Senior Program Associate

Dcode•Washington, DC

19h

About The Position

Dcode is a team dedicated to bridging the gap between the speed of technology and the federal government. They achieve this by aligning people, culture, policies, and processes to ensure technology reaches those who need it most. Operating at the intersection of government leaders, emerging tech companies, and venture capital, Dcode transforms obstacles into successful outcomes. The company is seeking a mission-driven, detail-oriented Senior Program Associate to support the execution of high-priority initiatives for a defense sector client. This role is designed for a professional with 2–3 years of experience who can independently manage defined workstreams while contributing to the overall success of the program. In this position, the associate will help establish and operationalize a structured “action cell” using Dcode’s RAIC methodology, aiming to streamline acquisition processes, enhance decision-making, and modernize financial planning and execution. Key responsibilities include producing high-quality, decision-ready deliverables, contributing to the development of repeatable processes and frameworks, and supporting client engagements within a dynamic and evolving environment. Success in this role is defined by consistently delivering high-quality outputs, developing a deep understanding of client mission priorities, proactively anticipating challenges, and identifying opportunities for improvement.

Requirements

2–3 years of relevant professional experience (consulting, government, defense, or related fields).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to structure ambiguous problems.
Experience producing high-quality, client-ready deliverables (PowerPoint, Excel, written reports).
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Familiarity with or interest in government acquisition, innovation, or technology integration.
Comfort working in agile, iterative delivery environments.
Eligibility for TS-SCI with polygraph clearance is Required.

Nice To Haves

Take ownership of your workstreams and consistently deliver high-quality outputs.
Are proactive in identifying problems and proposing thoughtful solutions.
Can connect day-to-day tasks to broader mission and organizational priorities.
Thrive in structured but fast-moving environments with evolving requirements.
Are curious, adaptable, and eager to learn in a mission-driven setting.

Responsibilities

Execute defined workstreams with guidance, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of outputs.
Develop clear, structured deliverables (briefings, analyses, frameworks, and reports) that support client decision-making and program progress.
Support the design, documentation, and validation of operating models, workflows, and governance structures.
Assist in building and refining repeatable playbooks, decision frameworks, and program artifacts.
Contribute to agile, sprint-based execution cycles, ensuring consistent progress and visibility.
Conduct discovery and analysis to identify bottlenecks, gaps, and opportunities across acquisition, funding, and requirements processes.
Support the development of decision frameworks (e.g., down-selects, risk assessments, transition readiness).
Help define and track performance metrics, including cycle time, throughput, and decision velocity.
Contribute to ROI and impact models that inform leadership decisions and future investment strategies.
Support day-to-day client interactions, including meeting preparation, note-taking, and follow-up actions.
Build an understanding of the client’s mission priorities and how program activities align to broader organizational goals.
Assist in facilitating alignment across stakeholders by preparing materials and synthesizing inputs.
Contribute to the development of communication materials that support leadership alignment and culture change.
Anticipate potential issues and proactively suggest solutions or process improvements.
Capture lessons learned and contribute to refining tools, frameworks, and methodologies.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce delivery friction, and enhance program impact.