Senior Program Manager – Software Implementation Programs

Who Are We? 
Groundswell is a premier technology integrator resolutely committed to solving the most complex challenges facing federal agencies today. Our name, Groundswell, represents our commitment to be an unstoppable, seismic change in government. Ours is a small company culture with big company reach and results.  Are you ready to be audacious, be bold and drive change at a rapid pace?  Join us, where we’ll make a greater impact together.
 

What You'll do:

We are seeking a Senior Program Manager / Director to lead and oversee a high-visibility Human Capital Management System (HCMS) software implementation program within the Defense/Intelligence Community. This individual will have end-to-end responsibility for large-scale software development and implementation efforts, spanning multiple teams and workstreams, and will serve as the senior delivery leader accountable for execution, outcomes, and government confidence.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience leading complex, enterprise-scale software development programs, demonstrates strong delivery ownership, and has the judgment to operate effectively in mission-critical, high-stakes federal environments. This is not a hands-on technical role, but it requires a leader who understands modern software delivery well enough to guide teams, manage risk, and engage government stakeholders with credibility.

This position requires a regular onsite presence in a SCIF environment to support mission needs, with limited flexibility for remote work when appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Delivery Leadership

• Lead overall program execution for large-scale software development and implementation efforts
• Own end-to-end delivery across multiple teams and concurrent workstreams
• Establish and maintain disciplined program cadence, delivery metrics, and execution transparency
• Ensure schedules, budgets, staffing, and deliverables remain aligned with program objectives and contractual requirements
• Drive accountability across teams, partners, and vendors to ensure delivery commitments are met

Software Implementation Oversight

• Provide senior leadership for enterprise software implementation programs, including application-focused and front-end delivery
• Partner effectively with technical leads and architects to translate delivery realities into executable plans
• Anticipate and manage software delivery risks related to scope, integration, dependencies, and timelines
• Ensure implementation efforts move beyond advisory or sustainment work into true delivery and execution

Compliance, Risk, and Performance

• Ensure compliance with contract terms, policies, and Intelligence Community security requirements
• Identify program and delivery risks early and implement mitigation strategies
• Monitor performance across teams and partners, surfacing issues clearly and driving resolution
• Balance government expectations with delivery realities through proactive leadership and judgment

Government Engagement

• Serve as the senior program interface with client stakeholders
• Facilitate structured discussions on priorities, dependencies, risks, and delivery tradeoffs
• Provide informed recommendations to support government decision-making
• Build trusted relationships through consistent, high-quality software delivery

Team, Partner & Vendor Oversight

• Align task leads, software teams, and partners to shared delivery objectives
• Oversee subcontractor and vendor performance related to software implementation
• Ensure effective coordination of reporting, deliverables, and staffing activities

Program Growth & Continuity

• Support identification and shaping of follow-on work and program expansion opportunities
• Partner with internal leadership to ensure continuity and long-term program success
• Contribute to proposal development and solution shaping as needed

Work Environment & Location

• Primary work location: Onsite in a SCIF in the Washington, DC metro area
• In-person presence required approximately 3–4 days per week
• Limited work-from-home flexibility available when mission needs allow
• Travel to conferences and other mission needs may be required

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required per contract requirements
• Active TS clearance required; must be eligible for SCI (Groundswell will sponsor SCI)
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 15+ years supporting DoD and/or Intelligence Community programs
• 10+ years leading large, complex programs with delivery accountability
• Demonstrated experience managing enterprise-scale software development or implementation programs
• Proven ability to lead multi-team, multi-workstream software delivery efforts
• Strong understanding of federal contracting, compliance, and risk management
• Must be local to the Washington, DC metro area

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting software implementation programs, including application or front-end delivery
• Experience with Human Capital Management (HCM) systems (preferred, not required)
• Workday implementation or program oversight experience
• PMP or equivalent program management certification

What Success Looks Like

• Software implementation delivery is predictable, disciplined, and transparent
• Risks and issues are identified early and addressed effectively
• Teams and partners operate with clear expectations and accountability
• Government stakeholders view the program as well-managed, credible, and delivery-focused
• Strong execution enables long-term program stability and growth

Skills:

Certification:

Why You’ll Never Want to Leave:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans 

• Flexible Spending Account 

• 4% 401K Match (immediate vesting) 

• Paid Time Off 

• Tuition reimbursement, certification programs, and professional development

• Flexible work schedule

• On-site gym and childcare option 

The salary range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Groundswell, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

NOTE: Groundswell does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Groundswell, and Groundswell will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Read a copy of the Company’s Non-Discrimination Policy Statement.
Additional Resources:

• EO 13496 Notification of Employee Rights under NLRA

• Know your rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
   

Disability Accessibility Accommodation: If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us at [email protected] or 703-639-1777.