Technical Program Manager

Senior Technical Program Manager for Systemwide Datacenter Initiatives

The Senior Technical Program Manager for Systemwide Datacenter Initiatives will support DigIT Executive Leadership with new and ongoing initiatives related to HPC, storage, compute, and AI infrastructure across the University of California system. This is a remote position, with a one-year contract engagement subject to extension should the demand exist.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or Computer Science, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading the planning, design, and implementation of enterprise-scale data center, cloud, or research computing infrastructure, including high-performance computing (HPC), GPU-accelerated computing, large-scale storage, and high-speed networking architectures that support scientific research and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in modern compute, storage, networking, and AI infrastructure technologies, including distributed computing platforms, virtualization and container orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes), cloud services, and AI/ML infrastructure, with the ability to translate research and institutional requirements into scalable, secure, and sustainable technology solutions.
• Demonstrated experience developing programs or initiatives from concept through implementation, including business case development, stakeholder alignment, governance design, and transition to operational ownership.
• Experience developing financial analyses, including cost modeling, total cost of ownership (TCO), return on investment (ROI), budget forecasting, and vendor pricing evaluations.
• Experience managing cross-functional programs involving multiple stakeholder groups, business units, or organizational entities.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating executive-level meetings, workshops, and governance forums, including preparation of briefing materials and presentation of recommendations.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical and financial information for executive, business, and technical audiences.
• Experience evaluating and working with technology vendors, including solution assessments, procurement support, contract considerations, and pricing model analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, build consensus, and achieve results without direct authority in complex organizational environments.
• Experience developing strategic roadmaps, operating models, governance structures, and performance measures for enterprise initiatives.

Datacenter Initiative Management

Partner with executive leadership to define and develop enterprise-wide technology and business initiatives that advance organizational priorities and strategic objectives related to HPC, storage, compute, and AI infrastructure. Develop initiative charters, business cases, operating models, and funding strategies to support executive decision-making.

Technology Assessment

Evaluate HPC and datacenter architecture, technology assessments, platforms, and vendor offerings against organizational needs, strategic goals, security requirements, and operational constraints. Assess opportunities, risks, dependencies, and organizational impacts associated with potential technology investments.

Financial Planning

Analyze vendor pricing structures, licensing models, implementation costs, operational expenses, and support requirements. Create executive-ready financial presentations and supporting documentation for governance committees and leadership review.

Executive Engagement

Build and maintain strong relationships with executive leaders, location partners, functional leaders, technology teams, and external stakeholders. Prepare and deliver high-impact presentations, reports, and briefing materials for executive leadership and governing bodies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Coordinate efforts across technology, finance, operations, procurement, security, legal, compliance, and business units to ensure alignment and execution readiness. Facilitate resolution of complex organizational, operational, and strategic issues affecting program success.

Communications

Develop executive communications that clearly articulate progress, challenges, opportunities, and recommendations. Translate complex technical and financial concepts into language appropriate for executive, business, and academic audiences.