| Location | Raleigh, NC |
We are seeking a Tax System Modernization Program Manager to join our team. The selected candidate will work onsite in Raleigh, North Carolina alongside the project team.
A multi-year, comprehensive Tax System Modernization Program is underway to modernize and integrate core tax administration systems and applications, operational workflows, taxpayer service channels, and data structures across five major software release cycles.
A contract was awarded in October 2026 for a vendor to provide and implement a new integrated tax system. While this initiative involves a significant technology shift, the modernization effort is transformational and requires a focus on best practices for Enterprise Program and Project Management, Organizational Change Management (OCM), Systems and User Acceptance Testing, and End User System Training to ensure successful program execution, quality assurance, organizational readiness, and stakeholder alignment.
The Program Manager is part of the Transformation Management Office (TMO) and reports directly to the Program Sponsor, along with the Technical Program Director and Functional Program Director. The individual leads program planning and monitoring and works with various stakeholders on strategic program planning, stakeholder engagement, cross-functional coordination, program scheduling, and resource analysis.
The ideal candidate is well-versed in large transformation programs, has exceptional project management skills, and has experience working within the public sector.
Collaborate with the tax system vendor and TMO to develop and oversee a comprehensive tax system modernization roadmap, including multiple releases with a detailed schedule, resource allocations, and milestones.
Coordinate with the tax system vendor, Technical Program Director, and Functional Program Director from planning and analysis through execution and deployment.
Ensure program management best practices are followed throughout the program, including effective documentation, communication, and change management.
Identify key program risks and ensure risk mitigation strategies and plans are documented to support program success.
Identify and manage decisions, issues, and action items to ensure timely resolution and avoid program delays.
Serve as the primary contact for the tax system vendor Project Manager.
Ensure alignment with other IT portfolio initiatives by identifying and addressing dependencies, resource constraints and conflicts, and risks.
Create and deliver regular status reports, dashboards, and Executive Steering Committee presentations and updates.
Submit required information and comply with Department of Information Technology reporting requirements.
Develop methods to measure and report on program benefits.
Facilitate Executive Steering Committee and Program Management Governance Meetings.
Ensure contractor onboarding and offboarding occur in a timely manner and align with resource planning and the program schedule.
Oversee technology and service vendor deliverables according to contract and payment milestones.
Collaborate closely with agency IT leads, business analysts, and third-party contractors to ensure effective teamwork.
Manage Change Requests, working with the appropriate steering committee or board to present proposed changes and obtain decisions for approval or rejection.
Coordinate with other state agencies or third parties to discuss changes needed by other IT departments to support the program, such as interface changes.
Collaborate with the Functional Program Director to plan activities associated with the organizational change management strategy and plan.
Participate in planning and attend meetings and discussions with external customers impacted by the new tax system.
Lead a cross-functional team of project managers responsible for managing specific aspects of the program, such as data conversion and interfaces. Project management staff may fluctuate throughout the life of the program.
Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance oversight to team members.
Collaborate with Procurement and the TMO Program Directors on timelines for procuring goods and services to support program timelines.
Maintain and oversee the staffing plan, ensuring sufficient allocation of resources to meet program timelines.
Track completion of contract milestones and payment approval; participate in forecasting future budget needs for the program.
Collaborate with the Technical Program Director and internal technical team members responsible for adherence to all state, federal, and agency regulations to identify work tasks for inclusion in the program schedule, including dependencies.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in program or project management. PMP or PgMP certification preferred.
Proven experience managing large-scale modernization or transformation projects, ideally within government or the public sector.
Experience with public-sector taxation operations or technologies is a plus.
Experience with Agile project management methodologies is a plus.
Proven experience developing high-quality status reports and dashboards.
Proven experience presenting to executive-level stakeholders.
General knowledge of state and federal regulatory standards for government technology.
Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Proficiency in project management software, such as MS Project.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and MS Teams; advanced skills preferred.