Role Overview for Program Director (Government Contracts) – Northern Virginia, D.C
JRG Partners is seeking a highly accomplished and results-oriented Program Director specializing in Government Contracts to join a leading organization in the dynamic Northern Virginia/D.C. metropolitan area. This pivotal leadership role demands a strategic visionary with a proven track record of managing complex federal programs, driving significant revenue growth, and ensuring operational excellence within the highly regulated government contracting landscape.
As Program Director, you will be instrumental in overseeing the full lifecycle of multiple government contracts, from strategic planning and proposal development to execution, financial management, and client relationship cultivation. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of critical programs, lead high-performing teams, and contribute to national security and public service initiatives.
The successful candidate will be a seasoned professional with deep expertise in the intricacies of federal acquisition processes, including a comprehensive understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). You will be responsible for the overall profit and loss (P&L) of assigned programs, ensuring strict adherence to contractual obligations, budgetary constraints, and performance metrics.
This role requires exceptional leadership skills, a keen business development acumen, and the ability to foster strong relationships with government clients, industry partners, and internal stakeholders. If you are a strategic leader with an unwavering commitment to excellence and a passion for driving impactful government projects, we encourage you to apply.
This role is not just about managing projects; it’s about leading a portfolio of critical missions that support various federal agencies, including defense, intelligence, civilian, and national security sectors. You will be at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that the organization delivers cutting-edge solutions and services that meet the evolving needs of our government clients. The Program Director will be expected to identify new business opportunities, develop compelling proposals, and negotiate favorable contract terms.
Your ability to navigate complex contractual agreements, mitigate risks, and optimize resource allocation will be paramount to success. This is a high-impact position that demands strategic thinking, operational rigor, and exceptional interpersonal skills to inspire and guide multi-disciplinary teams towards achieving ambitious program goals.
Key Responsibilities of Program Director (Government Contracts) – Northern Virginia, D.C
Strategic Program Leadership & Oversight
Provide comprehensive strategic and operational leadership for a portfolio of government contracts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and client mission objectives. Develop and implement long-term program strategies to drive growth, innovation, and market penetration within the federal sector.
Profit & Loss (P&L) Management
Assume full accountability for the financial performance of assigned programs, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, revenue generation, and margin optimization. Conduct regular financial reviews and implement corrective actions as necessary to achieve financial targets.
Client Relationship Management
Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with key government clients, contracting officers, and stakeholder agencies. Act as the primary point of contact for all program-related matters, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and identifying opportunities for expansion.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, motivate, and manage high-performing program teams, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. Provide clear direction, set performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and support professional development initiatives for direct reports and project managers.
Contract Lifecycle Management
Oversee all phases of the contract lifecycle, from proposal development and negotiation to contract execution, performance monitoring, and close-out. Ensure strict compliance with all contractual terms, conditions, and regulatory requirements (FAR, DFARS, agency-specific regulations).
Business Development & Growth
Actively identify and pursue new business opportunities, including responding to RFPs, RFIs, and other solicitations. Lead proposal development efforts, ensuring compelling and compliant submissions that articulate value propositions and win strategies. Contribute to capture management activities.
Risk Management & Mitigation
Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate program risks (technical, schedule, cost, contractual, political) to ensure successful program execution. Develop and implement robust risk management plans and contingency strategies.
Operational Excellence & Performance
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for program success. Implement best practices in program management, quality assurance, and continuous improvement. Drive efficiencies and optimize resource utilization across all programs.
Stakeholder Communication & Reporting
Provide regular, transparent, and comprehensive reports to senior leadership, clients, and other stakeholders on program status, financial performance, risks, and achievements. Effectively communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner.
Compliance & Ethics
Ensure all program activities adhere to ethical standards, corporate policies, and legal/regulatory requirements, including those related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and export control where applicable. Maintain appropriate security clearances and promote a culture of compliance.
Requirements for the Program Director (Government Contracts) – Northern Virginia, D.C
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field from an accredited institution. A Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MS in Project Management) is highly preferred.
Experience
Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in federal government contracting, with at least 5-7 years in a senior program management or director-level role overseeing multiple, complex government programs. Demonstrated success in managing P&L for programs exceeding $20M+ annually.
Government Contracting Expertise
Deep and current understanding of federal acquisition regulations (FAR, DFARS), contract types (FFP, CPFF, T&M, IDIQ), and procurement processes. Proven ability to navigate the complexities of government contracting environments.
Leadership & Management
Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to build, mentor, and motivate diverse teams of professionals. Demonstrated experience in managing project managers and technical leads across multiple projects.
Financial Acumen
Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and P&L responsibility. Ability to analyze financial data and make data-driven decisions to optimize program profitability.
Business Development
Experience in contributing to or leading business development efforts, including proposal writing, capture management, and client engagement for new opportunities.
Client Relationship Skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with government clients, senior executives, and internal stakeholders.
Certifications
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required. Program Management Professional (PgMP) or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level III certification in Program Management is highly desirable.
Security Clearance
Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance is highly preferred; ability to obtain and maintain a clearance is required for this role.
Technical Aptitude
While not a purely technical role, a strong understanding of the technologies, services, or solutions relevant to the organization’s government contracts (e.g., IT, cybersecurity, engineering, professional services) is highly beneficial.
Problem-Solving & Decision Making
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems, develop innovative solutions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Location
Ability to work on-site in Northern Virginia/D.C. as required to meet client and team needs, with potential for some remote flexibility based on program demands.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our organization is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. As a Program Director (Government Contracts), you will be eligible for a robust suite of benefits, including:
Competitive Salary
A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience and industry standards in the Northern Virginia/D.C. market.
Performance-Based Bonuses
Opportunities for significant annual performance bonuses tied to individual, program, and company success.
Health & Wellness
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with employer contributions, including options for family coverage.
Retirement Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions to help you build financial security.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company-paid holidays, to ensure work-life balance.
Professional Development
Access to a wide range of professional development resources, including tuition reimbursement, industry certifications (e.g., PgMP, specialized technical certifications), and leadership training programs.
Life & Disability Insurance
Company-paid life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Confidential support services for personal and work-related challenges.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Potential for flexible work schedules or hybrid remote options, depending on program requirements and client needs.
Company Culture
A collaborative, innovative, and supportive work environment where your contributions are valued and recognized.
How to Apply
If you are a highly qualified and motivated Program Director with extensive experience in government contracts, we invite you to take the next step in your career. Join a team that is dedicated to excellence and making a significant impact. To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications through our online portal. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your expertise can contribute to our continued success in the federal sector.
JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. For more information on how JRG Partners can assist with your career in government contracting, please visit our Government Contracting Recruitment page.
