Head of Project Management

Agatesoftware; Okemos (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Agate Software is seeking an experienced PMO leader to drive transformation of the PMO operating model and governance as the company scales its software delivery. You will own portfolio strategy, capacity planning, and delivery excellence while collaborating with Engineering, Product, and Sales to achieve exceptional customer outcomes.

This role requires a hands-on, data-driven leader who can bridge executive strategy with detailed execution, coach PMO leaders, and build scalable processes.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of project management experience within software development environments.
• 5+ years leading a PMO or project delivery organization.
• Proven track record scaling PMO organizations during growth or change.
• Strong portfolio management and capacity-planning expertise.
• Deep knowledge of Agile/Scrum, planning, scheduling, scope management, and complex implementations.
• Proven change leadership and cross-functional influence at executive level.
• Education and professional credentials as listed (Bachelor’s and optional Master’s; PMP/PMI-ACP/Scrum Master preferred).

Responsibilities

• Shape the next generation of Agate’s PMO and evolve governance and leadership practices.
• Lead portfolio strategy and capacity planning with clear visibility across priorities and resources.
• Build scalable delivery practices across planning, execution, and communication.
• Turn delivery metrics into action to improve performance and predict risk.
• Lead transformation initiatives with staged adoption and knowledge integration.
• Partner with Engineering, Product, Sales and leaders to align priorities and outcomes.
• Develop a high-performing PMO by coaching leaders and increasing accountability.

Skills

PMO leadership

Portfolio management

Capacity planning

Agile/Scrum

Executive communication

Cross-functional influence

Data-driven

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Project Management/Information Systems/Engineering/CS

Master's degree preferred

PMP/ PMI-ACP/ Scrum Master preferred

Job description

At Agate Software, we are building a better world by revolutionizing how government agencies and nonprofits manage their grant processes. Our solutions empower our customers to maximize their resources, drive compliance, and focus on their core missions of distributing millions of dollars in funding for critical social services.

Our success is built on three pillars: Innovation, Integrity, and Impact. For over 20 years, Agate Software has been at the forefront of transformative innovation in the grant management industry. Our journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements and a commitment to pushing boundaries. By simplifying complex workflows, enhancing transparency, and turbo-charging efficiency, we enable our customers to maximize the impact of their funding.

Always challenging the status quo, we strive to set new industry standards and we are seeking the brightest minds to join us in this mission. If you’re ready to apply your expertise in a dynamic, growth-oriented, mission-driven environment, read on to see how this position aligns with your skills and interests!

Please note that this is an onsite position that is eligible for a hybrid schedule (3 days required onsite/2 days remote) after the first 90 days.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a builder and transformation leader to lead the next chapter of Agate Software’s Project Management Organization.

Agate is entering an exciting stage of growth. We have an established business, long-standing customer relationships, an experienced team, and dedicated Engineering and Product leadership. Now we are looking for an experienced PMO leader who can help us evolve the operating model that supports our next stage of scale.

This is a role for someone who enjoys creating what comes next. You have led PMO transformation before and know how to turn strong teams, proven practices, and deep institutional knowledge into systems that are even more repeatable, visible, and scalable.

You are equally adept at thinking strategically and operating hands-on. You are comfortable moving between portfolio strategy, capacity planning, delivery metrics, project execution, team supervision, and leadership development. You know how to introduce structure without creating bureaucracy and how to lead meaningful change while maintaining momentum.

Most importantly, you are energized by the opportunity to build, scale, and grow exponentially rather than maintain.

What You’ll Do

• Shape the next generation of Agate’s PMO. Evolve the operating model, governance, decision frameworks, and leadership practices needed to support continued growth.
• Lead portfolio strategy and capacity planning. Create clear visibility across priorities, commitments, resources, dependencies, and delivery plans to support strong business decisions.
• Build scalable delivery practices. Strengthen planning, execution, schedule management, scope management, documentation, and customer communication across the PMO.
• Turn data into action. Use delivery metrics and operational insights to fulfill the sales pipeline, anticipate risk, identify opportunities, and continuously improve performance.
• Lead thoughtful transformation. Introduce changes in practical stages, build adoption, and bring together proven institutional knowledge with modern PMO practices.
• Partner across the business. Work closely with Engineering, Product, Sales, and other leaders to align priorities, navigate cross-functional decisions, and support exceptional customer outcomes.
• Develop a high-performing PMO organization. Coach and grow PMO leaders, strengthen accountability and decision-making, and build capabilities that scale with the company.

What You’ll Bring

• Significant experience leading a PMO, project portfolio, or similar function in software, SaaS, technology implementation, or professional services, including 8+ years of project management experience within software development environments and at least 5 years leading a PMO or project delivery organization.
• A record of accomplishment building, evolving, or scaling PMO organizations through meaningful periods of business growth or change.
• Strong portfolio management and capacity-planning expertise, with the judgment to balance customer commitments, business priorities, and available resources.
• Deep practical knowledge of modern project and delivery practices, including Agile/Scrum, project planning, schedule management, scope management, and complex customer implementations designed to drive standardization, efficiencies, and productivity.
• Proven change leadership, including the ability to bring experienced teams through new ways of working while preserving the knowledge and practices that create value.
• Strong executive communication and cross-functional influence, with the ability to build alignment across Engineering, Product, and other business functions.
• A hands-on, data-driven operating style and the curiosity to seamlessly move from the executive view into the details when needed.
• Related Education & Professional Credentials including:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Information Systems, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • Master's degree (MBA, MS in Project Management, Technology Management, or related discipline) preferred.
  • PMP, PMI-ACP, Scrum Master, or equivalent certification preferred.

What Makes This Role Exciting

This is a chance to build at a moment when the work will matter.

Agate has spent more than 25years building software and long-term partnerships with public-sector customers. As the company continues to grow, we are investing in the leadership and operating capabilities that will shape our next chapter.

You will step into an established organization with experienced people, meaningful customer work, executive sponsorship, and the opportunity to make a visible impact. You will not be asked simply to run an existing playbook; you will help define how the PMO evolves and scales.

You will work directly with the President and alongside Engineering and Product leaders, with the opportunity to influence how Agate plans, prioritizes, delivers, and grows.

For someone who loves building strong teams and operating systems, this role offers an unusual combination: real scale, real complexity, and real room to create.

At Agate Software you'll be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference through cutting-edge technology and unwavering dedication to our impactful work.

Diversity Commitment:

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where an expansive range of ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives are the foundation for innovation. We strive to attract, develop, and retain the brightest minds from all walks of life, and we encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented communities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity, and all those who can provide different perspectives that contribute to the diversification of our team. Individuals who embrace innovation and intellectual curiosity are invited to bring their unique personal and professional experiences to the table to enrich our creativity, thought leadership, and discovery.

Work Authorization:

Please note that some customer assignments may require additional eligibility, vetting, or access approvals based on contract, security, or regulatory requirements.