Program Manager (Hiring Event)

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) stands as the global authority in Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), providing critical imagery analysis and data integration that supports national defense, homeland security, and safe navigation around the world. NGA’s mission centers on the imperative to 'Know the World, Show the Way... from Seabed to Space!' by delivering unparalleled geospatial intelligence products and services that enable informed strategic decision-making across various national security domains. The agency employs a diverse team of gifted analysts and specialized professionals who work collaboratively to transform vast amounts of geospatial data into actionable intelligence, greatly enhancing the United States' ability to understand and respond to global threats and challenges.

The Program Manager position at NGA plays a crucial role in overseeing acquisition, operational, and support programs integral to the agency’s mission success. This full-time role, with an annual salary range of $76,573 to $141,880, involves managing project cost, schedule adherence, and technical performance from inception through completion. Program Managers are accountable for delivering results aligned with the agency’s strategic objectives by expertly coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, leading lifecycle planning efforts, and ensuring that acquisition processes meet all required standards and outcomes. They are pivotal in validating resource needs, preparing procurement documentation, conducting technical and performance evaluations, monitoring expenditures, and assessing contractor performance. The role may also involve participating in source selection evaluations to ensure the best contractual outcomes for the agency.

This position offers promotion potential across various pay bands without time-in-band restrictions, emphasizing quality and relevance of experience rather than seniority. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong competencies in contract execution, financial management, risk mitigation, and Information Technology (IT) program management, including software development, testing, and deployment. A critical requirement is a capacity for leadership under minimal supervision and tight timelines, with a direct impact on the success of NGA’s high-stakes program initiatives.

Working with NGA provides the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge geospatial intelligence work in a highly secure and mission-driven environment. Employees must be U.S. citizens eligible to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access, subject to polygraph examinations and periodic reviews. The agency fosters an inclusive workplace that provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and offers a broad array of federal employment benefits, supporting long-term career growth and work-life balance. The NGA environment is highly dynamic and collaborative, perfect for professionals passionate about leveraging data and technology to protect national interests.

To thrive as a Program Manager at NGA, candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Operations Research, Statistics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or related fields requiring advanced technical applications. Alternative combinations of education and experience that collectively amount to four years of relevant work are also accepted. DAWIA certification requirements may apply, with established timelines for certification achievement depending on the applicant’s prior status.

Applicants must meet mandatory competencies including attention to detail, customer service, oral communication, and problem solving. Desirable qualifications include familiarity with federal and Department of Defense acquisition regulations, facilities management, risk management, and experience in agile software development processes. The NGA prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, as candidates will be subject to rigorous vetting and continuous fitness evaluations to maintain their security clearance and access.

Overall, the Program Manager role at NGA represents a unique and rewarding career path for individuals ready to contribute to critical national security initiatives through expert program oversight, strategic planning, and advanced acquisition management. This position not only demands technical excellence and leadership acumen but also an unwavering commitment to national service in one of the nation’s most vital intelligence organizations.