IT Program Manager

Job Description

The IT Program Manager is a senior delivery professional within the PMCOE's Manage and Perform tier, responsible for orchestrating multiple interdependent IT projects and initiatives across Commonwealth agencies toward a shared set of program benefits. This role is distinct from single-project execution: the primary mandate is program-level integration, cross-project resource and schedule sequencing, benefits realization, and program governance spanning initiatives too large or interdependent for any one project manager to coordinate alone. An IT Program Manager may lead a single project directly when Commonwealth need requires it, but that is a secondary capability, not the role's core function. The ideal candidate holds the Program Management Professional (PgMP) credential and brings a demonstrated record of managing programs, not only projects: benefits management, cross-project resource and schedule integration, and program governance structures across multiple concurrent, interdependent initiatives. Experience working within or alongside Commonwealth agencies is a strong advantage.

Pay Range:55-75/hr

Skills and Requirements

1. Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification, active and in good standing, is required.
2. 7 or more years of progressive IT program and project management experience, including demonstrated experience managing programs comprising multiple, interdependent projects rather than single-project delivery alone.
3. Demonstrated experience in benefits management: defining, tracking, and reporting on program benefits across a multi-year program life cycle.
4. Knowledge of program management standards and frameworks, including PMI's Standard for Program Management, and their distinction from project-level frameworks such as the PMBOK Guide.
5. Knowledge of cross-project resource, schedule, and dependency management, including techniques for resolving conflicts between concurrent projects competing for shared resources.
6. Knowledge of program governance structures, including steering committee design and program-level decision rights distinct from project-level governance.
7. Skill in producing integrated, executive-ready program status reporting that synthesizes multiple projects into a coherent program-level narrative.
8. Skill in facilitating governance and steering sessions with senior stakeholders across multiple agencies or business units.
9. Ability to manage competing priorities, ambiguous requirements, and organizational complexity across a multi-project program in a fast-paced, multi-agency government environment.
10. Ability to build trust and credibility with senior agency stakeholders, navigating political dynamics with professionalism and diplomacy.
11. Ability to lead a single project directly and effectively when assigned, while maintaining primary orientation toward program-level responsibilities.
12. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to adapt message and format to audience.
13. Bachelor's degree in Business Analysis, Data Science, Information Systems, Computer Science, Public Administration, or a closely related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
14. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in addition to PgMP.
15. Experience working within or in direct support of Commonwealth of Virginia state agencies, particularly in an IT program or portfolio delivery capacity.
16. Familiarity with Commonwealth IT governance frameworks, including VITA's PMD/ITIM framework and the IT Strategic Planning (ITSP) process.
17. Experience with Planview Portfolios or a comparable enterprise PPM platform for program and cross-project scheduling, resource management, and status reporting.
18. SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), SAFe for Government, or comparable program-level Agile scaling certification.
19. Experience managing programs that involve multiple third-party vendor contracts, including oversight of vendor deliverables, SLA compliance, and contract change management across concurrent projects.
20. Experience leading program-level recovery or stabilization efforts spanning multiple at-risk or troubled projects.
21. Experience preparing governance documentation such as program charters, benefits realization reports, and stage gate review packages.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected].