What Does a Program Manager Do?
A program manager is responsible for overseeing a group of related projects and ensuring they align with organizational strategy and deliver measurable value. They develop program roadmaps, allocate resources across multiple teams, and monitor progress to ensure deadlines and budgets are met. Program managers identify risks, resolve cross-project conflicts, and keep all stakeholders informed through reports and presentations. Their oversight ensures that projects not only succeed individually but also contribute to broader business objectives.
Beyond operational management, a program manager provides leadership, mentorship, and direction to project managers and their teams. They serve as the key point of contact for executives, sponsors, and stakeholders, ensuring program goals align with organizational priorities. Program managers also focus on change management, process improvements, and long-term benefits realization, making them essential to strategic growth and organizational success.
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Program Manager Core Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee program strategy, goals, and roadmaps
- Manage multiple projects, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives
- Allocate resources and balance priorities across projects
- Track budgets, schedules, and performance metrics at the program level
- Identify and mitigate risks that affect multiple projects
- Collaborate with executives, stakeholders, and project teams
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies and industry standards
- Mentor project managers and provide leadership across teams
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of program and project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid)
- Proficiency with portfolio and project management tools (Microsoft Project, Jira, Smartsheet, Asana)
- Expertise in budget forecasting, risk management, and performance reporting
Soft skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
- Ability to resolve conflicts and manage organizational change
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, project management, engineering, or related field required
Certifications
- Program Management Professional (PgMP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) recommended
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Agile certifications recommended for Agile environments
Preferred Qualifications
- 5–7 years of experience in project or program management
- Experience managing large-scale, cross-functional initiatives
- Master’s degree in business administration or related field preferred
National Average Salary
Program manager salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Program Manager is:
$100,490
Sample Job Description Templates for Program Managers
Associate Program Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking an associate program manager to support program operations, assist with scheduling, and help track performance across multiple projects. This entry-level leadership role is designed for individuals with project coordination or analysis experience who are ready to grow into program management responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Assist with developing program schedules, budgets, and documentation
- Support project managers with tracking deliverables and progress
- Prepare status reports and dashboards for stakeholders
- Monitor risks, issues, and dependencies across projects
- Help ensure program activities align with organizational goals
- Provide administrative and logistical support to the program manager
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall)
- Proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, or Smartsheet
- Basic knowledge of budgeting and resource tracking
Soft skills
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
- Clear communication and teamwork skills
- Willingness to learn and grow under senior guidance
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, project management, or related field required
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or 1–2 years of experience in project coordination or analysis
- CAPM or equivalent entry-level project management certification
Junior Program Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a junior program manager to coordinate program operations and manage smaller program components under supervision. This role requires foundational program management experience and the ability to collaborate across teams.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate project activities and timelines within the program
- Support resource allocation and track performance metrics
- Collaborate with project managers to resolve issues or delays
- Document lessons learned and prepare reports for leadership
- Assist in managing stakeholder communications and presentations
- Contribute to process improvement and standardization initiatives
Requirements
Hard skills
- Working knowledge of program and project management practices
- Ability to use reporting and planning software
- Basic data analysis and performance tracking skills
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability
- Effective communication with stakeholders and teams
- Ability to work independently on small initiatives
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, or related field required
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–3 years of experience in program or project support roles
- CAPM, Agile, or Lean Six Sigma certification recommended
Mid-Level Program Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a mid-level program manager to oversee multiple related projects, ensuring they align with strategic objectives. This role requires strong coordination skills, budget management experience, and the ability to deliver results across teams.
Responsibilities
- Develop and manage program roadmaps, budgets, and schedules
- Ensure project deliverables support organizational goals
- Identify risks, dependencies, and resource gaps across projects
- Provide regular reports and presentations to stakeholders and executives
- Facilitate communication between cross-functional project teams
- Lead program reviews and implement improvement recommendations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of program management methodologies (Agile, hybrid, Waterfall)
- Proficiency with portfolio management and reporting tools
- Expertise in risk management and budgeting
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and cross-team collaboration skills
- Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities
- Effective presentation and stakeholder management skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or related field required
Preferred Qualifications
- 4–6 years of program or project management experience
- PMP or PgMP certification recommended
Senior Program Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a senior program manager to provide leadership across complex, large-scale programs. This role requires advanced experience managing budgets, cross-functional teams, and long-term strategies while mentoring junior staff.
Responsibilities
- Lead program planning, execution, and performance tracking
- Manage large budgets and allocate resources effectively
- Oversee multiple project managers and ensure delivery consistency
- Mentor junior and mid-level program managers
- Present program outcomes and recommendations to executives
- Drive process improvements and ensure alignment with strategic priorities
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced expertise in program and portfolio management
- Strong financial and resource management skills
- Ability to use advanced reporting, dashboarding, and planning tools
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and mentoring abilities
- Executive-level communication and negotiation skills
- Strategic decision-making and long-term planning ability
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in business administration or related field preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7–10 years of program management experience
- PgMP, PMP, or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification
Lead Program Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a lead program manager to oversee strategic programs, guide program management practices, and act as the key liaison between executives and program teams. This role blends high-level leadership with operational accountability.
Responsibilities
- Oversee enterprise-wide programs or portfolios of projects
- Define program methodologies, standards, and best practices
- Approve budgets, schedules, and resource allocations
- Mentor senior and mid-level program managers
- Collaborate with executives to align programs with business priorities
- Ensure consistent reporting, risk management, and compliance
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of program management frameworks and tools
- Strong knowledge of organizational change management practices
- Advanced budgeting, forecasting, and risk management skills
Soft skills
- Leadership and executive influence abilities
- Strong strategic planning and vision
- Excellent communication with executives and stakeholders
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of program management experience with leadership responsibilities
- PgMP certification highly desirable
Director of Program Management
Position Overview
We are hiring a director of program management to lead the organization’s program management function, set strategic priorities, and oversee execution across multiple portfolios. This executive role requires vision, leadership, and accountability for organizational success.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement program management strategy and policies
- Lead and manage program managers across multiple portfolios
- Oversee organizational budgets, schedules, and performance targets
- Report program outcomes and KPIs to executives, boards, or investors
- Ensure compliance with all corporate, legal, and regulatory standards
- Drive innovation, efficiency, and scalability in program management practices
- Build and mentor leadership pipelines across the program management team
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in program and portfolio management at an enterprise scale
- Strong financial and strategic planning skills
- Mastery of risk management and compliance standards
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and decision-making skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities
- Visionary mindset with ability to drive organizational change
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or master’s degree in business or related field strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 12–15 years of program management experience with 5+ years in senior leadership
- Proven record of managing enterprise-level program portfolios
- PgMP, PMP, or equivalent executive certification