The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.
At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.
Here is what we offer:
Join Howard University and thrive with us!
https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness
We are seeking a Senior Program Manager provides strategic leadership, planning, execution, and oversight for complex University-wide programs, initiatives, and projects that advance Howard University's strategic priorities. The incumbent serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and is responsible for developing frameworks, managing resources, driving organizational effectiveness, and ensuring successful implementation of critical institutional initiatives.
The position requires advanced program management expertise, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across academic, administrative, healthcare, research, and community-facing functions.
The Senior Program Manager manages multiple high-profile initiatives simultaneously and ensures programs deliver measurable outcomes aligned with University objectives, regulatory requirements, operational goals, and stakeholder expectations.
SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY: Provides leadership and supervision to professional and administrative staff, project teams, contractors, consultants, and assigned program personnel.
Responsible for:
Workforce planning and staffing recommendations
Performance management and coaching
Employee development and succession planning
Work allocation and prioritization
Budget oversight and resource management
Fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement
May lead cross-functional teams that include faculty, administrators, staff, students, and external partners.
NATURE AND SCOPE: Works independently with significant latitude for decision-making and strategic problem solving.
Maintains regular interaction with:
Internal Stakeholders
University Executive Leadership
Deans and Academic Leadership
Department Directors
Faculty and Researchers
Human Resources
Finance and Procurement
Information Technology
Students and Student Services Offices
External Stakeholders
Federal and State Agencies
Granting Agencies
Accreditation Bodies
Healthcare Partners
Vendors and Consultants
Community Organizations
Corporate and Philanthropic Partners
The position frequently supports the University in meetings, negotiations, presentations, and strategic planning activities.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Strategic Program Leadership
Lead the design, implementation, and management of complex strategic initiatives and programs supporting institutional priorities.
Develop comprehensive program strategies, goals, objectives, governance frameworks, and performance measures.
Align program activities with University strategic plans and operational objectives.
Provide executive-level recommendations regarding program performance, risks, opportunities, and resource allocation.
Program Planning and Execution
Develop and manage comprehensive program roadmaps, project plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
Ensure successful execution of programs within established timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
Establish program governance structures and accountability mechanisms.
Manage competing priorities while balancing strategic and operational requirements.
Stakeholder Management
Serve as liaison between executive leadership and operational stakeholders.
Build strategic partnerships across schools, departments, administrative units, and external organizations.
Facilitate consensus-building among diverse stakeholder groups.
Provide executive briefings, presentations, and status reports to leadership.
Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement
Evaluate program effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
Identify opportunities to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
Develop and implement process improvement initiatives.
Apply project and change management methodologies to improve organizational performance.
Budget and Resource Management
Develop, monitor, and manage program budgets.
Analyze financial performance and resource utilization.
Prepare business cases and cost-benefit analyses.
Ensure responsible stewardship of University resources.
Data Analytics and Reporting
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
Analyze operational, financial, workforce, and programmatic data.
Prepare executive dashboards and performance reports.
Utilize data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making.
Risk and Compliance Management
Identify and mitigate operational, compliance, financial, and reputational risks.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, accreditation, grant, and University requirements.
Develop contingency plans for significant initiatives and projects.
Change Management
Lead organizational change initiatives associated with program implementation.
Assess stakeholder readiness and potential barriers to adoption.
Develop communication, training, and change management strategies.
Promote stakeholder engagement and sustained implementation success.
External Funding and Partnerships
Support development of grant proposals and funding opportunities.
Cultivate strategic partnerships with government agencies, foundations, and external organizations.
Monitor funded program performance and reporting obligations.
Other Duties
Perform other related duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Leadership
Strategic Thinking
Executive Presence
Decision Making
Organizational Leadership
Talent Development
Program Management
Portfolio Management
Project Governance
Change Management
Resource Planning
Risk Management
Business Acumen
Financial Analysis
Budget Management
Operational Excellence
Strategic Planning
Communication
Executive Reporting
Presentation Development
Facilitation
Negotiation and Influence
Technical Skills
Microsoft Office Suite
Workday
Power BI or Tableau
Project Management Platforms
Data Analysis Tools
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, Human Resources, Healthcare Administration, Project Management, or related field.
Preferred Education
Master's degree in a related discipline.
Experience
Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience managing complex programs, projects, operations, or institutional initiatives.
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and strategic initiatives.
Experience preparing executive-level analyses, reports, and presentations.
Preferred Qualifications
Program Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
Change Management Certification (Prosci, ADKAR, or equivalent).
Experience within higher education, academic medicine, healthcare systems, research administration, or large complex organizations.
Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not construed as a contract for employment.
Compliance Salary Range Disclosure
Compensation Range: $145,000 - $150,000
