Program Manager - Senior

Cherokee Federal; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 195,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Paid time off

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability coverage

HSA / FSA options

Professional development

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Senior Program Manager for the Cherokee Strategic Edge program in Alexandria, VA. The role oversees project operations to meet schedules, optimize resources, and manage costs, while maintaining strong customer relationships and addressing production issues.

The candidate will apply advanced analytic methods, lead teams, and ensure compliance with DoD and IC guidelines. Active TS/SCI clearance and US citizenship are required for this government contract position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years Army Military Intelligence experience.
• US Citizen and TS/SCI clearance required.
• Pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production schedules and resource usage.
• Manage project costs, schedules, and performance.
• Mitigate risks across projects and domains.
• Coordinate production issue resolution with teams.
• Communicate analytic results clearly and concisely.

Skills

Army Military Intelligence

US Citizen

Top Secret/SCI clearance

Analytic leadership

Microsoft Office

Education

Master’s degree in Program Management

Job description

Alexandria, VA, United States (On-site)

Job Title: Program Manager - Senior

Job Code: OPS439

Location: Alexandria, VA

Reports to: Cherokee Federal Operations General Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervisory: Supervisory and management responsibilities

Prepared Date: 9/24/2026

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 Top Secret/SCI clearance.

Summary

The Cherokee Strategic Edge Program Manager is responsible for overseeing project operations to ensure the successful fulfillment of production schedules, efficient utilization of system resources, and the establishment of strong customer relationships. They are accountable for managing project costs, schedules, and performance, as well as identifying and mitigating risks across various projects involving systems, tools, equipment, software, facilities, and related activities. The Program Manager plays a vital role in coordinating and resolving any production-related issues that may arise, ensuring smooth project workflow and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge and understanding of the labor category activities required to meet mission requirements.
• Demonstrates mastery of qualitative and quantitative analytic methodologies and pursue developments in academia or other fields that affect tradecraft methodology.
• Demonstrates in-depth analysis of analytic operations and knowledge management issues across organizational and intra-IC boundaries and clearly articulates key findings.
• Demonstrates ability to review analytic products for cogent arguments, tradecraft standards, and adequate support for conclusions; routinely tests analytic rigor of analytic products.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of the concepts involved in the specific functions outlined in the specified labor category description.
• Knowledgeable of and demonstrates ability to apply IC and DoD classification guidelines and procedures.
• Demonstrates ability to use logic when evaluating and synthesizing multiple sources of information.
• Demonstrates ability to produce timely, logical, and concise analytic reports, documents, assessments, studies, and briefing materials in formats including Microsoft Office tools (e.g.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate complex issues clearly in a concise and organized manner both verbally and non-verbally; with strong grammar skills.
• Demonstrates proficiency using Microsoft Office tools.
• Demonstrates ability to develop structured research including, but not limited to, obtaining, evaluating, organizing, and maintaining information within security and data protocols.
• Demonstrates ability to recognize nuances and resolve contradictions and inconsistencies in information.
• Demonstrates working knowledge using complex analytic methodologies, such as structured analytic techniques or alternative approaches, to examine biases, assumptions, and theories to eliminate uncertainty, strengthen analytic arguments, and mitigate surprise.
• Demonstrates understanding of intelligence collection capabilities and limitations, to include but not limited to, technical sensors / platforms and human intelligence sources related to the labor category.
• Demonstrates understanding of evaluating collected intelligence reporting, engaging with collection managers, and developing collection requirements.
• Demonstrates ability to define problems, supervise studies and lead surveys to collect and analyze data to provide advice and recommend solutions.
• Demonstrates analytic leadership and expertise in identifying, planning, developing, and executing analytic production methodologies, tradecraft and techniques aligned with labor category mission.
• Demonstrates extensive ability to provide strategic advice, technical guidance and expertise to Defense planners and policymaker (e.g. Undersecretary level or higher).
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Compensation & Benefits

Starting Salary Range for Program Manager - Senior: $195,000 – $200,000

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.

In accordance with Virginia’s pay transparency requirements, the estimated annual salary range for this position is $195,000 – $200,000. Actual compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of Army Military Intelligence experience related to the specific labor category with at least a portion of the experience within the last 2 years.
• Department of Education.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• 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

• 20+ year Army Officer career preferred
• Preferred: Master’s degree related to the Program Manager role from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S.

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 Strategic Edge, 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

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.

Compliance Notices

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].

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