Program Manager, Strategic Implementation

PDK International•Arlington, VA

About The Position

We are seeking a highly organized, systems-minded leader who thrives on turning strategy into execution. Program Manager, Strategic Implementation will lead the implementation of high-priority, cross-functional strategic initiatives by building the structures, tools, and coordination needed to move complex work forward. Some initiatives will remain under this role's leadership throughout their lifecycle, while others will transition to operational teams once a strong implementation foundation has been established. In addition to leading and managing strategic initiatives, this role will help build consistent program and project management practices across the organization, strengthening our ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver complex work effectively. This is a highly collaborative role that works across teams and levels of the organization. The ideal candidate is someone who can zoom out to understand the strategic goal, zoom in to manage the details, and bring people together to ensure work keeps moving.

Requirements

3–5 years of experience managing cross-functional programs and projects, ideally in a complex, mission-driven, education, nonprofit, or similarly collaborative environment.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex or ambiguous priorities into clear plans, timelines, roles, deliverables, and measures of success—and drive work through completion.
Strong project management, facilitation, communication, and relationship-building skills, with experience coordinating across teams and managing competing priorities, dependencies, and risks.
Experience building or improving systems, processes, tools, or templates that help teams work more effectively and execute more consistently.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with education, grants, or federally or foundation-funded initiatives is a plus.
Experience with creative agencies, designers, or other external partners is also a plus.
Familiarity with project management methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, or similar approaches is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning and execution of complex, cross-functional initiatives from kickoff through completion or transition to an operational owner.
Translate strategic priorities into clear, executable plans.
Establish timelines, milestones, owners, governance structures, and success measures.
Coordinate work across departments and ensure teams understand roles, responsibilities, and dependencies.
Monitor progress, identify and manage risks, and remove obstacles to keep work moving.
Facilitate decision-making and ensure key decisions and next steps are documented and followed through.
Lead implementation through completion or facilitate a thoughtful, seamless handoff to an operational owner.
Provide clear, consistent communication and reporting to organizational leaders.
Develop shared program and project management standards, templates, tools, and expectations.
Create scalable processes for project kickoff, planning, progress tracking, and reporting.
Improve visibility into organizational priorities, major initiatives, and cross-functional work.
Build and maintain dashboards and tracking systems that support effective decision-making.
Identify opportunities to improve organizational workflows and ways of working.
Capture lessons learned and continuously refine program and project management practices.
Support teams in launching and structuring new initiatives.
Facilitate planning, kickoff, and working sessions.
Coach program and project leads on implementation and project management best practices.
Help teams establish clear governance, roles, communication plans, and decision-making structures.
Provide additional implementation support during critical phases of programs and projects.
Build strong relationships across departments and serve as a trusted partner who helps teams navigate complexity and keep work moving.