Program Manager

The NICHD Office of OIT requires continued planning and technical support for IT application and website development and maintenance, Section 508 Compliance, database and data mart support, application infrastructure support, and other technical services including but not limited to the support of new and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine learning (ML)/Robotic Process Automation (RPA), NICHD and/or NIH Wide. The focus of these IT support activities is creation, development, maintenance, operation, and support of a web application infrastructure that provides an efficient, effective, reliable, and secure computing environment in support of NICHD’s and NIH’s mission and supports staff in the efficient and effective utilization of these capabilities.

Background

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) was established as one of the 27 institutes and centers within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1962. NICHD’s mission is to lead research and training to understand human development, improve reproductive health, enhance the lives of children and adolescents, and optimize abilities for all.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex IT programs and projects supporting federal agency mission objectives.
• Partner with government leadership, including the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), Chief Information Officer (CIO), and key stakeholders, to develop strategic IT roadmaps and implementation plans.
• Develop and maintain program management artifacts including project schedules, budgets, risk registers, work plans, and performance metrics.
• Provide oversight of multiple IT initiatives to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards.
• Evaluate technical proposals, review project deliverables, and provide recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Monitor project performance, identify risks and issues, and implement mitigation strategies to maintain successful program execution.
• Prepare executive-level reports, dashboards, presentations, and briefings that communicate project status, accomplishments, milestones, risks, and recommendations.
• Support strategic planning for enterprise applications, public websites, and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and cybersecurity initiatives.
• Collaborate with business and technical stakeholders to align IT investments with organizational priorities and mission objectives.
• Facilitate project governance activities, including portfolio reviews, prioritization, and re-prioritization of IT initiatives.
• Support Project Management Office (PMO) operations by improving processes, developing documentation, and providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Assist stakeholders in developing business cases, project assessments, and governance documentation for project approvals.
• Coordinate and support governance meetings, technical reviews, and executive briefings.
• Manage transition planning for program startup, operational transitions, and contract closeout while ensuring continuity of services.
• Develop and maintain required program management deliverables, including Program Management Plans, Transition Plans, Monthly Progress Reports, Annual Reports, Final Reports, Project Schedules, and other contractual documentation.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including application developers, web teams, cybersecurity personnel, infrastructure teams, and business stakeholders to deliver integrated IT solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through automation, dashboards, workflow improvements, and process optimization.
• Ensure compliance with federal IT policies, project management standards, and organizational governance processes.
• Proactively communicate project status, dependencies, and potential schedule impacts to government leadership and stakeholders.
  
  

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of management experience and at least 4 years of experience managing projects of similar size and scope for the Federal Government.
• Extensive experience managing information technology evaluations.
• Extensive experience developing and tracking schedule, cost, and risk for projects of similar size and scope in an Information Technology environment
• Understanding of Federal Government policies and procedures and demonstrated ability to meet fast turnaround deadlines.
• Understanding of Federal Government contracting and billing processes along with experience in cost control management.
  
  

Education

Requires BS/BA degree in related field (or equivalent)

Certification(s)

Active Project Management Institute (PMI) certified Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Compensation

Anticipated Salary Range: $145,000–$185,000

Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, certifications, and other business considerations.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Location and Work Hours

Work Location: Fully Remote with occasional on site meetings in Bethesda, MD

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, Regular Business Hours

Benefits And EEO

At Ardent Eagle Solutions, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to our employees and their families:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
• Matching 401(k) Plan
• Continuing Education Assistance
• Paid Time Off
• Free parking is available for the night shift Operations Watch Officers
  
  

This job description is intended to describe the general scope of work and level of work that is needed to perform while on task with Ardent Eagle Solutions. Other duties may be assigned. Selected candidates may undergo a government security investigation and must fulfill eligibility criteria for accessing classified information. US citizenship may be a prerequisite for certain roles.

Ardent Eagle Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to disability or protected veteran status.