Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives

DPS•Denver, CO

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives is responsible for establishing, coordinating, reporting on, and maintaining enterprise-level initiatives, including Denver Public Schools’ Oracle-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The role establishes and implements program and project management processes in alignment with district methodology and the Strategic Roadmap, with a focus on timely, on-budget, high-quality delivery and customer expectations. At least 50% of the role is dedicated to ERP work, including managing the ERP governance structure and committees and leading ERP projects; the role may support ERP work for more than 50% of its time. The position leads high-impact, district-wide initiatives from ideation through execution, translating broad concepts into structured plans with milestones, outcomes, and success measures. It leads project teams and communications; manages project plans, resources, budgets, risks, issues, and dependencies; and supports complex technical efforts from requirements gathering and process redesign through vendor selection, system design, testing, and deployment. It also leads continuous improvement and post-project learning, manages multimillion-dollar technology, business, and operational budgets, and fosters inclusive, collaborative working relationships. The position is full-time and based in the office; hybrid work is not available. Employees must have a permanent home address in Colorado while working for DPS. Applications are accepted until October 29, 2026, unless the position remains unfilled, in which case later applications may be considered.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Program and Project Management.
At least 5 years of experience; the posting lists organizational planning, strategy, and project management.
Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while employed by DPS.
Ability to work full-time in the office; hybrid options are not available.
Ability, with or without accommodations, to meet the physical demands of the position.
Knowledge of program management best practices.
Knowledge of product management and best practices.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
Ability to foster effective relationships with district staff, schools, and external partners.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects; develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals; establish priorities; and organize resources.
Ability to multitask without compromising integrity or fidelity and to handle competing demands and deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and/or project management software, such as Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Ability to generate excitement, buy-in, and understanding among colleagues and employees outside the team.
High degree of integrity in handling confidential information.
Extensive knowledge and expertise in project management methodologies and tools, resource management practices, and change management techniques.
Commitment to racial and educational excellence, dismantling systems of oppression and inequity, and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard and have access to high-quality education.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business, Public Policy, or Organizational Psychology.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Knowledge of ERP systems.

Responsibilities

Lead a portfolio of high-impact, district-wide initiatives from ideation through execution, translating broad concepts into plans with milestones, outcomes, and measures of success.
Dedicate at least 50% of working time to the district’s Oracle-based ERP, including managing its governance structure and committees and leading ERP-specific projects.
Develop comprehensive communication strategies and provide project leadership and communications about deliverables, issues, and status to stakeholders, project teams, department heads, management, and senior leadership.
Establish and implement program and project management processes aligned with district methodology and the Strategic Roadmap.
Maintain and enforce governance frameworks that support decision-making rights, regulatory alignment, and accountability across the ERP and/or project lifecycle.
Develop and monitor project charters, work plans, work breakdown schedules, milestones, status reports, project teams, resource plans, and budgets.
For complex technical efforts, develop and implement holistic technology solutions, including requirements gathering, process re-engineering and design, vendor selection and management, system design, testing, and deployment.
Use Software Development Life Cycle methodologies to support on-time, on-budget technology implementations.
Define and track outcomes using qualitative and quantitative data; lead post-project reflection and improvement to build institutional knowledge and inform future work.
Identify, track, communicate, and resolve project issues, risks, and dependencies; lead risk identification and mitigation planning.
Lead cross-functional continuous-improvement efforts to optimize workflows, remove bottlenecks, improve execution quality, and increase efficiency.
Create inclusive environments, value diverse perspectives, build trust across teams, and model humble leadership.
Manage multimillion-dollar technology, business, and operational budgets, including purchase and implementation costs.
Perform other duties as assigned.