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Senior Program Director Jobs in Merrifield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Eliassen Group

Sr. Program Director

Washington, DC · On-site

They are seeking a Sr. Program Director to lead a Security Operations Center program, ensuring the delivery of mission-critical cybersecurity services and managing stakeholder relationships.

Eliassen Group

Sr. Program Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

On-site in Washington, DC Our client seeks a Sr. Program Director to lead a Security Operations Center program. The role shall ensure delivery of mission-critical cybersecurity services, drive ...

Eliassen Group

Sr. Program Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

On-site in Washington, DC Our client seeks a Sr. Program Director to lead a Security Operations Center program. The role shall ensure delivery of mission-critical cybersecurity services, drive ...

MetroStar

Sr. Program Director III (6674)

Washington, DC · On-site

$174K - $210K/yr

The Sr. Program Director III will lead and oversee a Cybersecurity/Security Operations Center (SOC) program, ensuring the delivery of mission-critical cybersecurity services, adherence to SLAs, and ...

MetroStar

Sr. Program Director III (6674)

Washington, DC

$174K - $210K/yr

The Sr. Program Director III will lead and oversee a Cybersecurity/Security Operations Center (SOC) program, ensuring the delivery of mission-critical cybersecurity services, adherence to SLAs, and ...

Peraton

Program Director

Arlington, VA · On-site

Minimum 5 years in senior program/account management with P&L responsibility * Demonstrated experience interfacing with C-Suite and senior government executives * Experience managing multi-tower ...

Peraton

Program Director

Arlington, VA · On-site

Minimum 5 years in senior program/account management with P&L responsibility * Demonstrated experience interfacing with C-Suite and senior government executives * Experience managing multi-tower ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Program Director

Silver Spring, MD · Remote

The Program Director will provide senior executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for professional engineering and technical support services in support of NOAA. This role ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Program Director

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

The Program Director will provide senior executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for professional engineering and technical support services in support of NOAA. This role ...

CRi

Program Director

VA · On-site

The Program Director is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of care and overall ... Under direct supervision of the Senior Director of Clinical Services or designee.

Unissant

Program Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$147K - $213K/yr

The Program Director must have at least 10 years of Program Management experience involving large ... Lead a team of senior professionals to deliver exceptional services, ensuring proper resource ...

Unissant

Program Director

Herndon, VA · On-site

$147K - $213K/yr

The Program Director must have at least 10 years of Program Management experience involving large ... Lead a team of senior professionals to deliver exceptional services, ensuring proper resource ...

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All JobsProgram JobsSenior Program Director JobsSenior Program Director Jobs in Merrifield, VA

Senior Program Director information

See Merrifield, VA salary details

$38.9K

$114.9K

$155.1K

How much do senior program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior program director in Merrifield, VA is $114,861.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,700.00 and $116,200.00 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 cities near Merrifield, VA are hiring for Senior Program Director jobs? Cities near Merrifield, VA with the most Senior Program Director job openings:
Senior Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Program Director job openings in Merrifield, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,861 per year, or $55.2 per hour.

Senior Program Director

Belcan Government Solutions

Sterling, VA • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Cognizant's Government Solutions business unit is an information technology strategy and solutions organization focused on providing services that allow Federal Government agencies to deliver on the promise of technology. Cognizant Government Solutions leads complex IT programs for Federal Government agencies in national security, defense, intelligence, health, and finance. Our mission is to deliver and support innovative solutions for large, complex Federal Government enterprises with a targeted focus on higher end differentiated services that solve mission critical client issues.
We are seeking a Senior Program Director with successful experience in both program execution and business growth. The Program Director reports to a Division Vice President and is responsible for managing full operations of a portfolio. A portfolio consists of multiple projects and programs. The Program Director is fully responsible and accountable for participate in strategy planning, customer relations, customer satisfaction, successful project execution, financial performance of all projects, growth related activities, and employee management within their portfolio.
Job Duties:
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop trusting business relations with customers and attain high levels of customer satisfaction on all programs in your portfolio.
  • Successfully execute all programs-high quality, on-time and within budget with minimal issues.
  1. Lead multi-disciplinary, geographically diverse staff and while striving to prevent attrition through employee satisfaction and commitment to mission.
  2. Work closely with existing and new customers to maintain and grow our business.
  3. Perform market research to qualify new business opportunities, including analysis of customer budget, capabilities required, current customer preferences, competitive environment assessments, and incumbent strengths and weaknesses.
  4. Coordinate meetings with customers, competitors, clients, and partners to develop market insight on requirements, acquisition strategy, acquisition timing, and contract vehicle choices.
  5. Interact routinely with Operating Group leads, functional managers, technical staff, and customers.
  • Drive strategic growth efforts in coordination with senior leadership, business development leaders, growth operations team members, and Cognizant Service Line SMEs. In some cases, a capture manager will be assigned based upon resource availability; in other cases capture activities may be self-lead by the Program Director.
  1. Manage pipeline data accurately.
  2. Implementing CGS's Acquisition Process activities to drive successful capture outcomes in coordination with leadership, business development, cross-functional teams, and Cognizant service lines.
  3. Ensuring qualified capture team personnel are assigned and aligned with the strategy for assigned pursuits.
  4. Integrating solutions from Cognizant service lines, and partners (as required) to enable architecting and implementation of winning strategies.
  5. Support the development and execution of comprehensive customer engagement campaigns aligned to targeted business opportunities.
  6. Identifying and developing approaches to mitigate risks associated with business pursuits.
  7. Leading a matrixed capture organization.
  8. Stakeholder management and keeping the senior leadership informed and engaged.
  9. Facilitating the development of bid strategy, proposal strategies, competitive analysis, and position-to-win for both priority programs and new opportunities.
  10. Analyzing and sharing business intelligence and developments relevant to business pursuits.
  11. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of modern capture management requirements and processes.
  12. Collaborating across the company to recommend and justify company investment to position and win new business.
  13. Driving collaboration across the organization, corporate and functional leadership to develop compelling and compliant proposals.
  14. Leading strategic captures.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in an IT-related field or equivalent experience plus at least fifteen years of relevant professional experience.
  • At least 15 years of program management experience. Relevant portfolio management preferred.
  • Experience with US Government contracting and program management processes.
  • Extensive knowledge of Complex Program Implementation and Operations in Government environments.
  • Experience developing go-to-market strategies preferred.
  • Experience leading capture activities, pipeline management, and having a history of new program wins preferred.
  • An understanding and working knowledge of accounting and reporting systems.
  • Proven ability and experience in managing the business aspects of programs including risk management and budget.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Excellent customer relationship skills.
  • Strong leadership skills to manage a large, diverse staff including subcontractors and intercompany resources in a virtual environment.
  • PMI certification (PMP or PgMP) preferred.
  • Candidate must have an entrepreneurial and growth mindset along with a sense of ownership.
  • Experience with operating and growing portfolios in Department of War organizations.
  • Secret clearance (Top Secret preferred).

Compensation:

We provide a competitive pay and benefits package. This position is offering a salary range of $180,000-$220,000 per year. Belcan considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to education, experience, geographic location, and discipline. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law.

www.belcan.com

Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.