Senior Project Manager - Data Science Services (Cleared) with Security Clearance

Description Please note: This role is contingent upon a contract award. While it is not an immediate opening, we are actively conducting interviews and extending offers in anticipation of the award. We are seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead data science services supporting a federal government client's trade, analytics, and mission transformation priorities. This role will manage a multidisciplinary team of data scientists, data analysts, data engineers, data architects, and user experience professionals delivering analytical support, data-driven solutions, and machine learning-enabled capabilities for complex mission and operational challenges. The ideal candidate brings strong federal project management experience, a background in applied analytics or data science programs, and the ability to work closely with senior government leaders, stakeholders, technical teams, and delivery partners. This role requires a leader who can translate mission gaps and process inefficiencies into actionable project plans, oversee implementation of analytical products, and ensure contractual obligations, quality standards, schedules, and performance expectations are met. Job Location This role will primarily support work in the Washington, DC Metro area, with work expected at or near the client site in Ashburn, VA as required by the contract. Telework may be permitted only with prior government approval. If you accept this position, you should note that ICF does monitor employee work locations and blocks access from foreign locations/foreign IP addresses and also prohibits personal VPN connections. Security Requirement Must be a U.S. Citizen with a recent DHS Public Trust, DoD Secret, or DoD Top Secret clearance, and must be able to obtain and maintain a CBP background investigation or other required government suitability determination. What You Will Do * Lead the data science services contract team in providing analytical support to address complex business questions and mission needs * Meet with program leaders, government stakeholders, and technical teams to identify priorities, understand business processes, and guide delivery of innovative data analysis techniques * Collaborate with data scientists, analysts, engineers, architects, and application developers to support development of data science reports, machine learning models, dashboards, and other analytical solutions * Assist the team in articulating mission gap problems, process inefficiencies, and operational challenges that can be addressed through data science, business intelligence, or automation * Oversee implementation of analytical solutions recommended by the team, including data science reports, machine learning models, visualizations, and decision-support products for agency leaders and stakeholders * Manage project scope, staffing, schedules, risks, deliverables, and performance to ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled and quality standards are met * Develop, maintain , and communicate work plans, project schedules, roadmaps, backlogs, status reports, and other management artifacts * Provide expert direction and guidance to subordinate consultants, data scientists, and technical team members * Serve as the primary point of contact to the Contracting Officer's Representative and support ongoing coordination with the government Program Manager and other stakeholders * Manage and control project funds and resources in accordance with contract requirements * Support Agile delivery activities, including sprint planning, backlog management, prioritization, stakeholder demonstrations, and continuous improvement * Ensure technical concepts, analytical findings, project risks, and delivery recommendations are communicated clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences * Support workforce transformation activities by helping teams present data science concepts, analytical products, and lessons learned to large audiences and varied stakeholder groups What You Will Bring (Must haves) * U.S. Citizenship required due to federal contract requirements * Recent DHS Public Trust, DoD Secret, or DoD Top Secret clearance required * Ability to obtain and maintain a CBP background investigation or other required government suitability determination * Eight (8) years of relevant experience in applied research, big data analytics, statistics, applied mathematics, data science, computer science, operations research, or another closely related quantitative, mathematical, scientific, or technical discipline * At least five (5) years of supervisory experience * Advanced degree, such as a Master's or Ph.D., in Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Operations Research, or another closely related scientific or technical discipline Preferred Qualifications * PMP, PMI-ACP, CSM, SAFe , or other project, program, or Agile delivery certification * Experience managing federal data science, analytics, business intelligence, machine learning, or digital transformation programs * Experience supporting DHS, CBP, or other federal law enforcement, trade, revenue, regulatory, or mission operations environments * Experience leading multidisciplinary teams that include data scientists, data analysts, data engineers, data architects, UX/UI designers, application developers, cloud engineers, and DevSecOps personnel * Experience managing projects involving machine learning, predictive analytics, natural language processing, graph analytics, entity resolution, anomaly detection, risk scoring, or advanced data visualization * Experience translating stakeholder needs, mission gaps, and operational problems into project plans, implementation roadmaps, analytical requirements, and measurable outcomes * Experience overseeing delivery of analytical products using Agile, Scrum, SAFe , or similar iterative delivery approaches * Experience managing delivery in secure, compliant federal IT or data environments * Experience with project management tools such as Jira, Confluence, Azure DevOps, MS Project, or similar tools * Experience supporting executive briefings, stakeholder workshops, user engagement sessions, product demonstrations, or communities of practice * Familiarity with cloud-based analytics environments, data pipelines, data warehouses, data lakes, or modern data platforms * Ability to apply broad management skills and specialized functional and technical expertise to guide a project team in delivering client solutions and managing day-to-day operations * Ability to manage and control project funds and resources and serve as point of contact to the COR Professional Skills * Ability to plan, organize, direct, and control a project or program to ensure all contractual obligations are fulfilled, quality standards are met, and performance expectations are achieved * Ability to provide expert direction and guidance to subordinate staff, develop schedules, and formulate work plans * Demonstrated exceptional oral and written communication skills * Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced federal delivery environment * Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts, analytical findings, risks, and recommendations to non-technical stakeholders * Ability to build trusted relationships with government leaders, CORs, program managers, product owners, technical staff, and end users * Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, evolving requirements, and multiple concurrent workstreams * Ability to identify project risks, resolve issues, remove blockers, and maintain delivery momentum * Detail-oriented with a focus on quality, schedule adherence, documentation, and customer satisfaction * Strong problem-solving skills and ability to guide teams from ambiguous mission needs to actionable delivery plans * Collaborative, proactive, and mission-focused with a commitment to delivering high-quality analytical solutions for government stakeholders #icfcleared Working at ICF ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer . Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email and we will be happy to assist . All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Read more about workplacediscriminationrigh t s or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act. Candidate AI Usage Policy At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted . This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodat