Senior Program Manager - IT Modernization

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced IT Program Manager to lead a large-scale data system modernization initiative. The selected candidate will oversee the planning, assessment, procurement, and implementation of a next-generation data management system.

The existing system is a custom-built web-based platform that has been in operation for over a decade. Due to aging technology and evolving business requirements, a complete system rebuild may be necessary, potentially including migration to a cloud-based environment.

The Program Manager will work closely with internal stakeholders, technical teams, and multiple external vendors to assess the current system, identify gaps, define functional and technical requirements, develop Statements of Work (SOWs), manage procurement activities, and oversee the implementation of the modernized solution.

This role requires extensive experience in IT project/program management, vendor management, system modernization, requirements development, and stakeholder coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead regular meetings with internal stakeholders and external vendors to communicate project progress, discuss challenges, and support decision-making.
  
  
• Develop project requirements for the needs-assessment phase, documenting system objectives, existing gaps, and technical expectations.
  
  
• Assist in reviewing and evaluating vendor proposals, qualifications, methodologies, and project approaches.
  
  
• Manage and coordinate the needs-assessment phase, ensuring vendors meet established responsibilities, deliverables, and timelines.
  
  
• Serve as the primary communication liaison between internal teams, assessment vendors, and existing system vendors.
  
  
• Work with stakeholders and technical vendors to define functional and technical requirements for the modernized data system.
  
  
• Develop and review Statements of Work (SOWs), ensuring project requirements are translated into clear and measurable deliverables.
  
  
• Lead the development of RFP documentation and support vendor selection and procurement activities.
  
  
• Oversee the complete system modernization and rebuild initiative, ensuring alignment with project scope, schedule, budget, and organizational objectives.
  
  
• Monitor vendor performance, evaluate deliverables, identify risks, and facilitate timely issue resolution.
  
  
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including:
  • Project Plans
    
    
  • Requirements Logs
    
    
  • Decision Records
    
    
  • Risk Registers
    
    
  • Milestone Tracking
    
    
  • Project Status Reports
    
    
  • Meeting Summaries
    
    
• Manage project timelines, dependencies, risks, and deliverables throughout all phases of the initiative.
  
  
• Provide regular project updates and recommendations to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
  
  

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Graduate degree in Project Management, Information Systems, Data Science, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
  
  
• Minimum 15 years of experience managing complex programs or projects, preferably involving IT systems, data systems, or modernization initiatives.
  
  
• Active PMP certification is required.
  
  
  
• Strong experience in project planning, execution, monitoring, and delivery within defined scope, timelines, and budget.
  
  
• Demonstrated experience developing Statements of Work (SOWs), requirements documents, and technical specifications for IT/data system upgrades or modernization projects.
  
  
• Extensive experience managing multiple vendors, evaluating proposals, monitoring performance, and coordinating project deliverables.
  
  
• Understanding of data systems and system architecture, including data ingestion, processing, validation, storage, integration, and reporting.
  
  
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  
  
• Strong communication, documentation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  
  
• Experience managing project risks, timelines, dependencies, and deliverables across multiple project phases.
  
  
• Ability to translate complex technical requirements into clear documentation and communicate effectively with executive leadership.
  
  

Preferred Experience

• Experience managing large-scale IT system modernization or complete system rebuild projects.
  
  
• Familiarity with cloud migration and cloud-based data environments.
  
  
• Experience with government or public-sector IT projects.
  
  
• Experience managing procurement processes, RFP development, vendor evaluations, and contract deliverables.
  
  
• Familiarity with enterprise data management systems and data integration workflows.
  
  

Required Skills Matrix

Candidates must provide their experience details for the following skills:

1. Graduate Degree or Equivalent Relevant Experience.
   
   
2. PMP Certification.
   
   
3. Managing Complex IT Programs and Data System Modernization Projects.
   
   
4. Project Planning, Execution, and Delivery.
   
   
5. Developing Statements of Work (SOWs), Requirements Documents, and Technical Specifications.
   
   
6. Vendor Management, Proposal Evaluation, and Deliverable Oversight.
   
   
7. Data Systems and System Architecture Understanding.
   
   
8. Cross-Functional Team Leadership and Stakeholder Management.
   
   
9. Communication, Documentation, and Executive Reporting.
   
   
10. Managing Project Timelines, Risks, and Dependencies.
    
    
11. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills.
    
    
12. Developing Project Plans, Requirements Logs, Risk Registers, and Status Reports.
    
    
13. Managing Multi-Vendor Relationships and Coordination.
    
    

Additional Requirement: Candidate must qualify for a Master Level position.

Flexible work from home options available.