Senior Tax System Modernization Program Manager

Cynet Systems•Raleigh, NC

About The Position

The organization is undertaking a multi-year Tax System Modernization Program to modernize and integrate core tax administration systems, applications, operational workflows, taxpayer service channels, and data structures across five major software release cycles. The program incorporates enterprise program and project management, organizational change management, systems and user acceptance testing, and end-user system training to support program execution, quality assurance, organizational readiness, and stakeholder alignment. Operating within the Transformation Management Office, the Program Manager reports directly to the Program Sponsor, alongside the Technical Program Director and Functional Program Director. The role leads strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, cross-functional coordination, program scheduling, and resource analysis. It also oversees program governance, vendor coordination, risk and change management, staffing, deliverables, budget forecasting, and status reporting.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in program or project management.
Proven experience managing large-scale modernization or transformation projects.
Proven experience developing high-quality status reports and dashboards.
Proven experience presenting to executive-level stakeholders.
General knowledge of state and federal regulatory standards for government technology.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency in project management software, such as MS Project.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and MS Teams.

Nice To Haves

PMP or PgMP certification.
Experience managing large-scale modernization or transformation projects in government or the public sector.
Experience with public-sector taxation operations or technologies.
Experience with Agile project management methodologies.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and MS Teams.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the tax system vendor and Transformation Management Office to develop and oversee a comprehensive modernization roadmap, including releases, schedules, resource allocations, and milestones.
Coordinate with the vendor and Technical and Functional Program Directors from planning and analysis through execution and deployment.
Ensure program management best practices, including effective documentation, communication, and change management.
Identify program risks and ensure mitigation strategies and plans are documented.
Manage program decisions, issues, and action items to support timely resolution and prevent delays.
Serve as the primary contact for the tax system vendor Project Manager.
Align the program with other IT portfolio initiatives and identify and address dependencies, resource constraints, conflicts, and risks.
Prepare status reports, dashboards, and Executive Steering Committee presentations and updates.
Submit required information and comply with state Department of Information Technology reporting requirements.
Develop methods to measure and report program benefits.
Facilitate Executive Steering Committee and Program Management Governance Meetings.
Ensure contractor onboarding and off-boarding are timely and aligned with resource planning and program schedules.
Oversee technology and service vendor deliverables according to contract and payment milestones.
Collaborate with agency IT leads, business analysts, and third-party contractors to support effective teamwork.
Manage Change Requests and present proposed changes to the appropriate steering committee or board for approval or rejection.
Coordinate with other state agencies or third parties on changes needed to support the program, such as interface changes.
Collaborate with the Functional Program Director to plan activities associated with the organizational change management strategy and plan.
Participate in planning and attend meetings and discussions with external stakeholders impacted by the new tax system.
Lead a cross-functional team of project managers responsible for specific program areas, such as data conversion and interfaces.
Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance oversight to team members.
Collaborate with Procurement and TMO Program Directors on procurement timelines for goods and services needed to support program schedules.
Maintain and oversee the staffing plan to ensure sufficient allocation of internal resources for program timelines.
Track contract milestone completion and payment approvals, and participate in forecasting future program budget needs.
Collaborate with the Technical Program Director and internal technical team members to identify regulatory compliance work tasks and dependencies for the program schedule.