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Senior Program Planner Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Staff Program Manager

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$116K - $117K/yr

Support talent development and succession planning within the PMO. Education * Bachelor's degree ... Impact The Senior Staff Program Manager plays a critical role in accelerating innovation, driving ...

Sr. Staff Program Manager

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Support talent development and succession planning within the PMO. Education * Bachelor's degree ... Impact The Senior Staff Program Manager plays a critical role in accelerating innovation, driving ...

New

Sr. Staff Program Manager

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$116K - $117K/yr

Support talent development and succession planning within the PMO. Education * Bachelor's degree ... Impact The Senior Staff Program Manager plays a critical role in accelerating innovation, driving ...

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Senior Program Planner information

See Madison, WI salary details

$27.2K

$85.7K

$171.3K

How much do senior program planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior program planner in Madison, WI is $85,729.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,900.00 and $109,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior program planner?

Senior Program Planners are experienced professionals responsible for coordinating, scheduling, and overseeing complex projects or programs within an organization. They develop timelines, allocate resources, identify risks, and ensure that project objectives are met on time and within budget. Senior Program Planners often collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide strategic guidance to ensure the successful delivery of large-scale initiatives. Their role requires strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior program planner?

To thrive as a Senior Program Planner, you need expertise in project management, scheduling, and resource allocation, typically backed by a relevant degree and experience in program planning. Familiarity with planning software such as Microsoft Project or Primavera P6, and often certification like PMP, is highly valuable. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate and collaborate with cross-functional teams set top performers apart. These skills ensure effective project delivery, risk management, and alignment with organizational objectives.

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

A Senior Program Planner works closely with various departments such as engineering, finance, operations, and management to coordinate schedules, resources, and deliverables. This collaboration involves leading regular meetings, facilitating communication between teams, and proactively identifying and resolving potential conflicts in project timelines or resource allocation. By fostering transparent communication and aligning all stakeholders on goals and milestones, the Senior Program Planner plays a pivotal role in ensuring projects stay on track and organizational objectives are met.

What is the difference between Senior Program Planner vs Program Coordinator?

AspectSenior Program PlannerProgram Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree, PMP or similar certifications often preferredAssociate's or Bachelor's degree, relevant certifications optional
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, project management, often in larger organizationsAdministrative support, coordinating activities, often in various industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in project-heavy industries like construction, IT, governmentCommon across nonprofit, education, corporate sectors

The Senior Program Planner focuses on high-level planning, scheduling, and managing complex projects, often requiring advanced certifications and strategic oversight. In contrast, the Program Coordinator handles day-to-day administrative tasks, supporting project teams and ensuring smooth operations. While both roles require organizational skills, the Senior Program Planner operates at a more strategic level with greater responsibility.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Program Planner jobs in Madison, WI?

For Senior Program Planner jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Program Planner jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Program Planner jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Senior Program Planner jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Senior Program Planner job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Program Planner job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,716 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Senior Program Manager / Program Manager, Alumni Communities

Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA)

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site, Remote

$116K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), the private fundraising and alumni relations organization for UW-Madison, seeks a dynamic Program Manager for Alumni Communities. This position manages WFAA's international alumni chapter network, providing oversight, volunteer engagement and facilitating administrative support. The Program Manager leads processes, resources, training, and communications that enable a strong, sustainable volunteer-led program; builds and maintains positive relationships with international alumni leaders; establishes best practices for engagement; and ensures alignment with WFAA and university priorities.

Under the leadership of the Senior Managing director, the Program Manager collaborates with campus partners in advancing UW-Madison's international engagement and advancement goals may include serving as project manager for divisionally sponsored events and activities. This position requires international travel and the ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as business needs dictate.ย ย This position is a hybrid role and will require you to work in the office at least two days weekly.

Please note: This position can be filled as a Senior Program Manager or Program Manager, depending on the skills/experience of the selected candidate.ย 

Essential Functions

Program Management

  • Lead and manage processes, resources, and infrastructure that support a sustainable, volunteerled international alumni chapter network.
  • Lead the planning, development, and implementation of volunteer training programs and communications.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across functional areas to develop and execute annual plans that engage alumni and donors through highquality, missionaligned activities.
  • Develop and manage relationships with faculty, staff speakers, and other program content providers.
  • Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders regarding program goals, progress, and outcomes.
  • Apply engagement metrics and data insights to strategic planning and continuous improvement.
  • Implement organizational efforts to plan and execute divisionally sponsored and highlevel international events, meetings, and activities.
  • Participate in on-site support during programs and events, including coordination with local partners on travel logistics, transportation, and dayof execution.
  • Conduct secondary research on constituents, companies, and industry sectors to develop briefing materials and strategic planning.

Constituent Relations

  • Manage a portfolio of international alumni chapters and volunteers by cultivating relationships and deepening engagement.
  • Develop customized communication and volunteer engagement strategies tailored to the needs and goals of individual alumni communities.
  • ย Ensure exceptional customer experience for internal and external constituents.
  • Communicate proactively and consistently with alumni, volunteers, and internal stakeholders.
  • Intentionally solicit feedback from alumni to inform the design and improvement of programs, resources, training, and communications.
  • Strengthen relationships with alumni and donors by participating in organization- and chapter-sponsored activities.
  • Proactively inform leadership of emerging issues and opportunities, along with recommended solutions.
  • Guide the work of a project coordinator supporting alumni communities.

Administration

  • Manage and oversee program evaluation, assessment, and data collection.
  • Demonstrate understanding of and effectively utilize organizational administrative policies, processes, and technology tools.
  • Manage programs, program budgets and project plans to ensure deadlines are met and resources are used effectively.
  • Maintain documentation related to program concept, design, and development.
  • Initiate, manage, and report on alumni engagement outcomes and metrics.
  • Actively identify opportunities for process improvement and implement enhancements when appropriate.
  • Support a serviceoriented culture in alignment with WFAA's mission, values, and philosophy.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
  • 3+ years' full-time professional experience with program planning, event implementation, customer service and/or relationship/volunteer management.
  • Experience in international relations, cultural awareness or global engagement.
  • Ability to collect, analyze, and present data to inform programmatic and strategic decisions.
  • Excellent oral and written skills; at ease when speaking and presenting ideas in a group setting. Willingness to share knowledge and initiate knowledge transfer.
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, demonstrated engagement in projects and meet deadlines.
  • Deliver and receive feedback objectively for the good of the team and the project.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities.

ย Other Qualifications:

  • Experience in higher education advancement and working with volunteers and donors is preferred.
  • Experience using constituent databases and presentation software.
  • High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
  • Acumen to learn and utilize software, databases and other technology resources and tools.ย 

At WFAA, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring, creative, and respectful work environment for our employees. We offer competitive pay and an outstanding benefits program, including a generous 10% 401k contribution after just one year of service! Join us and be part of a team that values your growth and well-being.ย Click hereย to learn more about our employee benefits!ย 

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer *The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (advanceuw.org) is the "doing business as" name of the merged organization comprising the University of Wisconsin Foundation (supportuw.org) and the Wisconsin Alumni Association (uwalumni.com). Its legal corporate name is registered as the University of Wisconsin Foundation.ย 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME