Program Director

Cubic•Orlando, FL

About The Position

The Program Director is a senior leadership role responsible for oversight and execution of a portfolio of programs through direct leadership of multiple Program Managers and Schedulers. Reporting directly to the Vice President/General Manager (VP/GM), this role emphasizes customer engagement, communication excellence, and business growth through upsell and follow-on opportunities, while ensuring disciplined program execution across cost, schedule, and technical performance. The Program Director serves as the primary escalation point for program execution issues, a trusted customer interface, and a key contributor to business strategy and portfolio growth. This role exercises substantial decision-making authority and works closely with Engineering, Business Development, Contracts, Finance, and Operations leadership to drive both delivery excellence and profitable growth.

Requirements

Minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years with a Master’s; or 6 years with a PhD; or equivalent experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.
Understanding of communications technology program development.
Understanding of contract administration, finance, engineering, operations, system integration and test, quality, configuration management, logistics, and business practices.
Strong verbal and written communication and negotiation skills.
Knowledge of government procurement, contracting, and applicable standards.
Active or ability to obtain a U.S. DoD Top Security Clearance.

Nice To Haves

PMP certification is desirable.

Responsibilities

Leads, manages, and mentors a team of Program Managers and Schedulers, providing direction, priorities, and professional development.
Establishes consistent program execution standards, cadence, and discipline across the portfolio.
Conducts regular reviews of program health, risks, schedules, and financial performance, ensuring early identification and resolution of issues.
Coaches Program Managers on customer engagement, executive communication, and growth mindset behaviors.
Provides executive-level oversight of multiple programs in accordance with contracts, policies, and procedures.
Ensures programs meet technical, cost, schedule, and quality objectives across the full program lifecycle.
Reviews and approves key program artifacts including schedules, EACs, risk registers, recovery plans, and customer deliverables.
Actively manages portfolio-level risks and dependencies, driving mitigation strategies and trade decisions.
Serves as a senior customer interface, building strong, trusted relationships with government and industry stakeholders.
Ensures proactive, clear, and consistent communication with customers across the program portfolio.
Identifies and drives upsell, contract modifications, follow-on work, and adjacent opportunities through customer insight and affinity.
Partners with Business Development to shape capture strategies, position capabilities, and transition programs from award to execution.
Oversees program financial performance to ensure profitability, cash flow, and compliance with financial objectives.
Reviews program forecasts, EACs, and margin performance; holds Program Managers accountable for financial outcomes.
Works with Finance and Contracts to manage contract changes, scope growth, and risk exposure.
Directs and integrates cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Subcontract Management.
Works closely with the VP/GM and peer leaders (Engineering Director, BD Lead, Contracts, Finance) to execute business strategy.
Escalates program and organizational issues with sufficient lead time for effective resolution and decision-making.
Supports proposal efforts for new and follow-on business, including SOWs, WBS and schedule development, risk assessments, estimates, negotiations, and contract administration.
Participates in marketing new technologies and shaping offerings aligned with customer needs.
Prepares and delivers executive-level briefings on portfolio health, risks, opportunities, and growth outlook.
Represents the program portfolio with senior internal and external stakeholders.