Program Manager

Cherokee Federal; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to a 6% 401(k) company match

Paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and AD&D insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Paid holidays

EAP

FSA and HSA options

Professional development, training, &

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking a results-driven Program Manager to lead federal contracts, teams, and strategic initiatives aligned with client missions and Cherokee Federal’s goals. You will actively manage operations and financial performance across a diverse contract portfolio and serve as a key customer interface.

The role requires oversight of complex projects, growth strategies, and cross-functional leadership while maintaining security clearances as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Proven program or portfolio management experience overseeing multiple contracts.
• Experience in business development, client engagement, and contract recapture.
• Strong knowledge of federal acquisition, contract compliance, and performance standards.
• Advanced financial management capabilities including budgeting and invoicing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with ERP systems (Deltek Costpoint).
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams aligned with Cherokee Federal’s mission and policies.
• Oversee a diverse portfolio of contracts ensuring performance targets for cost, schedule, and quality.
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities to grow portfolio revenue.
• Provide updates on pipeline health, contract status, and recapture strategy.
• Support proposal development with past performance inputs and reviews.
• Maintain customer engagement through site visits and performance reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement and respond to CPARS; lead corrective action planning.
• Develop and manage contract budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Manage subcontractors, including selection, negotiation, and performance metrics.
• Support staffing needs and talent development across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with departments to ensure aligned execution and resource efficiency.

Skills

Program management

Business development

Client engagement

Contract management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Deltek Costpoint

Job description

A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.

This position requires an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance to be considered.

Position Summary:

This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain government security clearance, depending on contract requirements. We are seeking a results-driven Program Manager to lead federal contracts, teams, and strategic initiatives that support both the client mission and Cherokee Federal’s broader goals. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in overseeing complex federal projects, driving growth, improving performance, and aligning cross-functional teams with business strategy. This individual will actively manage operations and financial performance across a diverse contract portfolio, develop growth strategies, and serve as a key customer interface.

Compensation & Benefits:

Starting Salary Range for Program Manager: Pay commensurate with experience.

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights include:

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Professional development, training, and certification support
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.

Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:

Includes the following:

• Lead high-performing cross-functional teams in alignment with Cherokee Federal’s mission and policies.
• Oversee a diverse portfolio of contracts ensuring performance targets for cost, schedule, quality, and innovation are met or exceeded.
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities to grow portfolio revenue and market presence.
• Provide frequent updates to leadership on pipeline health, contract status, and recapture strategy.
• Deliver strategic and tactical project guidance, support proposal development including past performance inputs and reviews.
• Maintain strong customer engagement through site visits, relationship management, and performance reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and respond to CPARS; lead corrective action planning.
• Develop and manage contract budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Manage subcontractors, including selection, negotiation, performance metrics, and compliance.
• Support staffing needs and talent development across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with departments and subject matter experts to ensure aligned execution and resource efficiency.
• Adapt plans based on evolving market conditions and client requirements.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No supervisory/management authority

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of experience managing federal government contracts; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated program or portfolio management expertise overseeing multiple contracts or projects simultaneously.
• Proven experience in business development, client engagement, and contract recapture.
• Strong knowledge of federal acquisition, contract compliance, and performance standards.
• Advanced financial management capabilities, including budgeting, invoicing, and variance analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate dynamic, complex environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Deltek Costpoint or similar ERP systems.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance to be considered.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP certification preferred.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information:

Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-PY1

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

This position is subject to pre-employment drug testing. Cherokee Federal maintains a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

This position may be contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation. The scope of the investigation will be commensurate with position requirements and applicable law.