Program Manager
Austin, TX Onsite
6 months contract
Candidates with prior experience working for State Government clients are preferred.
INPERSON INTERVIEWS ONLY
Position will be 5 days required to be onsite at the location listed above. ***Subject to change per manager***
Program will only accept LOCAL ONLY candidates for this position.
Organizing programs and activities in accordance with the mission and goals of the organization. Developing new programs to support the strategic direction of the organization. Creating and managing long-term goals. Developing a budget and operating plan for the program.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Program Manager to work directly with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead modernization efforts across the Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) and System Support Services (SSS) divisions. This role is critical to driving process improvements, implementing automation, and leveraging AI tools to streamline complex workflows.
The Program Manager will serve as a bridge between teams, ensuring collaboration, alignment, and consistent execution of project plans. Success in this role requires strong leadership, consensus-building skills, and the ability to create a "nudge" environment-encouraging teams to adopt new practices and maintain momentum toward shared goals.
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Key Responsibilities
Lead Modernization Initiatives
o Design and implement projects that simplify and automate complex tasks in PCS and SSS.
o Integrate AI and automation tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Drive Collaboration and Consensus
o Facilitate cross-division communication and decision-making.
o Build trust and alignment among stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.
Create a Nudge Environment
o Use behavioral strategies to encourage adoption of new processes.
o Promote continuous improvement and accountability across teams.
Ensure Consistent Project Planning
o Develop clear, actionable project plans with measurable milestones.
o Monitor progress and adjust strategies to meet deadlines and quality standards.
Measure Success and Quality
o Track key metrics such as stakeholder satisfaction, cycle time reduction, and compliance.
o Report outcomes to leadership and recommend improvements.
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Qualifications
Proven experience managing complex projects in large organizations.
Strong skills in consensus building, stakeholder engagement, and change management.
Familiarity with AI, automation tools, and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma).
Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
Ability to work across multiple divisions and manage competing priorities.
Critical Job Functions for the Program Manager (COO Support)
1. Cross-Divisional Project Leadership
Lead planning, execution, and delivery of AI and automation projects that span multiple business units, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and operational needs across both System Support Services and Procurement and Contracting divisions.
2. Standardization & Process Improvement
Establish and promote consistent project management practices for all project managers reporting to the COO, including standardized charters, schedules, risk logs, and reporting templates.
Conduct process analyses to identify and implement automation and efficiency improvements, driving a quality and process-driven approach.
3. Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication
Facilitate communication and collaboration among IT, operations, strategy, and other stakeholders to ensure project objectives are understood and met.
Develop adoption strategies for new AI and automation tools, ensuring buy-in and effective implementation across impacted areas.
4. Compliance & Governance
Ensure project compliance with data governance, security, and ethical AI standards, maintaining organizational integrity and regulatory adherence.
5. Reporting & Accountability
Prepare and deliver progress reports to the Senior Advisor and COO, providing transparent updates on project status, risks, and outcomes.
Maintain accountability for project results, ensuring objectives are delivered on time and with a well-thought-out approach.
6. Team Leadership & Mentorship
Oversee and mentor interns and early-career professionals, fostering technical and professional growth within the project team.
II. CANDIDATE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
| Minimum Requirements:
Candidates that do not meet or exceed the minimum stated requirements (skills/experience) will be displayed to customers but may not be chosen for this opportunity. |
| Years | Required/Preferred | Experience |
| 8 | Required | At least eight (8) years information technology (IT) program management experience. Experience should also include: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Experience in developing clear, concise project documentation. |
| 8 | Required | Successful management of complex projects with a multi-year budget of $10 million or more. |
| 8 | Required | Experience with Microsoft Project, Office, and Visio. |
| 8 | Required | Experience with managing multiple competing priorities, conflict management, and facilitation. |
| 8 | Required | Experience with AI, automation tools, and process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma). |
| 8 | Required | Strong command of PMO standards, stage-gate reviews, and executive reporting. |
| 8 | Required | Ability to translate organizational strategy into actionable program plans |
| 8 | Required | Skilled in presenting complex technical concepts in business-focused language. |
| 5 | Preferred | Proven ability to communicate with senior leaders and executives |
| 5 | Preferred | Strong negotiation and influence skills across IT, business, and external partners. |
| 5 | Preferred | Comfortable operating in ambiguous or fast-changing environments. |
| 5 | Preferred | Strong data-driven reporting and KPI development. |
| 5 | Preferred | Experience creating dashboards for executive consumption and with dashboard tools, such as PowerBI or Tableau. |
| 5 | Preferred | Experience supporting C-suite or executive sponsors. |
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