IT Strategy & PMO Consultant

Role: IT Strategy & PMO Consultant (AI-Enabled Transformation) Location: Sacramento, CA, Hybrid (3 days after every 6 weeks) Duration: Contract (6+ Months)
Overview: We are seeking an experienced IT Strategy & PMO Consultant to both manage selected projects and lead the transformation of the Project Management Office into an AI-enabled, Shared Services model that can support project managers and business customers at scale. This role blends hands-on project delivery with strategic PMO modernization, integrating governance, data-driven decision-making, automation, and cross-functional alignment with Business Relationship Management (BRM) and Enterprise Architecture functions. The consultant will establish scalable processes, introduce AI-powered workflows, enhance portfolio prioritization, and ensure projects deliver measurable business value.
Key Responsibilities: Project Management (20 50%):

• Lead end-to-end project delivery using PMP-aligned methodologies (initiation through closeout).
• Develop and maintain project artifacts including charters, schedules, risk registers, communication plans, and status reports.
• Facilitate phase-gate reviews, monitor scope/schedule/cost, and manage change requests.
• Coordinate with business sponsors, analysts, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and delivery success.
• Provide project reporting through enterprise tools and dashboards.
• Drive project closeout activities and document benefits realization.

PMO Transformation & Shared Services Enablement (50 80%):

• PMO Operating Model Modernization
• Redesign PMO structure, roles, RACI, and service catalog to support scalable shared services.
• Improve intake, triage, prioritization, and governance workflows.
• Optimize delivery frameworks, stage gates, and portfolio value management processes.
• BRM Integration
• Align PMO and BRM functions through shared planning cadences, KPIs, and intake governance.
• Develop playbooks to transition initiatives from ideation to execution.
• Enterprise Architecture Alignment

• Partner with EA leadership to embed architecture checkpoints into intake and delivery lifecycle.
• Establish governance processes linking capability planning to portfolio prioritization.
  • Data, AI, and Financial Governance

• Deploy PMO data models, dashboards, and reporting frameworks.
• Enhance CapEx/OpEx tracking, forecasting, and financial transparency.
• Implement AI-enabled tools (e.g., workflow automation, collaboration copilots) to improve PMO efficiency.
• Introduce scenario modeling and analytics for portfolio decision-making.
  • Change Management & Adoption

• Lead organizational change initiatives, communications, and training programs.
• Enable PMs and stakeholders to adopt new tools, processes, and governance models.

Key Deliverables:

• PMO transformation roadmap, operating model, and governance framework.
• Standardized intake, prioritization, and portfolio management processes.
• AI-enabled workflows, dashboards, and performance analytics.
• Financial tracking and benefits realization models.
• Project delivery artifacts including plans, schedules, and closeout documentation.
• Sustainability and handover plans to transition operations into steady state.

Required Qualifications: Experience:

• 10+ years of IT project management experience, including managing multiple enterprise initiatives.
• 7+ years in IT strategy, PMO leadership, or transformation roles.
• Demonstrated experience redesigning or scaling PMO functions.
• Experience implementing AI, analytics, or automation within governance or delivery environments.
• Strong background in financial governance, forecasting, and portfolio value tracking.
• Expertise in organizational design, RACI development, and operating model creation.
• Proven ability to engage executive stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignment.

Tools & Technologies:

• Experience with enterprise project and reporting tools such as ServiceNow, Jira, Clarity, and Power BI (or equivalent).
• Strong data interpretation and visualization capabilities (e.g., SQL, analytics/reporting platforms).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications such as PMP, PMI-ACP, SAFe, TOGAF, BRMP, ITIL, COBIT, or Prosci.
• Agile Product Owner certification or similar.
• MBA or advanced degree in a related discipline.

Core Competencies:

• Executive-level communication and data-driven storytelling.
• Change management and organizational adoption leadership.
• Workshop facilitation and stakeholder engagement.
• Systems-thinking mindset focused on scalable, sustainable design.