Program Manager

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Employment type: Full time

Work arrangement: Primarily onsite with occasional remote work

Salary range: $85,000 to $95,000 annually

Recruitment Partner Notice

This position is being recruited and advertised by The O'Neil Group Company, LLC on behalf of Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation (CCTI). Applications will be submitted through The O'Neil Group Company, LLC;
however, the selected candidate will be employed directly by Catalyst Campus for Technology & Innovation (CCTI) and will work onsite at CCTI's Colorado Springs location.

About Catalyst Campus

Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation brings together government, industry, academia, startups, and entrepreneurs to accelerate technology development and deliver critical aerospace and defense capabilities. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CCTI supports a collaborative defense innovation ecosystem with a growing national presence.

Position Summary

The Program Manager leads complex programs involving government sponsors, commercial cohort participants, academic partners, and CCTI's broader innovation ecosystem. This position is responsible for program cost, schedule, technical coordination, partner engagement, communications, and successful delivery of program objectives. The Program Manager also supervises one Program Coordinator and serves as a visible facilitator for program events and stakeholder activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for government sponsors, cohort companies, and other program partners.
• Lead program and project management activities for cohorts, cycles, milestones, deliverables, and partner commitments.
• Manage program budgets and provide sponsors and partners with clear, accurate information regarding budget status, products, and services.
• Manage schedules, upcoming milestones, dependencies, and required actions while coordinating with CCTI teams and ecosystem partners.
• Develop a working understanding of each partner's technical scope and vision and coordinate appropriate CCTI support.
• Resolve program and partner concerns by identifying root causes, coordinating solutions, communicating expectations, and following through to resolution.
• Identify partner needs and recommend additional CCTI products, services, or resources when appropriate.
• Build trusted relationships through consistent communication, accurate recordkeeping, and responsive partner support.
• Lead marketing, graphic design, and communications for assigned programs, including social media, email and newsletter communications, event graphics, and program collateral.
• Plan and facilitate large-scale program events, including cohort kickoffs, workshops, AMAs, networking events, and multiday summits.
• Supervise, support, and provide direction to one Program Coordinator.
• Coordinate with CCTI's matrixed Operations organization and provide occasional support for visitor coordination, campus activities, and operational needs.

Work Location and Travel

This position is primarily onsite in Colorado Springs, with work time split between CCTI's Catalyst Campus and the government customer's worksite on Garden of the Gods Road. Occasional remote work may be available based on program and business needs. Approximately quarterly travel, including overnight travel, is expected.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, communications, marketing, or a related field and at least five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least three years of project or program management experience. Equivalent experience leading complex programs, projects, or cross-functional initiatives will be considered even if the candidate has not held the formal title of Program Manager.
• At least five years of experience managing client or partner relationships, portfolios, or related industry programs.
• Demonstrated experience in marketing, graphic design, and program communications.
• Experience facilitating or emceeing large-group events, workshops, or other public-facing programs.
• Strong experience managing budgets, schedules, deliverables, and multiple stakeholder priorities.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and experience using customer relationship management tools.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Education and Experience Equivalencies

CCTI may consider the following combinations of education and related experience:

• High school diploma or GED and at least nine years of related experience
• Associate degree in business or a related field and at least seven years of related experience
• Bachelor's degree in business, communications, marketing, or a related field and at least five years of related experience
• Master's degree in business or a related field and at least three years of related experience
• Doctorate in business or a related field and at least one year of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting government or defense programs or customers
• Experience in aerospace, technology, innovation, or a related industry
• Experience with Small Business Innovation Research or Small Business Technology Transfer programs
• Experience working with municipal, county, state, or federal government entities
• Previous leadership or people-management experience

Certification

• Ability to obtain a Design Thinking certification within six months of hire.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on job-related factors, including relevant experience, qualifications, and skills.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CCTI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.