Senior Tax System Modernization Program Manager

Job Title: Senior Tax System Modernization Program Manager

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Job Type: Contract

Pay Range: $95.00hr - $100.00hr

Job Overview:

The organization is undertaking a multi-year, comprehensive Tax System Modernization Program. This strategic initiative will modernize and integrate core tax administration systems, applications, operational workflows, taxpayer service channels, and data structures across five major software release cycles. While there is a significant technology shift, this modernization effort requires focus and incorporation of best practices for Enterprise Program and Project Management, Organizational Change Management, Systems and User Acceptance Testing, and End User System Training to ensure successful 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, leading strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, cross-functional coordination, program scheduling, and resource analysis.

Position Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the tax system vendor and Transformation Management Office (TMO) to develop and oversee a comprehensive tax system modernization roadmap, including multiple releases with a detailed schedule, resource allocations, and milestones.
• Coordinate with the tax system vendor, Technical Program Director, and Functional Program Director from planning and analysis to execution and deployment.
• Ensure program management best practices are followed throughout the program, including effective documentation, communication, and change management.
• Identify key program risks and ensure risk mitigation strategies and plans are documented to support program success.
• Identify and manage decisions, issues, and action items to ensure timely resolution and avoid program delays.
• Serve as the primary contact for the tax system vendor Project Manager.
• Ensure alignment with other IT portfolio initiatives, identifying and addressing dependencies, resource constraints, conflicts, and risks.
• Create and deliver regular 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 on program benefits.
• Facilitate Executive Steering Committee and Program Management Governance Meetings.
• Ensure contractor onboarding and off-boarding happen in a timely manner aligned with resource planning and program schedules.
• Oversee technology and service vendor deliverables according to contract and payment milestones.
• Collaborate closely with agency IT leads, business analysts, and third-party contractors to ensure effective teamwork.
• Manage Change Requests, working with the appropriate steering committee or board to present proposed changes and acquire decisions for approval or rejection.
• Coordinate with other state agencies or third parties to discuss changes needed by other IT departments to support the program (e.g., 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 managing specific aspects of the program (e.g., data conversion, interfaces).
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance oversight to team members.
• Collaborate with Procurement and TMO Program Directors on timelines for procuring goods and services to support program schedules.
• Maintain and oversee the staffing plan, ensuring sufficient allocation of internal resources to meet program timelines.
• Track completion of contract milestones and payment approvals; participate in forecasting future budget needs for the program.
• Collaborate with the Technical Program Director and internal technical team members responsible for adherence to all state, federal, and agency regulations to identify work tasks for inclusion in the program schedule, including dependencies.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in program or project management. PMP or PgMP certification preferred.
• Proven experience managing large-scale modernization or transformation projects, ideally within the government or public sector.
• Experience with public-sector taxation operations or technologies is preferred.
• Experience with Agile project management methodologies is preferred.
• 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.

Skills:

• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and MS Teams; advanced skills preferred.

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• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Disability Insurance (Short-Term and Long-Term)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Paid Sick Leave (where required by applicable state or local law)
• Supplemental Insurance Plans
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career Growth and Professional Development Opportunities