Program Manager

Dcode; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 98,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dcode is looking for a Program Manager in Washington, DC to lead high-priority initiatives in the defense sector. This role involves managing small engagements and ensuring high-quality outputs aligned with client missions.

The ideal candidate will have 3–6 years of relevant experience, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. A salary range between $98,000 and $130,000 is offered, along with bi-annual bonuses.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of relevant experience in consulting, government, defense, or related fields.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Experience producing high-quality, client-ready deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Own delivery of defined workstreams or small projects.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues independently.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with client counterparts.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Agile methodologies

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Company Description

Dcode is a team of doers dedicated to bridging the gap between the speed of technology and the federal government. We align people, culture, policies, and processes to get tech in the hands of those who need it most. Operating at the nexus of government leaders, emerging tech companies, and venture capital, we turn roadblocks into results.

Role Summary

We are seeking a mission‑driven, results‑oriented Program Manager to lead the execution of high‑priority initiatives for a defense sector client. In this role, you will own delivery of workstreams or small engagements, ensuring outputs are high‑quality, actionable, and aligned to mission outcomes.

You will play a key role in implementing Dcode’s RAIC methodology—helping to establish operating models, streamline acquisition pathways, improve decision‑making, and enable scalable innovation. This role requires both strong execution and the ability to independently navigate ambiguity, solve problems, and maintain trusted client relationships.

Success in this role means delivering measurable results, resolving issues proactively, maintaining strong client alignment, and contributing to solutions that improve speed, efficiency, and impact across the program.

Salary range: $98,000 to $130,000 plus bi‑annual bonuses. TS‑SCI with polygraph is strongly preferred. Eligibility for clearance is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Own delivery of defined workstreams or small projects, ensuring outputs are timely, high‑quality, and aligned to client needs.
• Translate client objectives into actionable plans, deliverables, and execution approaches.
• Lead development of clear, decision‑ready deliverables (briefings, frameworks, analyses, reports).
• Drive execution in agile, sprint‑based environments, ensuring consistent progress and visibility.
• Support or lead small engagements or contracts, ensuring delivery expectations are met.

Analysis & Problem Solving

• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues independently with minimal guidance.
• Anticipate risks and implement mitigation strategies to avoid future occurrences.
• Apply structured problem‑solving approaches to improve processes, workflows, and outcomes.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve delivery efficiency and program impact.

Client Engagement & Stakeholder Support

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with client counterparts.
• Actively listen to customer needs and translate them into actionable solutions.
• Serve as a reliable day‑to‑day point of contact for client stakeholders.
• Facilitate alignment across stakeholders by synthesizing inputs and driving toward decisions.

Continuous Improvement & Initiative

• Contribute to the design and refinement of operating models, governance structures, and repeatable processes.
• Support development and application of decision frameworks (e.g., prioritization, risk assessment, transition readiness).
• Define and track performance metrics, including cycle time, throughput, and decision velocity.
• Support development of ROI and impact models to inform leadership decisions.

Skills And Experience

• 3–6 years of relevant experience (consulting, government, defense, or related fields).
• Experience owning workstreams or small projects, with demonstrated accountability for delivery.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to structure and solve ambiguous challenges.
• Experience producing high‑quality, client‑ready deliverables (PowerPoint, Excel, written products).
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in fast‑paced environments.
• Familiarity with government acquisition, innovation programmes, or technology integration.
• Experience working in agile or iterative delivery environments.

You’ll Excel in This Role If You:

• Take ownership of delivery and consistently produce high‑quality, actionable outputs.
• Proactively identify and resolve issues before they escalated.
• Build trust with clients through reliability, responsiveness, and strong communication.
• Balance structured thinking with practical execution.
• Thrive in fast‑paced, mission‑driven environments with evolving priorities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We provide equal opportunity to all persons without regard to ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, family or parental status, national origin, veteran, or disability status. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. We believe diversity is a strength and aim to build an innovative and welcoming culture where people from all backgrounds feel respected and included. We believe that true innovation happens when everyone has the tools, resources, and opportunities to excel.