The Program Manager is responsible for leading large-scale election security programs from initiation through steady state operations and delivery. This role involves overseeing all aspects of program client engagement, scoping, planning, process development and documentation, execution, and renewal, ensuring that projects within the program are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. The Program Manager will coordinate cross-functional teams, manage stakeholder expectations, and mitigate risks to deliver successful project outcomes across the program portfolio. This is an advanced level program management role, ideal for individuals with significant program and project management experience and a track record of successful large program and project delivery. This role can be expected to lead multiple projects within the election security program and leverage the support of Project Managers and Project Coordinators.   

Key Responsibilities:

• Define program scope, objectives, resourcing and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders and Apollo executives.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive program project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Work with cross-functional teams to assign responsibilities, set priorities, and establish clear goals.
• Manage program and project budgets with the program management team, ensuring all financial aspects are tracked and reported.
• Lead the team’s execution of multiple program engagements simultaneously, ensuring tasks are completed on schedule, within scope, and adhering to standards.
• Manage resources, including team members, vendors, stake-holders, and third-party contractors.
• Monitor and report on program progress, adjusting plans as needed to accommodate changing circumstances.
• Ensure that program deliverables meet quality standards and are aligned with Apollo and stakeholders' expectations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for program stakeholders, maintaining clear and consistent communication throughout the program lifecycle.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings and provide regular status updates.
• Manage stakeholder expectations by ensuring transparency around risks, issues, and changes.
• Identify and assess program risks, developing mitigation plans to minimize their impact.
• Resolve program issues in a timely manner, escalating when necessary to senior management.
• Maintain a risk register and ensure risk mitigation strategies are consistently executed.
• Lead and motivate project teams to deliver high-quality results.
• Ensure team members are aware of program and engagement timelines, responsibilities, and objectives.
• Provide support, guidance, and mentorship to junior team members or less experienced project managers.
• Promote a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the team.
• Track program and project expenditures and monitor budget variances.
• Ensure that project resources are used efficiently and in line with project objectives.
• Provide financial reports and forecasts to senior management, ensuring budget targets are met.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date program documentation, including project plans, risk logs, status reports, election law changes and change logs.
• Ensure all engagement deliverables are documented and accessible to stakeholders.
• Conduct regular program status reviews and prepare comprehensive engagement reports for senior management.
• Lead closeout activities, including the finalization of deliverables, lessons learned, and retrospectives.
• Ensure a smooth transition of project deliverables to operational teams.
• Conduct post-engagement evaluations to capture insights for future projects.
• Successfully close the program by ensuring all deliverables across nested projects and sub-programs are completed and accepted. Provide final program reports and lead post-program evaluations to capture lessons learned at all levels.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Program and Project Coordination and Management
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
•  Knowledge of project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile).
•  Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
•  Project based financial and budget management skills.
•  Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
•  Proficiency in Project Management Software (Cloud Coach, MS Project, Asana, Trello, Jira, Etc.)