Senior Program Manager

Synergy; United States; On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading software solutions firm in the United States is seeking a Senior Program Manager to oversee complex IT contract support for the Department of Defense. This remote role requires extensive project management experience, particularly within DoD environments, and involves directing contractor teams, managing project lifecycles, and ensuring adherence to federal standards. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills, along with relevant certifications. Compensation is estimated between $160,000 and $200,000 based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with the DoD in leadership.
• 10+ years of technical project management experience.
• 3+ years of program management experience with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Organize and manage large-scale IT services and software development projects.
• Develop and execute project plans including cost-benefit analyses and risk assessments.
• Serve as the single point of contact for federal partners and stakeholders.

Skills

DoD experience in leadership

Technical project management

SAFe Agile methodologies

Jira and Confluence expertise

Problem-solving skills

Negotiation skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Synergy Business Innovation & Solutions is a premier implementer of cutting‑edge software solutions, delivering tangible ROI across Digital Transformation, Cloud, SaaS, Low‑Code/No‑Code, Emerging Technologies, Data analytics, and business process re‑engineering.

Description

Senior Program Manager – Department of Defense (DoD) – Remote. This role organizes, directs, and manages all aspects of complex IT contract operational support. It involves overseeing multiple interrelated projects, leading contractor teams across multiple locations, and serving as the single point of contact for senior government stakeholders. The manager provides strategic direction, ensures project deliverables meet technical and business requirements, and manages budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation.

Essential Functions & Duties

• Organize, direct, and manage large‑scale IT services and software development projects, ensuring adherence to company, federal, and DoD standards.
• Develop, gain approval for, and execute project and program plans, including cost‑benefit analyses, risk assessments, and milestones.
• Oversee the full project lifecycle, from initiation and planning through execution, delivery, and closure.
• Work with integrated project teams, managing cross‑functional integration, mitigating risks, and ensuring resource optimization.
• Track project progress using Atlassian tools such as Jira and Confluence and provide transparent reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the single point of contact for federal partners, customer leadership, and all key stakeholders.
• Deliver concise program and project status briefings to leadership and other senior stakeholders.
• Lead Agile‑based project management efforts, ensuring successful iterative delivery of backlog refinement, sprint and PI planning, development and testing, release management, and quality assurance.
• Lead operational and support efforts, ensuring ticket response times are within SLAs, root causes are identified, short‑ and long‑term resolutions are documented and executed, and communications are timely and appropriate to the audience.
• Perform project cost estimation, monitor spending, reconcile invoices, and manage vendor relationships.
• Balance stakeholder priorities, scope changes, budget constraints, and negotiate outcomes as needed.
• Enhance communication and reporting across all program levels with exemplary leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Facilitate user acceptance testing and ensure the successful delivery of products and services to company and federal standards.

Skills, Qualifications, and Certifications of Best Candidates

• 5+ years of experience working with the Department of Defense (DoD) in a leadership or project management capacity – highly preferred.
• 10+ years of technical project management experience managing IT services and large software development projects – preferred.
• 3+ years of program management experience leading cross‑functional teams across all phases of project lifecycles – preferred.
• Proven experience delivering IT services and projects for federal agencies, particularly within complex DoD environments.
• Expertise in SAFe Agile methodologies with experience leading Agile teams and delivering incremental results.
• Experience using tools such as Atlassian Jira and Confluence for program and task tracking.
• Federal contracting experience, including familiarity with FAR compliance, contract execution, and reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and negotiation skills for balancing scope, resources, and conflicting priorities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for presenting project COAs, roadmaps, progress, risks, and successes to senior stakeholders.
• Experience with security clearances or classified project environments preferred.

Certifications Required

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification – required.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or Computer Engineering, or an accredited engineering degree. A required certification may be accepted in lieu.

Required Certification

• Security+ – required for candidates who do not possess the specified bachelor’s degree. Must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.

Citizenship or Work Authorization Required

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Ability to attain Federal Government Position of Trust.
• Must pass a background investigation.

Compensation

Estimated range: $160,000 – $200,000. Final compensation will be based on education, certifications, skills, experience, location, and other factors.

Physical Requirements

90% of the time: repetitive motions, grasping, finger dexterity, reading, writing, eye‑hand coordination, color distinction, full visual acuity, hearing, talking, sitting, and use of IT equipment and office machines.

Less than 30% of the time: may require standing, walking, lifting 0–30 pounds, pushing or pulling objects, climbing stairs, bending, squatting, reaching, driving a car, or overtime.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Synergy is an equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, sex, medical condition, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, criminal history, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Discrimination or harassment based on these categories is expressly prohibited and applies to all aspects of employment.