Director, Program Management Office (PMO), Boulder, CO (Hybrid or Remote)

Preference is given for candidates who can work in the Boulder office.

Please note: Ascend Analytics is not able to offer visa sponsorships at this time.

Your Impact @ Ascend

The Director of Program Management Office (PMO) will establish and lead a centralized PMO function to drive execution of strategic initiatives across the organization. This role is critical to aligning cross-functional priorities, ensuring disciplined execution, and delivering measurable outcomes tied to the company's growth and operational improvement agenda.

The ideal candidate brings a blend of strategic thinking, operational rigor, and hands-on program leadership in high-growth or private equity-backed environments.

Key Responsibilities

PMO Leadership & Governance

• Build and lead the PMO function, including frameworks, tools, and governance processes
• Establish standardized program and project management methodologies across the organization
• Drive prioritization, resource allocation, and portfolio management of strategic initiatives

Strategic Initiative Execution

• Partner with executive leadership to translate strategic priorities into executable programs
• Lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives (e.g., revenue growth, margin expansion, systems implementation, M&A integration)
• Track and report on program milestones, risks, and KPIs to leadership and board stakeholders

Operational Excellence

• Identify opportunities to improve execution speed, accountability, and cross-functional coordination
• Implement performance management systems to ensure initiatives deliver expected outcomes
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, tools, and organizational effectiveness

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a key liaison between executive leadership, functional teams, and private equity sponsors
• Facilitate executive-level updates, including board-ready reporting materials
• Build strong relationships across departments to ensure alignment and accountability

Team Development

• Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing PMO team as the company scales
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and results-driven execution

Key Qualifications

Experience

• 8-12+ years of experience in program management, operations, consulting, or related roles
• Proven experience in a private equity-backed, high-growth, or startup environment
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional strategic initiatives with measurable impact
• Experience building or scaling a PMO function preferred
• Background in consulting (e.g., strategy or operations) is a plus

Skills & Competencies

• Strong program and project management expertise (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid methodologies)
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
• Executive-level communication and presentation skills
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environment
• High level of ownership, accountability, and bias for action

Key Success Metrics

• On-time, on-budget delivery of customer projects and strategic internal initiatives
• Achievement of value creation targets (e.g., revenue growth, EBITDA improvement)
• Improved organizational alignment and execution velocity
• Stakeholder satisfaction, including executive team and investors

Why Ascend?

• Opportunity to shape and lead a critical function in a purpose-driven, high-growth environment
• Direct exposure to executive leadership and private equity sponsors
• Meaningful impact on company strategy, operations, and long-term value creation
• Competitive compensation and benefits

We offer a competitive salary range of $175,000-$205,000, plus the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus of up to 10%. Compensation is flexible and will be tailored to your experience and background.

At Ascend, we believe great talent deserves great rewards-and we're proud to offer compensation that is often above the industry average.

But the perks don't stop there. We're committed to creating a workplace where people can do meaningful work, grow their careers, and still have a life outside the office. You'll enjoy flexible work hours, a collaborative environment, and real opportunities for advancement.

Our benefits package is designed to support you and your family, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Life, Short- and Long-term disability insurance
• Parental leave
• FSA and Health Savings Account options and dependent care
• 401(k) with a 3% non-elective company contribution (yes-we contribute even if you don't!)
• Flexible paid time off so you can recharge when you need it

Join a team that values your work, supports your growth, and invests in your future!