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Startup Program Manager Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

SageSure

Manager, Program Design

Cheshire, CT · On-site

... of a startup, we're hiring. SageSure, a leader in catastrophe-exposed property insurance, is ... As a Program Design Manager, you will be pivotal in refining and driving clarity in the business ...

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Startup Program Manager information

What is a startup program manager?

A Startup Program Manager is a professional responsible for designing, managing, and optimizing programs that support startup companies, such as accelerators, incubators, or corporate innovation initiatives. They work closely with entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors to provide resources, mentorship, and guidance to early-stage companies. Their role involves overseeing program logistics, selecting participants, organizing events, and tracking the progress of startups throughout the program. Startup Program Managers play a crucial role in fostering innovation and helping startups grow and succeed.

How does a startup program manager typically collaborate with founders and cross-functional teams to drive program success?

A Startup Program Manager often acts as the central point of contact between startup founders, mentors, investors, and internal teams such as marketing, product, and operations. They facilitate communication, coordinate resources, and ensure that startups in the program receive the support they need to reach key milestones. This requires strong relationship-building skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Collaboration may involve organizing workshops, conducting regular check-ins, and leveraging internal expertise to help startups overcome challenges and scale effectively.

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

To thrive as a Startup Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, business development, and a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, often supported by a degree in business or a related field. Familiarity with tools like CRM platforms, project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello), and metrics tracking systems is typical, and certifications such as PMP can be advantageous. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and relationship-building skills set top performers apart in this dynamic environment. These competencies are crucial for successfully guiding startups through growth phases, fostering innovation, and ensuring program objectives are met.

What is the difference between Startup Program Manager vs Startup Project Coordinator?

AspectStartup Program ManagerStartup Project Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple programs, strategic planning, stakeholder managementSupports project execution, schedules, task coordination
Required SkillsProgram management, leadership, communicationOrganization, communication, task management
CertificationsProject Management Professional (PMP), Agile certificationsBasic project management knowledge, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentFast-paced startup, cross-functional teamsTeam support, project-focused environment

The Startup Program Manager typically handles multiple programs, focusing on strategic oversight and stakeholder engagement, while the Startup Project Coordinator supports specific projects with task management and coordination. Both roles require strong communication skills, but the Program Manager's role is more strategic and leadership-oriented, whereas the Coordinator's role is more execution-focused.

What are popular job titles related to Startup Program Manager jobs in Connecticut?

For Startup Program Manager jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Startup Program Manager jobs in Connecticut look for?

The top searched job categories for Startup Program Manager jobs in Connecticut are:

What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Startup Program Manager jobs?

Cities in Connecticut with the most Startup Program Manager job openings:

Startup Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Startup Program Manager job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Principal Program Manager- Power Conversion

Leonardo DRS

Danbury, CT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Leonardo DRS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job ID: 114947
The Leonardo DRS Naval Power Systems business is a trusted provider of innovative naval gas and hybrid power systems, control technology and support solutions for the U.S. Navy and navies around the world.
Job Summary
The Principal Program Manager leads a portfolio of high-value, technically complex defense programs within the Power Conversion product line, from contract award through delivery and closeout. This role owns cost, schedule, technical, and quality performance across assigned programs; serves as the senior customer interface; and acts as a mentor and execution standard-setter for other program managers in the product line. The Principal PM partners with the Product Line Lead on capture strategy, proposal development, and portfolio health, driving cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance to deliver power conversion solutions for mission-critical Navy and defense applications.
Job Responsibilities
  • Own execution of a portfolio of assigned programs across the full lifecycle, delivering to contractual cost, schedule, technical, and quality baselines.
  • Lead proposal development, basis-of-estimate (BOE) generation, contract negotiation support, and program startup for follow-on and new business within the product line.
  • Serve as the primary customer interface, managing contractual commitments, issue resolution, and ongoing customer relationships.
  • Maintain credible budgets, estimates at completion (EACs), forecasts, and cash flow projections; deliver complete, on-time program review packages in accordance with the business rhythm.
  • Own the program risk and opportunity register; drive mitigation plans and corrective actions to closure.
  • Analyze and report program performance, including schedule, cost, and earned value metrics; present results and recovery plans to senior leadership.
  • Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, government regulations, and company policies and procedures.
  • Provide leadership to cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Contracts.
  • Drive material execution and resource planning; lead program closeout, including contract closure and lessons-learned capture.
  • Represent the organization in customer meetings, program reviews, and executive briefings.
  • Mentor and develop program managers within the product line, promoting consistent execution standards and supporting PM onboarding.
  • Act as delegate for Director of Program in program reviews and customer engagements as required.
  • Manage contract baseline changes, including identification of out-of-scope work and recovery through contract modification.

Qualifications
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive defense program management experience, including cost and schedule accountability for complex development and production programs.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management or related field
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance
  • Strong leadership and management skills, prior people leadership experience is preferred
  • Experience throughout the program lifecycle from development through sustainment to include: proposal development, requirements decomposition, generation of system and subsystem statements of work and subcontracts
  • Demonstrated success in risk management and continuous improvement, including cost reduction and performance improvement initiatives
  • Proficiency in earned value management (EVM), cost accounting, and reporting, including metrics for assessing program progress, productivity, and variance analysis
  • Experience in finance, contracting, export regulations (ITAR/EAR), engineering, logistics, manufacturing and supply chain management
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent program management certification preferred
  • Experience with Navy/maritime power systems and NAVSEA or prime shipbuilder customers preferred

U.S. Citizenship required. This position may require an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
#NPS
Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.
Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:
- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation
We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

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