Senior Program Manager

Akima; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Akima is seeking a Program Manager for its IT Security Program in Albuquerque, NM. The successful candidate will lead a mission-critical IT security program supporting the Federal Government. Responsibilities include managing teams, ensuring compliance with Federal regulations, and communicating with stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has at least 10 years in IT/Telecommunications and demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills. This on-site position may require occasional travel for meetings and training.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of IT Program Management experience within the last 5 years.
• 10+ years of experience in IT/Telecommunications.
• Prior experience managing Federal Government IT programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-profile IT security program and ensure compliance.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for performance enhancement.
• Manage a multidisciplinary IT team ensuring operational excellence.
• Track program progress and report to senior leadership.

Skills

Strategic planning

Resource management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

MA/MS or BA/BS in relevant field

Active DOE Q clearance or equivalent

Tools

ITIL

PMP or PgMP certification

Job description

Program Manager – IT Security Program

We are seeking a highly skilled Program Manager to lead a mission‑critical IT security program supporting a Federal Government environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in IT program management, strategic planning, and resource management, with the ability to drive performance, ensure compliance, and foster collaboration across technical and non‑technical teams. This role requires hands‑on leadership, excellent communication skills, and expertise in IT service management and project execution within high‑security environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of a high‑profile IT security program, ensuring adherence to government policies, industry best practices, and mission objectives.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance program performance, mitigate risks, and ensure continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Federal stakeholders, contractors, and internal teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment of goals.
• Track and report program progress, key performance indicators (KPIs), and deliverables to leadership and stakeholders.

Team & Resource Management

• Manage and oversee a multidisciplinary IT team, providing leadership, mentorship, and direction to ensure operational excellence.
• Assign and balance workloads, optimize resource utilization, and resolve personnel or technical challenges proactively.
• Facilitate team training and professional development to maintain expertise in IT security standards and emerging technologies.

IT Security & Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with Federal IT security regulations, frameworks, and policies (e.g., NIST, FISMA, FedRAMP).
• Oversee risk management strategies, incident response planning, and security audits to maintain a resilient IT environment.
• Collaborate with security teams to ensure the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of government IT systems.

Project Management & Service Delivery

• Utilize ITIL best practices to optimize IT service management, enhance operational efficiencies, and improve service quality.
• Apply PMP/PgMP methodologies to oversee project lifecycles, from initiation and planning to execution and closeout.
• Identify and mitigate potential project risks, ensuring smooth and timely delivery of program objectives.
• Maintain oversight of budgets, contracts, and procurement activities to ensure financial accountability and cost‑effectiveness.

Stakeholder Communication & Reporting

• Provide regular briefings and reports to Federal officials, senior leadership, and contracting officers.
• Translate complex technical information into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Facilitate meetings, working groups, and strategic planning sessions to align program objectives with agency goals.

Qualifications

• Active DOE Q clearance or equivalent is required.
• Minimum 5 years of IT Program Management experience within the last 5 years.
• Minimum 10 years (MA/MS) or 12 years (BA/BS) of experience in IT/Telecommunications.
• Prior experience managing Federal Government IT programs preferred.

Certifications

• ITIL Certification (required).
• PMP or PgMP Certification (required).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong strategic planning and resource management abilities.
• Proven experience leading and managing cross‑functional teams in a high‑security IT environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with both technical and non‑technical Federal and Contractor personnel.
• Ability to train, mentor, and manage team performance effectively.

Work Environment

• This position requires on‑site presence at a federal facility and adherence to government security protocols. Occasional travel may be required for stakeholder meetings, training, or program reviews.