Program Development Manager Jobs in California
Program Development Manager jobs in California are in strong demand, with active hiring in the nonprofit and social services sector, healthcare systems, higher education, and government-funded workforce development programs, at levels from coordinator-track to senior director. The largest concentrations of openings are in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, where anchor institutions such as Kaiser Permanente, University of California, and LA County government maintain ongoing program development functions. The most in-demand specialties include grant-funded community program management, healthcare program development, and workforce or career services program management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 172+ Program Development Manager jobs
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
This position typically reports to a senior program manager and is responsible for the planning, managing and technical performance of one or more developed or mature engineering program(s) contained at a single location. Manages programs which have well defined program plans and delivery methodologies. Leads all phases of assigned program(s) from initiation through delivery. Responsible for program(s) which represent stable growth. Applies established technologies using standard principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to provide solutions to a variety of technical problems. Typically accomplishes objectives through subordinate managers. Responsible for decisions that could impact outcomes where erroneous decisions could cause serious schedule delays and expenditure of additional time and resources.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage all phases of the program(s) from conceptualization through completion, including acquisition, planning, and managing technical performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are attained.
- Develop and coordinate program plans or delivery methods which usually serve a single customer.
- Participate with technical staff and/or Division/Group executive management to develop and implement current, annual, and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business, and financial objectives for the program(s). May also contribute to the development of Group/Company objectives.
- Participate with engineering to establish design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts for product research, development, testing, and integration.
- Interact with internal and external representatives at various levels concerning resolution of technical and scheduling issues. Act as primary contact for program issues.
- Influence, and coordinate the preparation of proposals, business plans, proposal work statements and specifications, operating budgets, and financial terms/conditions of contract(s). Influence contract acquisitions, negotiations and modifications.
- Ensure technical leadership and excellence is maintained by participating in the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of the required management, professional, and technical talent.
- Act as the primary customer contact for program activities and may lead program review sessions with customers to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance.
- Identify program issues and provide leadership in developing solutions such as re-allocation of resources or modifying contract specification.
- Contribute to the development of new business opportunities and expansion of existing business opportunities. May participate with Group management in pursuing business partnerships, alliances, and joint ventures that enhance the capabilities of the Group/Company and may result in new products, programs and business opportunities.
- Manage the development of and ensure the security of proprietary technology, and maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Other duties as assigned or required.
Job Qualifications
- Typically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering, science or a related technical field as well as eleven or more years of progressively complex program administration experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
- Demonstrates technical expertise and application of program management principles, concepts, and practice as well as program management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
- Must be able to develop solutions to problems that require coordination of technologies across program requirements.
- Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
- Customer focused, must be able to work on a self-initiated basis and in a team environment, and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
- The ability to obtain and maintain DoD Secret Clearance is required.
Job Category
Program/Project Management
Experience Level
Senior (8+ years)
Workstyle
Onsite
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time Salary
Pay Range Low
118,500
Pay Range High
207,750
Travel Percentage Required
0% - 25%
Relocation Assistance Provided?
No
US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Clearance Required?
Desired
Clearance Level
Secret
Search Jobs at | General Atomics and Affiliated Companies
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
This position typically reports to a senior program manager and is responsible for the planning, managing and technical performance of one or more developed or mature engineering program(s) contained at a single location. Manages programs which have well defined program plans and delivery methodologies. Leads all phases of assigned program(s) from initiation through delivery. Responsible for program(s) which represent stable growth. Applies established technologies using standard principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to provide solutions to a variety of technical problems. Typically accomplishes objectives through subordinate managers. Responsible for decisions that could impact outcomes where erroneous decisions could cause serious schedule delays and expenditure of additional time and resources.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage all phases of the program(s) from conceptualization through completion, including acquisition, planning, and managing technical performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are attained.
- Develop and coordinate program plans or delivery methods which usually serve a single customer.
- Participate with technical staff and/or Division/Group executive management to develop and implement current, annual, and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business, and financial objectives for the program(s). May also contribute to the development of Group/Company objectives.
- Participate with engineering to establish design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts for product research, development, testing, and integration.
- Interact with internal and external representatives at various levels concerning resolution of technical and scheduling issues. Act as primary contact for program issues.
- Influence, and coordinate the preparation of proposals, business plans, proposal work statements and specifications, operating budgets, and financial terms/conditions of contract(s). Influence contract acquisitions, negotiations and modifications.
- Ensure technical leadership and excellence is maintained by participating in the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of the required management, professional, and technical talent.
- Act as the primary customer contact for program activities and may lead program review sessions with customers to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance.
- Identify program issues and provide leadership in developing solutions such as re-allocation of resources or modifying contract specification.
- Contribute to the development of new business opportunities and expansion of existing business opportunities. May participate with Group management in pursuing business partnerships, alliances, and joint ventures that enhance the capabilities of the Group/Company and may result in new products, programs and business opportunities.
- Manage the development of and ensure the security of proprietary technology, and maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Other duties as assigned or required.
Job Qualifications
- Typically requires a Bachelors, Masters or PhD in engineering, science or a related technical field as well as eleven or more years of progressively complex program administration experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
- Demonstrates technical expertise and application of program management principles, concepts, and practice as well as program management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
- Must be able to develop solutions to problems that require coordination of technologies across program requirements.
- Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
- Customer focused, must be able to work on a self-initiated basis and in a team environment, and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
- The ability to obtain and maintain DoD Secret Clearance is required.
Job Category
Program/Project Management
Experience Level
Senior (8+ years)
Workstyle
Onsite
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time Salary
Pay Range Low
118,500
Pay Range High
207,750
Travel Percentage Required
0% - 25%
Relocation Assistance Provided?
No
US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Clearance Required?
Desired
Clearance Level
Secret
Search Jobs at | General Atomics and Affiliated Companies
See All 172+ Program Development Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsProgram Development Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Development Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program development manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in public administration, social work, education, or a related field
- Proven experience designing, implementing, and evaluating programs or services
- Demonstrated ability to manage grant-funded programs and meet compliance requirements
- Strong project management skills with experience overseeing cross-functional teams
- Experience preparing program reports and presenting outcomes to stakeholders
- Proficiency with data tracking systems and program evaluation methodologies
Program Development Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program development manager in California?
Most program development manager roles in California require a bachelor's degree in public administration, social work, nonprofit management, education, or a related field, with a master's degree preferred for senior positions. California does not require a state-issued license for this role, but candidates who complete grant management training or obtain a Project Management Professional credential gain a clear hiring edge. Building experience through program coordination or case management roles within California's large nonprofit or county government sectors is the most direct path.
Which companies hire program development managers in California?
Employers hiring program development managers in California right now include Bank of America, Macy's, and Risksmith Insurance Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's large county health departments, University of California campuses, and federally funded workforce development agencies are consistently among the most active hirers of program development managers in the state.
Which California cities have the most program development manager jobs?
San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles have the most program development manager openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its concentration of county government agencies, large nonprofit networks, and community health organizations, while San Francisco and Sacramento draw hiring from technology-aligned nonprofits, state government departments, and federally funded workforce programs headquartered in those metros.
Are there remote program development manager jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many comparable roles. About 53% of program development manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the desk-based and planning-heavy nature of the work. Program design, grant writing, reporting, and stakeholder coordination are the tasks most commonly performed remotely, while community outreach and partner-facing responsibilities typically require in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a program development manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a program coordinator or program associate role at a California county department, a UC or CSU campus, or one of the state's large nonprofit organizations, where internal promotion into program management is common. LA County, the California Department of Social Services, and major networks such as United Way of California regularly post entry-level program roles that build toward management. A master's degree in public administration or social work or a completed AmeriCorps service term in California also signals readiness to hiring committees.
Where can I find and apply to program development manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to program development manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated on an ongoing basis. Search the listings for roles that match your background, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 172+ Program Development Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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