Project/Program Manager, HR Strategic Programs and PMO

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

Do you enjoy partnering with Human Resources (HR) senior leaders to turn priorities into well-run programs that get things done? Do you like being the person who connects the dots—anticipating needs, aligning stakeholders, and keeping complex efforts moving forward smoothly? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. As the Project/Program Manager, HR Strategic Programs and Project Management Office (PMO), you will be a key member of the Human Resources (TSX) senior leadership team. This role leads and oversees a portfolio of high-impact HR initiatives supporting the Lab, partnering closely with senior leaders to drive strategic priorities and ensure effective executive operations. The role integrates advanced project and program management with executive-level communication and operational support, managing complex, cross-functional initiatives and department rhythms from planning through execution. It proactively anticipates leadership needs, aligns stakeholders, prepares executive-ready communications and materials, and establishes scalable processes that enhance TSX operational effectiveness and organizational efficiency. As the Project/Program Manager, HR Strategic Programs and PMO you will: Establish the first Human Resources (TSX) PMO by providing leadership, oversight, and direction to TSX project leads, ensuring initiatives align with enterprise goals and timelines while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Establish and maintain common templates, tools, governance frameworks, and PMO best practices for use across TSX project teams. Establish oversight of the TSX departmental landscape of rhythms and deliverables. Monitor project progress, proactively identify risks and bottlenecks, and partner with project teams to implement corrective actions that ensure deliverable quality and adherence to timelines. Ensure that decision-making and problem-solving are guided by established policies, procedures, and department plans, leveraging support from TSX senior leadership. Apply a strong understanding of business needs to validate requirements and partner with Lab customers, stakeholders, and leaders to translate those needs into actionable, prioritized project plans. Evaluate project team capacity, resourcing, and performance to ensure high-quality, on-time delivery, supported by robust risk, issue, scope, and change management. Advise and partner with the TSX Communications Strategist to shape effective change management approaches for critical initiatives. Identify and escalate technical and operational issues, assess their broader impact, and prepare clear, timely reporting for senior leadership. Serve as the primary point of contact responsible for reviewing and refining project and program initiatives and materials (including executive presentations) to ensure executive-ready quality prior to Department Head and Managing Executive review. Serve as a strategic project leader, or as a member of one or more strategic project teams, as assigned by the Department Head and Managing Executive. Perform additional responsibilities as assigned, including the preparations of timely executive metrics and reports to inform department decision-making, providing support to TSX executives in leadership and department meetings, and contributing to the effective management of the TSX department office.

Requirements

Possess a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Information Technology, or relevant majors
Have a minimum of 10+ years progressive Human Resources experience, either as a HR Business Partner, Organization Development, Talent/Professional Development or other HR functional or leadership roles
Have a minimum of 5 years of HR project or program management experience, with a proven record of success in leading or serving in key project team roles
Have a minimum of 3 years of change management experience and/or certification in change management
Demonstrated strong multitasking, planning, organizational, and execution skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Demonstrated attention to detail and a high standard of quality in written communications, presentations, and other executive-level materials
Demonstrated expertise in project management tools, methodologies, and processes
Demonstrated business acumen with the ability to understand and align initiatives to organizational priorities
Demonstrated experience building consensus and resolving conflict through effective collaboration with senior leaders, cross-functional teams, peers, and external stakeholders
Are able to obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Possess a Master’s Degree in relevant field
Have Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
Demonstrated experience leading a PMO
Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, or managing people

Responsibilities

Establish the first Human Resources (TSX) PMO by providing leadership, oversight, and direction to TSX project leads, ensuring initiatives align with enterprise goals and timelines while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Establish and maintain common templates, tools, governance frameworks, and PMO best practices for use across TSX project teams.
Establish oversight of the TSX departmental landscape of rhythms and deliverables.
Monitor project progress, proactively identify risks and bottlenecks, and partner with project teams to implement corrective actions that ensure deliverable quality and adherence to timelines.
Ensure that decision-making and problem-solving are guided by established policies, procedures, and department plans, leveraging support from TSX senior leadership.
Apply a strong understanding of business needs to validate requirements and partner with Lab customers, stakeholders, and leaders to translate those needs into actionable, prioritized project plans.
Evaluate project team capacity, resourcing, and performance to ensure high-quality, on-time delivery, supported by robust risk, issue, scope, and change management.
Advise and partner with the TSX Communications Strategist to shape effective change management approaches for critical initiatives.
Identify and escalate technical and operational issues, assess their broader impact, and prepare clear, timely reporting for senior leadership.
Serve as the primary point of contact responsible for reviewing and refining project and program initiatives and materials (including executive presentations) to ensure executive-ready quality prior to Department Head and Managing Executive review.
Serve as a strategic project leader, or as a member of one or more strategic project teams, as assigned by the Department Head and Managing Executive.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned, including the preparations of timely executive metrics and reports to inform department decision-making, providing support to TSX executives in leadership and department meetings, and contributing to the effective management of the TSX department office.