tasks. Both roles require coordination skills, but the Program Manager has a broader, strategic scope.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Program jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Program Manager jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Manager job openings in Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,357 per year, or $52.1 per hour.
Research Program Manager

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Madison rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category: Academic Staff
Employment Type: Regular
Job Profile: Research Program Manager (B)
Job Summary:
The successful applicant for this position will assist in the management of the various components of a nonhuman primate colony that consists of approximately 1600 individual animals of three species (Macaca mulatta, Macaca fascicularis, and Callithrix jacchus) that are housed in four separate buildings at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC). These components include the animal husbandry program, the colony management program, the research support program, environmental enhancement program, the facilities maintenance program, and the animal care personnel management program.
Under the direction of the WNPRC Attending Veterinarian and Associate Director of the Animal Services Division (ASD), the successful applicant will be responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of the entire nonhuman primate husbandry program of the WNPRC. Working closely with their supervisor, the Colony Services Unit Head (CSUH) will administer a program of colony management that maintains the breeding colonies of the WNPRC and provides quality animals for the scientific projects of the Center's investigators. In collaboration with veterinary and research support staff, the CSUH will provide support for the major research programs housed at the Center. Additionally, the CSUH will collaborate with the Behavioral Services Unit to ensure execution of the Center's environmental enrichment plan. The CSUH will work closely with the WNPRC Facilities Manager and the Compliance Manager to ensure that the holding and support facilities are maintained within regulatory guidelines and to provide a safe environment for the animals and all personnel working directly with Center animals. Finally, the CSUH, in coordination with the five CSU Animal Care Managers, will assist in the performance evaluation process of all animal care personnel.
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Plans, develops, and implements processes and protocols to support research aims
  • Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
  • Serves as a unit liaison and subject matter expert among internal and external stakeholder groups, collaborates across disciplines and functional areas, provides program information, and promotes the accomplishments and developments of scholars and research initiatives
  • Monitors program budget(s) and approves unit expenditures
  • Develops policies, procedures, and institutional agreements on behalf of the program
  • Plans and directs the day-to-day operational activities of one or multiple research programs or units according to established research objectives in alignment with strategic plans and initiatives
  • Assists in the development, coordination, and facilitation of trainings and workshops for internal and external audiences to disseminate research program developments and information

Department: UWMSN | OVCR | WNPRC Veterinary Services
Compensation: Negotiable (Annual)
Required Qualifications:
For candidates with a relevant BA/BS degree, a minimum of four years' demonstrated experience managing or assisting in the management of a large nonhuman primate (NHP) colony is required to qualify for consideration for this position. For candidates without a BA/BS degree, a minimum of eight years' demonstrated experience managing a large NHP colony is required, as well as certification by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) or Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) level.
The qualified candidate will also possess extensive experience performing animal husbandry and
biomedical research support for a captive colony of nonhuman primates. Experience supervising,
communicating with and motivating a large staff of animal care technicians is a necessity. An ability
to lead, make difficult decisions and implement them while developing a strong sense of teamwork is
essential. Knowledge of biomedical and behavioral research, excellent computing skills, and strong
commitment to animals and their well-being are also required for this position. Detailed knowledge of
research procedures and animal welfare regulations and solid administrative abilities are also
expected.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated experience overseeing colony management programs, including breeding strategies, population planning, pedigree management, and census reporting.
  • Experience developing and monitoring departmental budgets, forecasting resource needs, and managing contracts or vendor relationships.
  • Experience developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and quality assurance programs for animal care and research support operations.
  • Experience with AAALAC accreditation visits and regulatory inspections (e.g., USDA, IACUC, etc.)
  • Previous employment at a National Primate Research Center or major academic biomedical research institution
Education:
Preferred
Bachelor's Degree
BA/BS in biological sciences or related field strongly preferred.
Physical Demands:
  • Standing - Frequently
  • Walking - Frequently
  • Sitting - Frequently
  • Lifting - Frequently 10-60 lbs
  • Carrying - Frequently 10-60 lbs
  • Pushing - Frequently 60-1200 lbs
  • Pulling - Frequently 60-1200 lbs
Work Environment:
  • Extreme Heat
  • Humid
  • Wet
  • Noise
  • Hazards

Additional Information:
  • Applicant must be comfortable working with nonhuman primates, infectious pathogens and other biohazards, and chemicals/medications in a medical research setting, and wearing various required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Must be TB negative
  • Applicant will be required to have a measles titer within the first week of employment. Depending on the results of the blood test, applicant may need to be immunized.
  • Allergies to animals must be controlled by medication
  • This is considered an essential position and, as such, applicant must be willing to fulfill the duties of the position.
  • Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the University and to protect the University from both actual conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license that meets standards of UW Risk Management in order tooperate WNPRC vehicles
  • A one-year period of evaluation will be required.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (I.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
The WNPRC is one of seven federally supported National Primate Research Centers and the only one in the Midwest. WNPRC's mission is to increase the understanding of basic primate biology and to improve human health and quality of life through research. To accomplish this, the WNPRC helps discover treatments, preventions and cures for human disease; generates new knowledge of primate biology, from the molecular and whole animal levels to the understanding of primate ecosystems; facilitates research progress by providing expertise, resources and training to scientists worldwide; and collects primate information and disseminates to the research community and to the public.
Based in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) of the University of Wisconsin- Madison (UW-Madison), the WNPRC is committed to diversity both as an end in itself, but also as a valuable means for eliminating health disparities through research.
How to Apply:
We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a CV/resume detailing your educational and professional background. Please keep in mind that applicants need to articulate all required qualifications in their cover letter and/or resume. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews.
Applicants will also be asked to provide contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.
Contact Information:
HR Generalist: Kate Rouman
  • krouman@wisc.edu
  • (608) 263-9183

Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying to.Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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About University of Wisconsin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005