Senior Program Manager

Senior Program Manager

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

We are seeking a Senior Program Manager provides strategic leadership, planning, execution, and oversight for complex University-wide programs, initiatives, and projects that advance Howard University's strategic priorities. The incumbent serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and is responsible for developing frameworks, managing resources, driving organizational effectiveness, and ensuring successful implementation of critical institutional initiatives.

The position requires advanced program management expertise, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across academic, administrative, healthcare, research, and community-facing functions.

The Senior Program Manager manages multiple high-profile initiatives simultaneously and ensures programs deliver measurable outcomes aligned with University objectives, regulatory requirements, operational goals, and stakeholder expectations.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY: Provides leadership and supervision to professional and administrative staff, project teams, contractors, consultants, and assigned program personnel.

Responsible for:

• Workforce planning and staffing recommendations
• Performance management and coaching
• Employee development and succession planning
• Work allocation and prioritization
• Budget oversight and resource management
• Fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement

May lead cross-functional teams that include faculty, administrators, staff, students, and external partners.

NATURE AND SCOPE: Works independently with significant latitude for decision-making and strategic problem solving.

Maintains regular interaction with:

• Internal Stakeholders
• University Executive Leadership
• Deans and Academic Leadership
• Department Directors
• Faculty and Researchers
• Human Resources
• Finance and Procurement
• Information Technology
• Students and Student Services Offices
• External Stakeholders

• Federal and State Agencies
• Granting Agencies
• Accreditation Bodies
• Healthcare Partners
• Vendors and Consultants
• Community Organizations
• Corporate and Philanthropic Partners

The position frequently supports the University in meetings, negotiations, presentations, and strategic planning activities.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Strategic Program Leadership

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of complex strategic initiatives and programs supporting institutional priorities.
• Develop comprehensive program strategies, goals, objectives, governance frameworks, and performance measures.
• Align program activities with University strategic plans and operational objectives.
• Provide executive-level recommendations regarding program performance, risks, opportunities, and resource allocation.

Program Planning and Execution

• Develop and manage comprehensive program roadmaps, project plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Ensure successful execution of programs within established timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Establish program governance structures and accountability mechanisms.
• Manage competing priorities while balancing strategic and operational requirements.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as liaison between executive leadership and operational stakeholders.
• Build strategic partnerships across schools, departments, administrative units, and external organizations.
• Facilitate consensus-building among diverse stakeholder groups.
• Provide executive briefings, presentations, and status reports to leadership.

Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate program effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
• Develop and implement process improvement initiatives.
• Apply project and change management methodologies to improve organizational performance.

Budget and Resource Management

• Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets.
• Analyze financial performance and resource utilization.
• Prepare business cases and cost-benefit analyses.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of University resources.

Data Analytics and Reporting

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Analyze operational, financial, workforce, and programmatic data.
• Prepare executive dashboards and performance reports.
• Utilize data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making.

Risk and Compliance Management

• Identify and mitigate operational, compliance, financial, and reputational risks.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, accreditation, grant, and University requirements.
• Develop contingency plans for significant initiatives and projects.

Change Management

• Lead organizational change initiatives associated with program implementation.
• Assess stakeholder readiness and potential barriers to adoption.
• Develop communication, training, and change management strategies.
• Promote stakeholder engagement and sustained implementation success.

External Funding and Partnerships

• Support development of grant proposals and funding opportunities.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with government agencies, foundations, and external organizations.
• Monitor funded program performance and reporting obligations.

Other Duties

Perform other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Leadership

• Strategic Thinking
• Executive Presence
• Decision Making
• Organizational Leadership
• Talent Development

Program Management

• Portfolio Management
• Project Governance
• Change Management
• Resource Planning
• Risk Management

Business Acumen

• Financial Analysis
• Budget Management
• Operational Excellence
• Strategic Planning

Communication

• Executive Reporting
• Presentation Development
• Facilitation
• Negotiation and Influence

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Workday
• Power BI or Tableau
• Project Management Platforms
• Data Analysis Tools

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, Human Resources, Healthcare Administration, Project Management, or related field.

Preferred Education

Master's degree in a related discipline.

Experience

• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience managing complex programs, projects, operations, or institutional initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and strategic initiatives.
• Experience preparing executive-level analyses, reports, and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Program Management Professional (PMP