Front Office Program Manager

Applied Research Solutions•Bedford, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is seeking a Front Office Program Manager to support a high-visibility Air Force front office organization. This role involves leading acquisition and program management activities across multiple mission-critical efforts. The ideal candidate will serve as a key advisor and task lead supporting senior Air Force leadership, ensuring acquisition objectives, program execution, and strategic priorities are aligned with Department of the Air Force and DoD directives. This position is fully on-site in support of Air Force mission operations.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen
Minimum of 10 years of program management experience, with at least 5 years specifically working within a Department of Defense (DoD) setting.
Top-Secret security clearance is required. (May consider candidates with a current Secret clearance)
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business, Management) required.
Direct experience supporting Air Force programs and familiarity with Air Force-specific processes, requirements, and stakeholders.
Proficiency with program management tools and software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Earned Value Management Systems).
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Ability to interact effectively with senior military officials, government personnel, and contractors.
Ability to identify complex program issues and develop innovative solutions to ensure program success.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s in Program Management or Engineering) is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage acquisition-related program efforts throughout the program lifecycle, including planning, requirements development, execution, sustainment, and transition activities.
Support Air Force acquisition initiatives in accordance with DoDI 5000 series guidance, Air Force acquisition policies, and applicable program management frameworks.
Coordinate and monitor program execution activities to ensure cost, schedule, and performance objectives are achieved.
Interface directly with high-level Air Force personnel, government leadership, program offices, and external stakeholders to support strategic acquisition initiatives and mission priorities.
Prepare and present executive-level briefings, program updates, decision support materials, and status reports for senior leaders and front office leadership teams.
Support leadership in prioritizing competing requirements, resolving programmatic issues, and driving strategic decision-making.
Serve as a task lead overseeing day-to-day activities of cross-functional teams supporting acquisition and program execution efforts.
Provide supervisory-level leadership, mentorship, and direction to team members while ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and customer expectations.
Coordinate workload distribution, monitor deliverables, and ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and action items.
Develop and maintain integrated program schedules, acquisition documentation, milestone planning activities, and execution strategies.
Support planning and execution of acquisition phases including requirements analysis, systems engineering coordination, testing, fielding, and sustainment activities.
Track program metrics and identify risks, dependencies, and resource constraints impacting program objectives.
Ensure compliance with Air Force, DoD, and federal acquisition regulations, policies, and governance processes.
Identify and mitigate program risks related to schedule, cost, technical performance, and contract execution.
Monitor contractor performance and coordinate with contracting, engineering, and program office personnel to ensure deliverables meet mission requirements.
Prepare, review, and maintain acquisition and program management documentation including Acquisition Strategies, Program Management Reviews (PMRs), Systems Engineering Plans (SEPs), risk assessments, briefing packages, and executive correspondence.
Provide detailed reporting and recommendations to senior Air Force leadership regarding program health, acquisition strategy, and operational impacts.
Foster collaboration across government, military, and contractor teams in a dynamic Air Force operational environment.
Support special projects, front office initiatives, and other duties as assigned.