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Senior Program Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sphinx Defense

Senior Program Manager

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$118K - $119K/yr

You'll be partnering with the CEO, VP of Engineering, Program Director, Chief Engineer and ... Senior Technical Leadership Mentoring and Guidance * Management of Program Schedule, Budget and ...

ValidaTek, Inc.

Senior Program Manager

Quantico, VA · On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

Collaborate with Government Contracting Officer's Representatives (CORs), Product Owners, technical ... Coordinate with senior ValidaTek leadership to provide visibility into program performance from ...

Mayvin

Senior Program Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Mayvin, Inc. is seeking a Sr Program Analyst/Action Officer to support a government Program Manager execute their program. This role provides programmatic, technical, and acquisition support within ...

Diaconia

Senior Program Manager

Springfield, VA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

The Program Manager will oversee contract execution across multiple task areas while ensuring ... O organizations. * Familiarity with FITARA, OMB, DHS, and Federal IT governance processes.

OBXtek Inc.

Senior Program Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$112K - $113K/yr

Performs Staff Action Control Officer (TMT) task for Ops * Develops, Plans Coordinates ... Provides Non-Program Specific Data Calls, weekly reports, and RFIs * Coordinates travel ...

OBXtek Inc.

Senior Program Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$112K - $113K/yr

Performs Staff Action Control Officer (TMT) task for Ops * Develops, Plans Coordinates ... Provides Non-Program Specific Data Calls, weekly reports, and RFIs * Coordinates travel ...

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All JobsProgram Officer JobsSenior Program Officer JobsSenior Program Officer Jobs in Virginia

Senior Program Officer information

See Virginia salary details

$33.2K

$99.5K

$154.2K

How much do senior program officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior program officer in Virginia is $99,504.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,900.00 and $130,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Senior Program Officers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve program objectives?

Senior Program Officers often serve as a bridge between internal departments, external partners, and stakeholders, ensuring alignment on program goals and deliverables. They regularly coordinate with finance, communications, monitoring and evaluation, and subject-matter experts to design, implement, and assess programs. Effective communication, project management, and negotiation skills are essential as they facilitate meetings, address challenges, and adjust strategies to drive successful outcomes. This collaborative environment provides opportunities to develop leadership and expand professional networks.

What is the difference between Senior Program Officer vs Program Officer?

AspectSenior Program OfficerProgram Officer
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often master's; experience in program managementBachelor's degree; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeading projects, strategic planning, supervising staffAssisting in program implementation, supporting senior staff
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies, foundationsSimilar organizations, entry to mid-level roles
Search & Comparison IntentHigher responsibility, leadership rolesEntry to mid-level roles, support functions

The main difference between a Senior Program Officer and a Program Officer lies in responsibility and experience. Senior Program Officers typically lead projects, develop strategies, and supervise staff, requiring more experience and advanced skills. Program Officers focus on supporting program activities, assisting senior staff, and implementing plans. Both roles are common in nonprofits, government, and foundation sectors, but the senior position involves greater leadership and decision-making responsibilities.

What are Senior Program Officers?

Senior Program Officers are experienced professionals who oversee the planning, development, and implementation of programs within an organization, often in the nonprofit, government, or philanthropic sectors. They are responsible for managing program staff, budgets, and partnerships, as well as ensuring programs align with organizational goals and strategies. Senior Program Officers often evaluate program effectiveness, report on outcomes, and may help in securing funding or grants. Their role requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

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

To thrive as a Senior Program Officer, you need expertise in program management, strategic planning, and sector-specific knowledge, usually supported by a relevant degree and several years of experience. Familiarity with grant management systems, project management software, and monitoring and evaluation tools is typically required. Strong leadership, relationship-building, and communication skills help drive collaboration and effective stakeholder engagement. These competencies ensure successful program delivery, efficient resource use, and measurable impact in complex organizational environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Program Officer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Program Officer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Program Officer jobs in Virginia? For Senior Program Officer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Program Officer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Program Officer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Program Officer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Program Officer job openings:
Senior Program Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Program Officer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,504 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Senior Program Manager

Sphinx Defense

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$118K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

ABOUT SPHINX
Sphinx builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space. Founded by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on. We're here to do better.
We're focused on building modern, scalable products with an emphasis on using open source technologies. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who emphasize collaboration, transparency, and individual responsibility.
ABOUT SPHINX
Sphinx builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space. Founded by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on. We're here to do better.
We're focused on building modern, scalable products with an emphasis on using open source technologies. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who emphasize collaboration, transparency, and individual responsibility.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Sphinx is hiring a Senior Program Manager to lead our teams building the next generation of mission planning software for satellite communications programs. This team is charged with creating modern, resilient services and capabilities to service the US Government for the next decade and beyond.
In this role, you will own Profit & Loss for our Mission Planning portfolio. You'll be partnering with the CEO, VP of Engineering, Program Director, Chief Engineer and Engineering Management to ensure efficient management of project resources and deliverables. You'll work as the program lead, representing Sphinx, and overseeing a number of subcontractors supporting Sphinx on this effort.
What you will be focusing on:
  • Profit & Loss ownership. Managing and executing across all program functions (engineering, finance, business operations, supply chain, security) to ensure timely project delivery for a multi-year, multi-million dollar software program.
  • Partnering with the company leadership to ensure efficient management of project resources and deliverables (cost, schedule, staff, etc.)
  • Assisting the team and leadership in developing project plans, roadmaps, and project artifacts
  • Leading the creation and management of an contract management frameworks, including performance management tools
  • Ensuring the delivery of all contractually required deliverables
  • Representing Sphinx for contract negotiations, subcontractor oversight, program element integration and related PM functions directly with the USG and their representatives
  • Own pivotal program duties to ensure compliance and success such as:
    • Customer Relationships and Service
    • Team management and project organization
    • Senior Technical Leadership Mentoring and Guidance
    • Management of Program Schedule, Budget and Execution/Delivery on Requirements
    • Subcontract/Subcontractor oversight and Management
    • Profit/Loss Responsibility for Program activities
    • Cross Program Segment Integration and Coordination (where applicable)
    • Road block removal as needed
  • Supporting Hiring and Staffing
  • Advancing program area and business vision/strategy and long term plans
  • Leadership and/or support to new business pursuits
  • Light employee performance management as it pertains to program delivery.

You might be a good fit if you have:
  • 15+ years Program Management and/or technical leadership experience on software/software-intensive engineering projects(Aerospace industry a plus)
  • Demonstrable experience leading software engineering programs/teams
  • Proven ability to multi-task large scale projects and work cross-functionally with all levels
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and facilitation skills
  • A high level of project management skills to ensure prioritization of key deliverables and competing priorities (scheduling, budgeting, forecasting, conflict resolution, problem solving)
  • Experience supporting the development of project standards, templates, and norms to ensure efficiency and delivery.
  • Experience working with and on cross-functional agile development efforts for full lifecycle projects (Startup, design, development, integration and delivery)
  • Experience with DoW space-ground system acquisition efforts
  • Experience with EVMS for Software programs (Agile EVM techniques a plus)
  • Made enough mistakes and booked enough wins to know how to manage issues, risk and development challenges
  • The ability to see through the noise to the most critical problems in executing projects
  • Understanding of DoD and command and control, mission planning, and common system development techniques
  • Hold an active Secret clearance and be eligible to obtain and maintain TS/SCI access.

LOCATION
Colorado Springs, Chantilly, VA or El Segundo, CA - up to 25% travel will be required in support of client visits, company gatherings, and other project related travel. We welcome consideration of exceptional candidates regardless of location, provided travel requirements can be met.
COMPENSATION
This role is between $275,000 and $312,000 base salary.
BENEFITS
Compensation includes competitive salary, meaningful equity ownership, profit sharing, employer 401(k) contribution, and 100% employer covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
ELIGIBILITY
Must be a US Citizen and be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
At Sphinx Defense, we are devoted to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Sphinx Defense is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

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