Technical Program Manager – Federal IT / AI Modernization

ForwardIT is seeking an experienced Program Manager to oversee the coordination, execution, and delivery of a federal IT modernization initiative involving Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and cloud-based technology enhancements.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in federal IT program management, stakeholder engagement, technical project oversight, risk management, and contract deliverable tracking.

This individual will coordinate technical teams and project stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of AI-enabled capabilities within the Migrant Student Information Exchange (MSIX) environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee program execution, schedules, milestones, deliverables, and resource coordination.

• Manage project activities associated with AI-driven application enhancements and modernization initiatives.

• Coordinate cross-functional teams responsible for software development, testing, security, deployment, and user training.

• Establish and monitor project schedules, work plans, dependencies, and deliverable deadlines.

• Serve as a primary coordination point between internal teams, subcontractors, and designated project stakeholders.

• Monitor project performance, identify risks, and implement corrective action plans.

• Ensure activities align with contractual requirements, approved SDLC processes, and applicable federal standards.

• Oversee delivery of AI-enabled tools, including natural language query capabilities and conversational user assistance.

• Coordinate testing activities, including A/B testing, quality assurance, and user feedback evaluation.

• Ensure required security assessments and documentation align with applicable NIST 800-53 controls.

• Support responsible AI implementation, including risk assessment, bias mitigation, and red-team evaluation activities.

• Coordinate stakeholder engagement, user training, documentation, and implementation readiness.

• Prepare and submit weekly program status reports and deliverable updates.

• Track project resources and labor utilization against authorized contractual limits.

• Support communication and coordination with federal government stakeholders and prime contractor leadership.

• Oversee production deployment readiness, issue resolution, and project closeout activities.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing complex IT programs or large-scale software development projects.

• Experience coordinating multiple technical workstreams and cross-functional project teams.

• Strong knowledge of program management methodologies, SDLC processes, and project governance.

• Experience managing schedules, deliverables, project risks, resources, and stakeholder communications.

• Experience supporting federal government IT programs or regulated technology environments.

• Understanding of cloud-based applications and enterprise software development.

• Experience overseeing testing, implementation, and production deployment activities.

• Strong knowledge of project reporting, documentation, and performance monitoring.

• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining compliance with contractual requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

• Experience supporting Department of Education or similar federal government programs.

• Experience managing AI, Machine Learning, NLP, or cloud modernization projects.

• Familiarity with AWS cloud services.

• Knowledge of NIST 800-53 and federal cybersecurity requirements.

• Experience managing subcontractor deliverables and coordinating with prime contractors.

• Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, and hybrid project management methodologies.

• Experience supporting government system modernization and data management initiatives.

• Familiarity with AI governance, model validation, and responsible AI implementation.

Additional Information

The selected candidate will support a federal IT initiative focused on improving access to information through AI-enabled technology solutions.

The position may require coordination across multiple project locations and adherence to applicable federal security and onboarding requirements.

ForwardIT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.