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Senior Program Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Dir II- Programs

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$173K - $294K/yr

Leading a team of program managers and supported by a cross functional organization of over 900 ... Deal effectively with senior level executives, customers, and partners, and resolve customer issues ...

BAE Systems

Dir II- Programs

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$173K - $294K/yr

Leading a team of program managers and supported by a cross functional organization of over 900 ... Deal effectively with senior level executives, customers, and partners, and resolve customer issues ...

Country House at Cedar Rapids

Sales Director - Senior Living Location: CountryHouse in Cedar Rapids, IA Schedule: Monday-Friday ... Employee Assistance Program: 24/7/365 company‑provided resources to support your emotional ...

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Senior Program Director information

See Iowa salary details

$36.6K

$108.2K

$146.1K

How much do senior program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior program director in Iowa is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Program Director, you need extensive experience in program management, strategic planning, and leadership, typically supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with project management tools (such as MS Project or Asana), budgeting software, and sometimes certifications like PMP or PgMP are highly valued. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and team-building skills set standout leaders apart in this role. These capabilities are crucial for effectively overseeing complex programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve successful outcomes.

What are Senior Program Directors?

Senior Program Directors are high-level managers responsible for overseeing multiple projects or programs within an organization. They provide strategic direction, ensure alignment with organizational goals, and manage teams of project managers or program coordinators. Their duties include budgeting, stakeholder communication, performance monitoring, and risk management. Senior Program Directors play a critical role in ensuring that programs are delivered on time, within scope, and meet the expected outcomes.

What is the difference between Senior Program Director vs Program Manager?

AspectSenior Program DirectorProgram Manager
CredentialsOften requires advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, PMP) and extensive experienceTypically requires a bachelor's degree; PMP or related certifications are common
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, overseeing multiple programs or departmentsOperational focus, managing specific projects or programs
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, nonprofits, government agenciesCommon across various industries, including corporate, tech, and healthcare
Search & Comparison IntentHigh-level strategic roles, leadership responsibilitiesProject execution, day-to-day management

The main difference between a Senior Program Director and a Program Manager lies in scope and responsibility. Senior Program Directors focus on strategic oversight and leadership across multiple programs, often requiring advanced credentials and extensive experience. Program Managers handle specific projects, focusing on execution and operational management. Both roles are vital but differ in their level of strategic involvement and organizational impact.

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

Senior Program Directors play a crucial role in aligning multiple departments—such as product development, marketing, finance, and operations—toward common program goals. They facilitate regular meetings, set clear expectations, and coordinate resources to address challenges and keep projects on track. Effective communication and relationship-building are essential, as the director must balance the needs and perspectives of various stakeholders while maintaining focus on overarching objectives. By fostering collaboration, they help ensure that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to a high standard.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Program Director jobs in Iowa? For Senior Program Director jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Program Director jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Program Director jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Program Director jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Program Director job openings:
Senior Program Director jobs near you
Dir II- Programs

Dir II- Programs

BAE Systems

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$173K - $294K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

BAE Systems rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 145 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description


BAE Systems' Navigation and Sensor Systems (NSS) is a global leader in GPS receiver, anti-jam, and navigation technologies for military and commercial markets. From the world's first GPS receiver to today's smallest, lowest power, and most robust Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions, NSS delivers mission critical performance across air, land, sea, and space platforms. The Cedar Rapids site houses a 280,000 sq ft state-of-the-art design and manufacturing facility that supports high volume production for a full portfolio that includes a complete range of PNT solutions.
The Airborne Navigation Director II will own the end-to-end strategy, development, delivery, and profitability of BAE Systems' airborne navigation product line (e.g. GPS embedded modules, anti-jam solutions, airworthiness certified solutions, etc.). This position will drive growth, innovate across the portfolio, and ensure successful integration of our solutions on a variety of military, UAS, and aircraft platforms. Leading a team of program managers and supported by a cross functional organization of over 900 people, this leader collaborates with some of the most capable people in the country.
Role Components:
  1. General management leadership skills are a key enabler
  2. Problem solving ability - requires advanced conceptual thinking in complex and/or completely new situations
  3. Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey strategies and explain complex information to the organization and external customers/stakeholders
  4. Strong financial acumen
  5. Developing a product line roadmap and strategy for products that field onto airborne and maritime platforms
  6. Negotiation skills - ability to negotiate at a high level with internal and external customers and partners - strong collaboration skills
  7. Project management of large, complex projects
  8. Experience leading major competitive proposals
  9. Experience bringing products through production
  10. Develop close working relationships with teams across the BAE Systems enterprise and with customers in support of current programs, and to help shape future growth opportunities.
  11. Strong risk and opportunity management skills at a portfolio level
  12. Experience working with defense industry OEMs
  13. Deal effectively with senior level executives, customers, and partners, and resolve customer issues of a complex nature
  14. Potential to advance to the VP/GM level
  15. Demonstrate leadership in safety, code of conduct/ethics, security and culture
  16. Demonstrated ability to lead large groups of employees and/or teams and experience in developing teams and coaching future leaders

About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Required Skills and Education
Role Skills:
  1. Demonstrated ability as a customer advocate with successful resolution of customer issues
  2. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute business strategy in a complex market
  3. Product line portfolio P&L responsibility in a business including multiple contracts and products/services/suppliers and geographic locations
  4. Production and supply chain management experience in a high-volume production environment
  5. Demonstrated ability to successfully lead an organization through major changes using change management skills
  6. Holds or ability to gain a Secret clearance required, Top Secret preferred

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