IT Programs Manager

Sonida Senior Living•Addison, TX

About The Position

The IT Programs Manager will lead the planning, execution, and delivery of technology initiatives that enhance efficiency and improve the resident and associate experience across Sonida Senior Living. This role requires strong project leadership, communication, and collaboration skills to ensure successful outcomes across diverse business units and systems. The position plays a key role in aligning technology projects with organizational priorities, supporting business transformation, and ensuring systems integration that enables operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field.
5+ years of progressive IT project management experience in enterprise environments.
Proven success managing cross-functional technology projects involving system integrations, business process improvement, and vendor collaboration.
Proficient with Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms.
Familiarity with ERP and financial systems such as Yardi or comparable platforms.
Ability to define, measure, and report KPIs to track project health and business impact.
Strong focus on planning, risk management, and continuous improvement.
Skilled in negotiating, managing, and measuring third-party performance.
Experience guiding teams through process and system changes with empathy and clear communication.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to engage both technical and non-technical audiences. Strong documentation and presentation skills, including development of executive updates and training materials.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines across complex initiatives.
Understands how technology supports business strategy and operational excellence.
Keeps the resident and associate experience at the center of every project.
Demonstrates ownership and accountability for achieving defined outcomes.
Builds trusted relationships across functions and levels; fosters teamwork and shared success.
Anticipates future challenges, identifies opportunities for innovation, and plans accordingly.
Combines analytical skill, sound judgment, and experience to make balanced decisions.
Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and adjusts approach as priorities shift.
Maintains discretion when handling sensitive business and technical information.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the senior living, healthcare, or hospitality industry preferred.
PMP or similar project management certification preferred (e.g., PMI-ACP, CSM).
Experience with project portfolio management or enterprise transformation initiatives preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead Technology Initiatives: Drive the successful implementation of technology projects on time, within scope, and on budget. Ensuring alignment with Sonida’s strategic priorities and governance standards.
Project Planning & Execution: Create and maintain detailed project plans using tools such as Smartsheet or Microsoft Project, ensuring accountability and visibility. Responsible for requirements gathering and documentation, coordinating user acceptance testing and go-live readiness.
System Integration Roadmap: Collaborate with IT leadership to design and execute an integration roadmap that enhances efficiency and data flow across core platforms (e.g., Yardi, DSSI, Amazon, etc.) ensuring interoperability between systems.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with business stakeholders, vendors, and IT teams to define project scope, milestones, and deliverables, ensuring transparent communication and accountability throughout the project life cycle.
Budgeting & Financial Stewardship: Develop and maintain project budgets; track and report financial performance; and recommend process improvements for cost efficiency.
Monitor project ROI and support the development of business cases for technology investments.
Vendor & Partner Management: Coordinate with strategic technology partners and solution providers to ensure timely, high-quality delivery and measurable value creation.
Governance & Compliance: Collaborate with Cybersecurity and Internal Audit teams to ensure that all project activities comply with internal policies, SOX requirements, data governance standards, and security best practices.
Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development and refinement of project management best practices, templates, and reporting frameworks.
Track and report project performance metrics, preparing executive summaries and dashboards for leadership and PMO review.