Program Manager (PM)

DEFTEC Corporation•New London, CT

About The Position

The Program Manager provides day-to-day operational leadership of Contractor-provided museum services and serves as the primary liaison between the Contractor and the Government. The role oversees administration, visitor services, volunteer coordination, education support, IT/AV support, exhibit maintenance support, and event support. It also manages contract administration and financial matters, including invoicing, staffing costs, performance records, and communications with the CO and COR, and recommends Contractor procedures that support Government-approved museum policies. The Program Manager does not obligate Government funds or direct Government employees. The Government retains final authority over policy, collections, public access, safety, and program content. The position requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, seven or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a museum, cultural institution, public attraction, or similar nonprofit environment, and at least three years managing budgets and personnel. The candidate must obtain and clear a Tier 1/NACI background investigation.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's degree in museum studies, art history, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
Seven or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a museum, cultural institution, public attraction, or similar nonprofit environment.
At least three years of experience managing budgets and personnel.
Deep familiarity with personnel management and performance management.
Familiarity with back-of-house museum operations, including registration, collections care, exhibition production, and facility management.
Experience planning and monitoring complex operating budgets and labor expenditures.
Proficiency in performance management and recruitment, and ability to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
Proven ability to translate a five-year strategic vision into annual work plans and KPIs.
Must obtain and successfully clear a Tier 1/NACI background investigation.

Nice To Haves

Experience running a museum or knowledge of the Coast Guard's mission and history, enabling training of Contractor staff with minimal Government oversight.
Ability to manage facility emergencies and public relations crises.
Experience implementing modern museum technology, such as advanced Collection Management Systems or digital visitor engagement tools.
Ability to mediate between curatorial and administrative teams.

Responsibilities

Direct day-to-day Contractor-provided administration, visitor services, volunteer coordination, education support, IT/AV support, exhibit maintenance support, and event support.
Serve as the key liaison between the Contractor and the Government for contract performance and museum operations.
Manage Contractor invoicing, staffing costs, performance records, and communications with the CO and COR.
Recommend Contractor procedures and support implementation of Government-approved museum policies.
Translate a five-year strategic vision into actionable annual work plans and KPIs.
Manage personnel, performance, budgets, and labor expenditures.