PROGRAM MANAGER, STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Applications will be received until August 27th, 2026.

About the role

Responsible for overall establishment, coordination, status reporting, and stability of enterprise-level work efforts, including the district's Enterprise Resource Planning (DPS system is Oracle). Establishes and implements programmatic and project management processes, adhering to the methodology for the district to ensure projects are delivered in alignment with the district’s Strategic Roadmap, are completed on time, within budget, meet high-quality standards, and meet customer expectations.

This role will have at least 50% of their time dedicated to the district Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP; DPS utilizes Oracle). This includes managing the ERP Governance Structure and Governance Committees and leading ERP-specific projects. This role has the potential to support the ERP at more than 50%.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive communication strategies to ensure all appropriate stakeholders across the district are abreast of project issues and status.
• Lead a portfolio of high-impact, district-wide initiatives from ideation through execution. Translate broad concepts into structured plans with clear milestones, outcomes, and measures of success.
• Maintain and enforce governance frameworks to ensure decision-making rights, regulatory alignment, and accountability across the ERP and/or project lifecycle.
• Assume primary responsibility for project leadership and communication on project deliverables, including development and monitoring of project charters, work plans, work breakdown schedules, project milestone and status reports, managing project teams, resource plans, and budgets.
• For complex technical efforts, be responsible for the development and implementation of a holistic technology solution, including requirements gathering, process re-engineering and design, system vendor selection and ongoing vendor management, system design, testing, and deployment.
• Utilize Software Development Life Cycle methodologies to ensure on-time, on-budget implementation of technology solutions.
• Provide regular feedback and exchange of information with other project leader(s), department heads, management members, and senior leadership.
• Define and track outcomes using qualitative and quantitative data. Lead post-project reflection and improvement processes to build institutional knowledge and inform future efforts.
• Proactively identify, track, and resolve issues, risks, and dependencies associated with projects managed, and communicate risks and issues to project team and senior leadership. Identify and implement issue resolutions.
• Lead risk management identification and mitigation plans.
• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement efforts across the ERP and other projects with the aim of optimizing workflows to eliminate bottlenecks, enhance execution quality, and drive ongoing efficiency.
• Create inclusive environments where diverse voices are valued. Build trust across teams, ask questions to deepen understanding, and model humble leadership.
• Manage multi-million-dollar technology and/or business and operational budgets, including purchase and implementation costs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Program and Project Management.
• Master's Degree in Business, Public Policy, or Organizational Psychology preferred.
• 5+ years of organizational planning strategy experience.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification preferred.
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high-quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• The ability to work full-time, in the office. Hybrid options not available.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Skills

• Knowledge of program management best practices.
• Knowledge of product management and best practices.
• Knowledge of ERP systems (preferred but not required).
• Work style that yields high results when working independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to foster effective relationships with district staff, schools, and external partners.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals, establish priorities, and organize resources.
• Ability to multi-task without compromising integrity or fidelity.
• Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office products and/or Project Management Software (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Effectively handle multiple demands and competing deadlines.
• Inspired, visionary who can foster/generate excitement, buy-in, and understanding with colleagues and employees outside of the team.
• High degree of integrity in handling confidential information.
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in the use of project management methodologies and tools, resource management practices, and change management techniques.

Benefits

In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement. For more information visit New Employee Resources.

Pay

$101,781 - $124,662.