PMO Director Workers Compensation System Modernization (WCSM)

PMO Director – System Modernization ProgramDuration: 12 monthsWork Arrangement: Hybrid — minimum 25% onsite each month (≈ one week / 5 workdays onsite per month)Location: Olympia, WAAbout the ProgramA large, multiyear modernization initiative is underway to replace more than 100 legacy systems and transition from a mainframecentric environment to a modern, cloudfirst architecture. The program includes significant business process transformation, modernization of core operational systems, and a shift toward more agile development and delivery practices.After a temporary pause, the program has been restructured and reactivated, requiring strengthened governance, clearer operational controls, and a formalized Program Management Office (PMO).Role OverviewThe PMO Director will establish, lead, and mature a Program Management Office supporting all modernization efforts within the portfolio. This role is responsible for governance, oversight, vendor coordination, executive reporting, integrated scheduling, and standardized project management frameworks.This is a senior leadership position supporting a highvisibility statewide modernization effort.Key ResponsibilitiesPMO Leadership & OversightStand up and lead the PMO, developing program standards, best practices, and governance structures.Build PMO templates, dashboards, KPIs, tools, and reporting mechanisms.Ensure alignment with established frameworks and modern PMO methodologies.Lead planning across large or multiproject workstreams, defining scope, dependencies, and integrated schedules.Coordinate activities across internal teams and contracted vendors.Oversee resource allocation, scheduling, risk/issue management, and critical path tracking.Guide project closeout, documentation, lessons learned, and transition readiness.Program GovernanceEstablish governance bodies and ensure consistent application of governance processes.Provide accurate, timely reporting of risks, issues, dependencies, decisions, and status.Financial & Budget OversightSupport financial tracking across projects, including planned vs. actual expenditures.Assist with forecasting, identifying unmet needs, and ensuring funds are used efficiently.Procurement, Contracts & Vendor ManagementSupport procurement processes and contract execution.Manage vendor performance, integration, workflows, and deliverable oversight.Support review of statements of work and contract modifications.Stakeholder Engagement, OCM & CommunicationsLead communication strategies across teams, leaders, and impacted groups.Prepare written and verbal executivelevel updates.Facilitate governance meetings, project reviews, and workshops.Support organizational change management in alignment with modernization goals.Required QualificationsActive PMP or equivalent project/program management certification.10 years leading enterpriselevel program and project management efforts.5 years delivering large modernization or transformation initiatives.5 years leading projects in complex publicsector or regulated environments.Proven experience managing external vendors providing modernization and technology services.Strong background establishing PMO standards, methodologies, governance, and reporting.Expertise with integrated master schedules and Microsoft Project.Demonstrated ability to influence executives, manage crossfunctional teams, and lead through complexity.Preferred QualificationsWorkers’ compensation domain knowledge or applicable certification.Experience leveraging AIenabled productivity tools (e.g., Copilot, Gemini) to optimize PMO operations.Reporting StructureThe PMO Director will support program leadership and operate within a formal PMO structure, collaborating closely with program executives, project teams, and vendor partners.