Senior Program Manager - IT Modernization
About The Position
The Senior Program Manager will lead a large-scale data system modernization initiative, overseeing planning, assessment, procurement, and implementation of a next-generation data management system. The current system is a custom-built, web-based platform that has been operating for more than a decade. A complete rebuild may be needed because of aging technology and evolving business requirements, potentially including migration to a cloud-based environment. The role works with internal stakeholders, technical teams, and multiple external vendors to assess the existing system, identify gaps, define functional and technical requirements, develop Statements of Work (SOWs), manage procurement activities, and oversee implementation. The Program Manager is responsible for coordinating the needs-assessment phase and the broader modernization initiative, monitoring vendor performance and project risks, maintaining project documentation, and communicating progress and recommendations to senior and executive leadership.
Requirements
- Graduate degree in Project Management, Information Systems, Data Science, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
- At least 15 years of experience managing complex programs or projects, preferably involving IT systems, data systems, or modernization initiatives.
- Active PMP certification.
- Strong experience in project planning, execution, monitoring, and delivery within defined scope, timelines, and budget.
- Demonstrated experience developing SOWs, requirements documents, and technical specifications for IT/data system upgrades or modernization projects.
- Extensive experience managing multiple vendors, evaluating proposals, monitoring performance, and coordinating project deliverables.
- Understanding of data systems and system architecture, including data ingestion, processing, validation, storage, integration, and reporting.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong communication, documentation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience managing project risks, timelines, dependencies, and deliverables across multiple project phases.
- Ability to translate complex technical requirements into clear documentation and communicate effectively with executive leadership.
- Must qualify for a Master Level position.
- Candidates must provide experience details for the listed skills, including graduate degree or equivalent experience; PMP certification; complex IT programs and data system modernization; project planning and delivery; SOWs, requirements documents and technical specifications; vendor management and proposal evaluation; data systems and architecture; cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management; communication, documentation and executive reporting; project timelines, risks and dependencies; analytical and problem-solving skills; project documentation; and multi-vendor coordination.
Nice To Haves
- Experience managing large-scale IT system modernization or complete system rebuild projects.
- Familiarity with cloud migration and cloud-based data environments.
- Experience with government or public-sector IT projects.
- Experience managing procurement processes, RFP development, vendor evaluations, and contract deliverables.
- Familiarity with enterprise data management systems and data integration workflows.
Responsibilities
- Lead regular meetings with internal stakeholders and external vendors to communicate project progress, discuss challenges, and support decision-making.
- Develop project requirements for the needs-assessment phase, documenting system objectives, existing gaps, and technical expectations.
- Assist in reviewing and evaluating vendor proposals, qualifications, methodologies, and project approaches.
- Manage and coordinate the needs-assessment phase, ensuring vendors meet established responsibilities, deliverables, and timelines.
- Serve as the primary communication liaison between internal teams, assessment vendors, and existing system vendors.
- Work with stakeholders and technical vendors to define functional and technical requirements for the modernized data system.
- Develop and review Statements of Work (SOWs), translating project requirements into clear and measurable deliverables.
- Lead development of RFP documentation and support vendor selection and procurement activities.
- Oversee the complete system modernization and rebuild initiative, ensuring alignment with project scope, schedule, budget, and organizational objectives.
- Monitor vendor performance, evaluate deliverables, identify risks, and facilitate timely issue resolution.
- Develop and maintain project plans, requirements logs, decision records, risk registers, milestone tracking, project status reports, and meeting summaries.
- Manage project timelines, dependencies, risks, and deliverables throughout all project phases.
- Provide regular project updates and recommendations to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
Benefits
- Flexible work from home options available.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
