Senior Program Manager
howard
| Company | howard |
| Category | Operations & Admin |
| Location | Mordecai Wyatt Johnson Building |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Senior |
| Salary | Not stated by the employer |
| Posted | 13 Aug 2026 |
| Last verified | 14 Aug 2026 |
| Source | The employer's own careers page (company_site) |
Description
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: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture 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 Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world. Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280. 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 be construed as a contract for employment.