Program Manager (PM)

DEFTEC Corporation•New London, CT

5d•$100,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager provides day-to-day operational leadership of Contractor-provided museum services, including administration, visitor services, volunteer coordination, education support, IT/AV support, exhibit maintenance support, and event support, while serving as the primary liaison between the Contractor and the Government. This role manages contract administration and financial matters such as 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, and the Government retains final authority over policy, collections, public access, safety, and program content. The ideal candidate holds a bachelor's or master's degree in museum studies, art history, business or public administration, or a related field, and brings seven or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a museum, cultural institution, or similar environment, including at least three years managing budgets and personnel. Strong back-of-house museum knowledge, financial stewardship, HR proficiency, and the ability to turn a 5-year strategic vision into annual work plans and KPIs are essential, and the candidate must obtain and clear a Tier 1/NACI background investigation. Preferred strengths include Coast Guard or museum operations expertise, crisis and risk management, digital integration experience, and the interpersonal diplomacy to bridge curatorial and administrative teams.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree or master's degree in museum studies, art history, business administration, public administration, or a related field is required.
A Tier 1/NACI Background Clearance will be obtained by the candidate at hire and must successfully complete and clear the process.
Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a museum, cultural institution, public attraction, or similar nonprofit environment, including at least three (3) years managing budgets and personnel.
Deep familiarity with managing personnel and performance management.
Familiarity with the "back-of-house" including registration, collections care, exhibition production, and facility management.
Experience planning and monitoring complex operating budgets and labor expenditures.
Proficiency in performance management, recruitment, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
Proven track record of translating a 5-year strategic vision into actionable annual work plans and KPIs.

Nice To Haves

Experience with running a museum or with Coast Guard mission and history to enable training of contractor staff with minimal oversight from the Government.
Ability to manage everything from facility emergencies (leaks, security breaches) to public relations crises.
Experience implementing modern museum tech, such as advanced Collection Management Systems (CMS) or digital visitor engagement tools.
The "bridge-builder" skill-the ability to mediate between curatorial staff (the creative side) and administrative staff (the fiscal side).

Responsibilities

Direct day-to-day Contractor-provided services, including 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 the performance of this contract and support museum operations.
Manage Contractor invoicing, staffing costs, performance records, and communications with the CO and COR. The Program Manager shall not obligate Government funds or direct Government employees.
Recommend Contractor procedures and support implementation of Government-approved museum policies. The Government retains final authority over policy, collections, public access, safety, and program content.