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Program Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA (NOW HIRING)

The successful candidate will serve as Volanno's single point of contact with the SJRRC Project Manager and lead all eight Scope of Services tasks About the Program ACE is a commuter rail service ...

Program Analyst

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

This opportunity supports a national public health program within the Department of Veterans Affairs, focused on disease surveillance and rapid response to emerging health events across the VA system.

Program Analyst

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

This opportunity supports a national public health program within the Department of Veterans Affairs, focused on disease surveillance and rapid response to emerging health events across the VA system.

PROGRAM TECHNICIAN II

San Jose, CA · On-site

$39K - $45K/yr

Job Posting Program Technician II: Under general supervision, the Program Technician (PT) II is responsible for processing the more difficult program specialist work. The PT II reviews and or ...

Program Manager (NVD)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Position Summary The Program Manager is responsible for leading cross-functional teams to successfully deliver customer programs across the full product lifecycle, including design, development, New ...

The Telephony Program Manager will perform migrations from AVAYA to Cisco UCCE Platform. The ideal Telephony Program Manager will possess strong knowledge of Call Back Assist that is compatible with ...

In this impactful role within our Finance Program Management Office (PMO), you will drive the planning and execution of cross-Finance process, technology, and data programs to optimize efficiency ...

Systems Program Manager Description - We are seeking a detail-oriented and driven Systems Program Manager to lead program development and product launches. This role is responsible for coordinating ...

Program Manager 2

San Jose, CA · On-site

$68.50/hr

Program Manager 2 Location : San Jose, CA 95110 Duration: 5 Months Work type : W2 Pay rate : $68.5 Program Leadership & Delivery * Drive planning and execution of the product roadmap in partnership ...

In this impactful role within our Finance Program Management Office (PMO), you will drive the planning and execution of cross-Finance process, technology, and data programs to optimize efficiency ...

Showing results 41-60

Program information

See Santa Cruz, CA salary details

$28.9K

$60.5K

$104.5K

How much do program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for program in Santa Cruz, CA is $60,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,200.00 and $68,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Program vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProgramProject Coordinator
CredentialsOften requires a bachelor's degree, PMP or similar certificationsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, some certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects within a program, strategic focusSupports individual projects, operational focus
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in various industries like IT, healthcare, governmentCommon in corporate, non-profit, and government sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding program management roles and responsibilitiesClarifying project coordination tasks and duties

While both roles involve managing aspects of projects, a Program manages multiple related projects to achieve strategic objectives, whereas a Project Coordinator supports individual projects by handling day-to-day tasks. The Program role is broader and more strategic, often requiring higher credentials, while the Project Coordinator focuses on operational support within specific projects.

What are some common challenges faced by program managers when coordinating multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Managers often face the challenge of balancing competing priorities across several projects, each with its own stakeholders, timelines, and resource requirements. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are crucial to address potential conflicts, align goals, and ensure that dependencies are managed properly. Collaborating closely with project managers, team leads, and executives is essential to mitigate risks, adapt to shifting business needs, and keep the overall program on track. Staying proactive and adaptable helps Program Managers successfully navigate these complexities.

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 abilities, organizational skills, and experience in overseeing multiple projects, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, and certifications such as PMP or Agile methodologies are commonly required. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help Program Managers coordinate teams and stakeholders effectively. These competencies are crucial for delivering complex programs on time, within scope, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

What is a program manager?

Program Managers are professionals responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and guiding multiple related projects within an organization to achieve strategic goals. They ensure that projects within a program align with business objectives, manage resources, mitigate risks, and communicate with stakeholders. Program Managers differ from Project Managers in that they focus on the bigger picture, managing interdependencies between projects and optimizing performance across the program. Their role is crucial for organizations aiming to deliver complex initiatives efficiently and effectively.
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Santa Cruz, CA? The most popular types of Program jobs in Santa Cruz, CA are:
What cities near Santa Cruz, CA are hiring for Program jobs? Cities near Santa Cruz, CA with the most Program job openings:
Infographic showing various Program job openings in Santa Cruz, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,458 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Program Manager

Volanno

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
Volanno is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead our technical consulting engagement for the modernization of the ACE Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) - including digital signage and station signage/wayfinding - across all ten ACE stations between Stockton and San Jose Diridon. The successful candidate will serve as Volanno's single point of contact with the SJRRC Project Manager and lead all eight Scope of Services tasks
About the Program
ACE is a commuter rail service operated by SJRRC that links California's Central Valley with the Silicon Valley, serving approximately 1.4 million passengers annually across 10 stations. SJRRC is modernizing the PIDS to deliver real-time arrival information, service alerts, multilingual messaging, branded content, and Public Address supported by SJRRC-supplied networking equipment and aligned with the SJRRC Signage and Wayfinding Manual. This advisory and technical consulting role does not include installation or construction, and the consultant does not conduct training.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as Volanno's lead Project Manager and primary point of contact with SJRRC's PM throughout the contract; SJRRC PM retains final approval authority on all decisions.
  • Manage project scope, budget, and schedule across all eight tasks of the Scope of Services and ensure on-time delivery within the 36-month period of performance.
  • Network Infrastructure Design - develop conceptual network alternatives and requirements (bandwidth, latency, redundancy, security protocols, GTFS integration). Note that SJRRC will supply ALL networking equipment for the PIDS/Digital Signage system network - the consultant is not procuring network hardware.
  • Oversee ADA & Regulatory Compliance - produce the ADA Compliance Requirements Matrix covering visual displays AND Public Address audio, identify FTA/DOT/FRA/Buy America mandates, and draft the Compliance Testing Protocol.
  • Lead single combined RFP/IFB Development - draft technical specifications, SOW, instructions to proposers, contract terms with required federal/state clauses, and evaluation criteria. Facilitate at least three review meetings with SJRRC staff.
  • Lead Signage & Wayfinding Planning - apply the SJRRC Signage and Wayfinding Manual to all 10 stations. Produce existing-conditions assessment, technical standards, placement guidelines, and order-of-magnitude cost/phasing strategy. Reference the MTC Regional Wayfinding Project where applicable.
  • Deliverables shall be procurement-ready, not final design or construction-level documents.
  • Participate on the SJRRC Evaluation Panel- pre-proposal meeting support, response to scope questions, evaluation review, and Board presentation of the staff report for the top-ranked contractor.
  • Manage Consultant Review and Project Implementation - review contractor product, lead proof-of-concept demonstrations, monitor budget/invoicing/contract performance, and conduct periodic on-site visits at ACE stations to review implementation progress.
  • Verify vendor training meets SJRRC's needs through requirements and design review and confirm completeness of training manuals.
  • Execute Project Handover and Closeout - finalize Volanno invoices, vendor contract closeout, and deliver records to SJRRC for retention.
  • Maintain weekly cadence with the SJRRC PM after the initial 180-day milestone period and provide regular written status updates.
  • Monitor federal funding compliance throughout - DOT/FTA Clauses, Buy America, EEO Certification, Lobbying Restrictions, and Debarment/Suspension certifications
  • Manage any Volanno subconsultants under the contract per Attachment B requirements and the SJRRC Sample Agreement.
  • Honor Volanno's firm-level restriction from proposing on the resulting PIDS procurement RFP/IFB; the restriction does not extend to other unrelated SJRRC/SJJPA solicitations.

Required Qualifications
  • 10+ years of project management experience leading public transit, commuter rail, or transportation technology modernization programs.
  • Demonstrated experience developing federally-compliant RFPs and/or IFBs (DOT, FTA, FRA clauses; Buy America; EEO; lobbying and debarment certifications).
  • In-depth working knowledge of ADA compliance requirements as they apply to passenger communication systems - visual displays (font size, color contrast, refresh rates), Public Address audio and audible features (text-to-speech, speaker placement), and tactile/Braille signage.
  • Experience specifying PIDS, digital signage, real-time passenger information, or comparable display systems in a public transit environment.
  • Experience specifying communications/IT network architecture (wired, wireless, fiber backbone, redundancy) at a procurement-ready level for distributed station deployments.
  • Experience applying agency-furnished signage and wayfinding standards manuals to multi-station deployments (the SJRRC Manual will not be released until award).
  • Strong stakeholder-interview and discovery skills - comfortable building requirements from scratch where as-builts and documentation are limited or proprietary.
  • Strong written communication skills suitable for technical specifications, SOWs, governance memoranda, and SJRRC Board presentations.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, transportation planning, IT, architecture, or related field preferred; equivalent professional experience considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications
  • PMP, AICP, RA, or PE certification.
  • Prior engagements with California transit agencies (SJRRC, Caltrain, BART, LA Metro, Sacramento RT, SMART) or interagency rail corridors.
  • Familiarity with FTA Circulars, the Caltrain/Union Pacific operating environment, and applying agency signage/wayfinding manuals to station programs.
  • Awareness of the MTC Regional Wayfinding Project and ability to reference it as a parallel program (this engagement is independent of MTC's harmonization work).
  • Working knowledge of GTFS, GTFS-RT, and real-time train arrival data feeds and message-broker integration.
  • Experience evaluating CalPIDS or comparable statewide passenger information display platforms.
  • Background coordinating with Union Pacific Railroad or the Caltrain Joint Powers Board on right-of-way or shared-station projects.
  • Experience overseeing acceptance testing, contractor site inspections, warranty management, and vendor training reviews.
  • Familiarity with digital advertising display monetization and shared advertising/branded content workflows.

Tools & Methods
  • Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or Smartsheet for scheduling.
  • Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and SharePoint for collaboration and deliverables.
  • Bluebeam, AutoCAD, or similar for reviewing station/architectural drawings.
  • PlanetBids™ vendor portal familiarity (used by SJRRC for procurement administration).

Performance Expectations
  • A single combined, approved RFP (covering PIDS + Signage/Wayfinding) ready for release within 180 days of NTP, per the RFP milestone schedule.
  • Tasks deliverables submitted on the monthly cadence specified in Section 5(D) of the RFP.
  • All deliverables federally compliant, procurement-ready (not construction-level), and suitable for release with minimal SJRRC administrative additions.
  • Periodic on-site visits to ACE stations during implementation to validate progress.
  • Zero conflict-of-interest violations and full disclosure under the SJRRC Conflict-of-Interest Mitigation requirements.

Company Profile
Volanno is a certified woman-owned small business headquartered in Washington, DC. As an IT solution provider, our services include software development, data analytics, and technology implementation. From scoping and defining to implementation and support, we are ready to support our clients' needs at any stage of development in designing and building solutions that prepare them for the future.
Volanno is an equal opportunity employer. Volanno will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status
Salary Description
200,000K