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Senior Program Manager Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

The Hunt Institute

Senior Program Manager

Cary, NC · On-site

$107K - $107K/yr

The Senior Program Manager will report directly to the Director of State Engagement. The position is based out of The Hunt Institute's office in Cary, North Carolina. What you'll do Program Strategy ...

Freese Nichols

Senior Program Manager

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

$112K - $113K/yr

Freese and Nichols is currently seeking a Senior Program Manager to join our team in Raleigh, Charlotte, or Winston-Salem, North Carolina . In this role, you will take the lead in managing complex ...

Freese and Nichols

Senior Program Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$112K - $113K/yr

Freese and Nichols is currently seeking a Senior Program Manager to join our team in Raleigh, Charlotte, or Winston-Salem, North Carolina . In this role, you will take the lead in managing complex ...

Contiem

Sr. Program Manager

Cary, NC · On-site

$108K - $109K/yr

Position Summary The Sr. Program Manager, Professional Services, will be responsible for overseeing long and short-term strategic and tactical planning, as well as the day-to-day activities required ...

Contiem

Sr. Program Manager

Cary, NC · On-site +1

$120K - $130K/yr

Position Summary The Sr. Program Manager, Professional Services, will be responsible for overseeing long and short-term strategic and tactical planning, as well as the day-to-day activities required ...

Contiem

Sr. Program Manager

Cary, NC · On-site +1

$120K - $130K/yr

Position Summary The Sr. Program Manager, Professional Services, will be responsible for overseeing long and short-term strategic and tactical planning, as well as the day-to-day activities required ...

Contiem

Sr. Program Manager

Cary, NC · On-site +1

$108K - $109K/yr

Position Summary The Sr. Program Manager, Professional Services, will be responsible for overseeing long and short-term strategic and tactical planning, as well as the day-to-day activities required ...

Contiem

Sr. Program Manager

Cary, NC · On-site

$130K/yr

Position Summary The Sr. Program Manager, Professional Services, will be responsible for overseeing long and short-term strategic and tactical planning, as well as the day-to-day activities required ...

SAS

Sr Program Manager, Continuous Monitoring

Cary, NC · On-site

$108K - $109K/yr

Senior Program Manager, Continuous Monitoring - Hybrid, Cary, North Carolina We're a leader in data and AI. Through our software and services, we inspire customers around the world to transform data ...

SAS

Sr Program Manager, Continuous Monitoring

Cary, NC · On-site

$108K - $109K/yr

Senior Program Manager, Continuous Monitoring - Hybrid, Cary, North Carolina We're a leader in data and AI. Through our software and services, we inspire customers around the world to transform data ...

Fujifilm

Senior Program Manager

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$100K - $100K/yr

Position Overview Program Manager is accountable for the planning & delivery of programs from the point of contract signature (Scope of Work / Letter of Intent /Contract) through program closure. The ...

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All JobsProgram JobsSenior Program Manager JobsSenior Program Manager Jobs in Durham, NC

Senior Program Manager information

See Durham, NC salary details

$37.7K

$111.3K

$150.3K

How much do senior program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior program manager in Durham, NC is $111,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,100.00 and $112,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior program manager?

A senior program manager can work in many industries, including healthcare, construction, and technology, to improve the efficiency and profitability of a business or organization. As a senior program manager, your job duties involve using analytical skills to manage a project while overseeing a team. You organize resources, stay within budget, use SDLC guidelines, assess project risk, provide quality control to meet goals, and report on development. Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and industry experience, but an MBA specializing in project management can give you a competitive edge. Desired skills include leadership, organization, and the ability to conduct research. Having a diverse business background is also beneficial for this career.

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

A Senior Program Manager regularly works with cross-functional teams by facilitating communication among stakeholders, aligning project goals, and resolving conflicts that may arise between departments. They often lead meetings, set clear expectations, and provide updates to ensure all teams are on track with deliverables and timelines. Building strong relationships with product, engineering, finance, and other relevant teams is crucial to proactively identify and address potential risks. This collaborative approach not only streamlines workflows but also fosters a culture of accountability and shared ownership of program outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Senior Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree and significant management experience. Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, and project management certifications like PMP or Agile are typically required. Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this position. These skills are crucial for aligning teams, delivering complex projects on time, and driving organizational objectives.

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

AspectSenior Program ManagerProject Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, PMP or PgMP certification, extensive experience in program managementUsually requires a bachelor's degree, PMP certification often preferred, less extensive experience needed
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple related projects within a program, strategic focusManages individual projects, tactical focus
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, tech, healthcare, and finance sectorsWidely used across industries for specific project delivery

The Senior Program Manager focuses on managing multiple projects aligned with organizational goals, requiring strategic oversight and extensive experience. In contrast, the Project Manager handles individual projects, ensuring timely delivery and scope management. Both roles are vital but differ mainly in scope and complexity.

How much does a senior program manager make in the US?

A senior program manager in the US typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, with variations based on industry, location, and experience. Many senior program managers also receive bonuses and benefits, and strong project management skills and certifications like PMP can influence salary levels.
More about Senior Program Manager jobs

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For Senior Program Manager jobs in Durham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Program Manager jobs in Durham, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Program Manager jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Senior Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Senior Program Manager job openings:

Senior Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Program Manager job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,274 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

Senior Program Manager

Cary, NC • On-site

The Hunt Institute
Executive Offices and Legislative Bodies • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about The Hunt Instituteexternal

$107K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

The Hunt Institute's mission is to provide unbiased research, technical expertise, and learning opportunities that equip and empower educators and policymakers to drive equitable reforms and become audacious champions for education. Since its establishment in 2001, the organization has emerged as a recognized and credible leader in the movement to transform American public education and a go-to source for reliable, objective, and timely information. The Institute works at the intersection of education policy and politics, supporting state and national officials and empowering them to drive education reform. Its mandate is to inspire and equip elected officials and senior policymakers to make informed decisions that improve the lives of all children. The Institute's primary audience consists of governors, legislators, and other elected and state-level policymakers.
*We are reposting this opportunity to reach a wider pool of candidates. If you applied during our earlier posting, thank you-your application is still being reviewed, and you do not need to reapply.
About the role
The Hunt Institute is seeking a Senior Program Manager (SPM) to join our State Engagement team. The SPM develops sessions and content for State Legislators Retreats, Hunt State Policy Fellows, and support other Institute work as needed, including conducting research and analysis on relevant policy issues and providing information for reports, policy briefs, primers, and case studies for dissemination. The ideal candidate will also Identify and cultivate relationships with diverse state leaders, including Governors' officers, legislators, state departments of education and other key contacts. The Senior Program Manager will report directly to the Director of State Engagement. The position is based out of The Hunt Institute's office in Cary, North Carolina.
What you'll do
Program Strategy & Execution
  • Plans, develops, implements, and coordinates Hunt Institute project(s) or program(s).
  • Manages, and oversees the daily administrative components of program(s)/project(s).
  • Define program goals, objectives, and success metrics, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
  • Coordinate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders, providing regular program updates and reports.
  • Manage program budgets, ensuring projects are completed within budgetary constraints.
  • Create agendas, identify speakers, track registration, coordinate with the events & State Engagement team, and serve as overall manager of assigned Hunt Institute programs and events.
  • Lead program evaluation and post-program reviews to assess successes, challenges, and lessons learned.

Project Management
  • Manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
  • Identify and implement improvements to strengthen The Hunt Institute's support for state early learning education and policy.
  • Ensure project schedules and timelines facilitate meaningful participation from elected officials.
  • Provide grant deliverable details regarding impact for grant and funder applications and reports.
  • Perform all related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Commitment to the mission and vision of The Hunt Institute, alongside a passion for challenging entrenched systems of educational inequity towards the bettering of public education for all children.
  • Awareness of key state and national education policy issues.
  • Exceptional project management skills.
  • A strong work ethic, with a results-oriented philosophy and personal qualities of trustworthiness, openness, accessibility, kindness, flexibility, and a sense of humor.
  • Ability to handle multiple assignments and accomplish deadlines; ability to pay attention to accuracy and detail while thinking broadly.
  • Bachelor's degree is required.
  • Minimum three years' experience in public policy, government relations or public relations required. Experience working directly for or with elected officials is preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible, responsive work style.
  • Ability to travel (anticipated 10 - 15%).

Ideal candidates will also demonstrate:
  • Knowledge of state and national P-16 education policy.
  • Resourcefulness and good judgment.
  • Leadership by example.
  • The value of diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives.
  • Integrity/ethics beyond reproach.
  • Constant seeking to apply best practices.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, strong project management, and the ability to handle multiple deadlines simultaneously.
  • Willingness to travel and work outside regular business hours as needed for event schedules.
  • Willingness to work collaboratively and consider new ideas.
  • Commitment to The Hunt Institute's mission, vision, financial growth, and success.

Benefits and Compensation
The Hunt Institute offers competitive compensation and an attractive benefits package, including employer paid health, dental and vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan with an employer matching contribution policy.
We feel passionately about equal pay for equal work, and transparency in compensation is one vehicle to achieve that. The salary recruitment range for this position is $79,240- $87,164
Work Schedule
This position is based out of our office at 5000 Centregreen Way, Suite 150, Cary, NC, 27513. This is a hybrid position requiring on-site presence at our office in Cary, NC, three days per week. The remaining two days may be completed remotely from your home office. Employees are expected on-site on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to collaborate on team projects and attend strategic planning meetings. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.
Office hours: 8:30am-5:00pm
Equal Employment Opportunity
At The Hunt Institute, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other protected status designated by federal, state or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference check and background investigation.

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