Summary:ValidaTek is seeking a highly experienced Senior Program Manager to lead and oversee a complex program supporting U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This role will be responsible for driving program execution, governance, performance management, and stakeholder engagement across multiple workstreams in a dynamic federal environment.
The Senior Program Manager will provide strategic leadership, ensure alignment with USCIS mission objectives, and maintain compliance with federal standards while delivering measurable outcomes in support of immigration services modernization and operational excellence.
Responsibilities:Program Leadership & Delivery
- Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of a large-scale federal program supporting USCIS mission systems and operational initiatives
- Oversee multiple integrated projects and workstreams, ensuring alignment with program objectives, timelines, and budgets
- Establish and maintain program governance structures, reporting cadences, and decision-making frameworks
- Drive program performance using data-driven metrics, KPIs, and earned value management (EVM) where applicable
PMO Management
- Stand up and manage a high-performing Program Management Office (PMO) supporting USCIS programs
- Define and enforce standardized project management processes, templates, and best practices across all teams
- Provide portfolio-level visibility into program health, risks, dependencies, and performance trends
- Ensure compliance with federal acquisition regulations (FAR), DHS policies, and USCIS operational requirements
Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary interface with USCIS leadership, CORs, and key government stakeholders
- Lead executive-level briefings, program reviews, and strategic planning sessions
- Build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure mission success
- Translate complex technical and operational concepts into clear, actionable insights for government leadership
Agile & Delivery Excellence
- Champion Agile and hybrid delivery methodologies across program teams
- Facilitate backlog prioritization, release planning, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure teams are effectively utilizing Agile frameworks (Scrum, SAFe, or hybrid models) to deliver incremental value
Risk & Performance Management
- Identify, track, and mitigate program-level risks, issues, and dependencies
- Implement proactive risk management and escalation strategies
- Monitor program financials, resource utilization, and performance metrics
- Drive corrective actions to ensure program success and contract compliance
Qualifications:• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Information Technology, or related field. Master's degree - preferred
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in program and project management
• At least 5 years managing large-scale, complex federal programs or initiatives
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or higher clearance as required by USCIS
• Demonstrated experience supporting DHS or USCIS programs - strongly preferred
• Proven experience operating within a PMO structure and managing multi-project portfolios
• Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), or equivalent - required
• Agile certification (Scrum, SAFe, or equivalent) - preferred
Preferred Qualifications:• Prior experience supporting immigration, case management, or federal citizen services programs
• Familiarity with USCIS systems, processes, or mission operations
• Experience with digital transformation, cloud modernization, or enterprise IT programs within the federal space
• Knowledge of DHS policies, compliance frameworks, and security requirements
Salary Disclosure:Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, geographic location, contract affordability, internal equity, education, and certifications.
The upper end of the salary range may be reserved for individuals who have demonstrated tenure with the company, seniority, and proven excellent performance. This includes factors such as education, certifications, and extensive/unique experience beyond what is required.
