Strategic Program Director - Hybrid, Global Impact

AECOM; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Program Director at AECOM is the senior lead responsible for the strategy, direction, and success of a large, complex program. The role sets the vision, shapes delivery, and provides high-level oversight to align with client objectives and corporate priorities.

You will guide senior leaders across functions, ensure integrated delivery, robust governance, and strong performance throughout the program lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, engineering, business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Typically 20+ years of experience, including leadership on large programs.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Professional certification (PgMP, APM-RPP, CCM or equivalent) preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership and strategic direction for the program, ensuring alignment with client expectations, regulatory requirements, and long‑term objectives.
• Establish, lead, and maintain the program’s governance framework, enabling effective decision‑making, assurance, and performance oversight across all workstreams.
• Direct and guide senior delivery leaders responsible for technical, commercial, stakeholder, and operational aspects of the program, ensuring coordinated and integrated outcomes.
• Shape the strategic approach to program initiation, defining delivery strategies, mobilization plans, and the systems and processes required for successful execution.
• Lead engagement with clients, partners, stakeholders, and senior internal leadership, representing the program with credibility and influence.
• Oversee design, delivery, and operational assurance frameworks, ensuring that teams maintain compliance, safety, quality, and technical integrity.

Skills

Leadership

Program governance

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in PM/engineering/business

Job description

The Program Director at AECOM is the senior lead responsible for the strategy, direction, and success of a large, complex program. The role sets the vision, shapes delivery, and provides high-level oversight to align with client objectives and corporate priorities.

You will guide senior leaders across functions, ensure integrated delivery, robust governance, and strong performance throughout the program lifecycle.