ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Special Programs Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsArts and Entertainment JobsEntertainment Production JobsBroadcast Program Director JobsSpecial Programs Manager Jobs

Special Programs Manager information

See salary details

$19.5K

$83.9K

$129K

How much do special programs manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for special programs manager in the United States is $83,928.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a special programs manager do?

A Special Programs Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing specialized projects or initiatives within an organization. Their duties often include coordinating cross-functional teams, managing budgets, ensuring programs meet organizational goals, and reporting on outcomes. They may work in fields such as education, government, healthcare, or corporate sectors, adapting their approach to meet unique program needs. Success in this role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special programs manager?

To thrive as a Special Programs Manager, you need strong project management, strategic planning, and budgeting skills, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in business, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Asana), data analysis tools, and program evaluation methods is commonly required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are vital for coordinating cross-functional teams and managing diverse stakeholders. These competencies ensure programs are executed effectively, goals are met, and organizational objectives are advanced.

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

A Special Programs Manager frequently works with various departments such as finance, marketing, operations, and human resources to coordinate and deliver program objectives. Effective collaboration involves regular meetings, clear communication of goals, and aligning team efforts to program timelines and milestones. This role often acts as a liaison, ensuring that each team understands their responsibilities and that any issues are addressed collaboratively. Building strong relationships and fostering open communication are key to overcoming challenges and driving program success.

What is the difference between Special Programs Manager vs Program Coordinator?

AspectSpecial Programs ManagerProgram Coordinator
CredentialsRelevant experience, certifications in program management or related fieldsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, some experience in program support
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, strategic planningSupports program activities, handles logistics, assists in implementation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in nonprofit, government, corporate sectors for managing specialized initiativesCommon in similar sectors for supporting program execution

The Special Programs Manager focuses on strategic oversight and leadership of specialized initiatives, while the Program Coordinator handles day-to-day support and logistics. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibility.

What cities are hiring for Special Programs Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Special Programs Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Special Programs jobs?

The most popular types of Special Programs jobs are:

What states have the most Special Programs Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Special Programs Manager jobs include:

Special Programs Manager jobs near you

Manager - Special Programs

Saronic Technologies

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.
Saronic Special Programs is a small pathfinding team chartered to rapidly prototype new ideas. Special Programs is responsible for generating new ideas, building and testing physical prototypes, and validating future products which continue Saronic's mission to redefine maritime superiority.
Job Overview
We are seeking a Special Programs Manager to serve as the administrative and operational backbone of our team. You will be responsible for keeping projects on track, managing resources and budgets, and creating the conditions for a small, talented group of engineers to move quickly. While this is not a hands-on engineering role, you will provide high-level technical direction during prototype reviews and partner closely with the VP of Product and CTO to evaluate and shape the next wave of ideas the team will pursue.
Responsibilities
  • Provide day-to-day administrative management of the Special Programs team, including scheduling, staffing, budgets, procurement, vendor coordination, and progress reporting.
  • Plan and track prototype builds, field testing, and demonstrations, ensuring milestones, deliverables, and resources stay aligned across electrical, mechanical, and software contributors.
  • Offer focused technical input during design reviews and prototype check-ins - enough to challenge assumptions, unblock the team, and translate progress to non-engineering stakeholders
  • Collaborate directly with the VP of Product and the CTO to surface, scope, and prioritize new ideas the team should consider pursuing, and keep Special Programs work synchronized with the broader product roadmap
  • Represent Special Programs internally to functions such as Growth, Finance, and Engineering, and externally as needed to suppliers and Government or commercial customers.
Qualifications
  • Experience managing small, fast-moving engineering or R&D teams, ideally in robotics, aerospace, defense, or another hardware-intensive environment
  • Working technical literacy across some combination of autonomy, embedded systems, robotics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering - enough to lead substantive conversations with engineers without being the deepest expert in the room
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and execute against budgets, schedules, and resource constraints with limited overhead
  • Comfort partnering with senior technical and product leaders to evaluate new opportunities and translate ambiguous ideas into structured plans
  • Experience supporting prototype hardware development, field testing, or Government demonstrations is strongly preferred
  • Familiarity with defense acquisition, export controls, or classified program management is a plus
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to keep cross-functional stakeholders aligned
  • High emotional intelligence, with the ability to keep teammates aligned
  • Strong organizational instincts and a bias toward action in ambiguous, low-process environments
  • Bachelors degree in engineering, or equivalent professional experience
  • Comfort operating with high uncertainty, minimal resources, compressed timelines, and aggressive goals and schedules
Physical Demands
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Occasional standing and walking within the office, lab, and prototype spaces.
  • Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
  • Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports.
  • Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies.
  • Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages).
  • Occasional travel to field test sites and Government demonstrations.
Benefits
  • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services
  • Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care
  • Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
  • Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
  • Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
  • Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
  • Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan
  • Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company's success
  • Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require "U.S. Person" status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a "U.S. Person": (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Apply