Program Director

Job Title- Sr. Program Director (TAX System Modernization)

Location- Raleigh, NC(Onsite)

Job Summary:
Undertaking a multi-year, comprehensive Tax System Modernization Program. This strategic initiative will modernize and integrate core tax administration systems and applications, operational workflows, taxpayer service channels, and data structures across five major software release cycles. Awarded a contract in Oct 2026 for a Vendor to provide and implement a new integrated tax system. While there is a significant technology shift, this modernization effort is transformational for the agency requiring focus and incorporation of 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.

Tax System Modernization Program Manager
The Program Manager is part of the Transformation Management Office (TMO). The position reports directly to the Program Sponsor (Chief Deputy Secretary) along with the Technical Program Director and Functional Program Director. The individual leads the planning and monitoring of the program. This role works with various stakeholders on strategic program planning, stakeholder engagement, cross-functional coordination, and 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.

Responsibilities:
Project Leadership & Strategy:

• 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 to execution and deployment.
• Ensure program management best practices are being 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 to avoid program delays.
• Serve as the primary contact for the tax system vendor Project Manager.
• Ensure alignment with other NCDOR IT portfolio initiatives 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 the 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 off-boarding happens timely and aligns with resource planning and 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 acquire decisions for approval or rejection.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Coordinate with other department or third parties to discuss changes needed by other IT departments to support the program (e.g. 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.

Team Management:

• Lead a cross-functional team of project managers responsible for managing specific aspects of the program (i.e. data conversion, interfaces). Project management staff may fluctuate throughout the life of the program.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance oversight to team members.

Budget & Resource Management:

• Collaborate with Procurement and the TMO Program Directors on timelines for procuring goods and services to support the program timelines.
• Maintain and oversee the staffing plan, ensuring sufficient allocation of NCDOR resources to meet program timelines.
• Track completion of contract milestones and payment approval; participate in forecasting future budget needs for the program.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• 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.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 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 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/federal regulatory standards for government technology.

Skills:

• 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 (e.g., MS Project).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint and MS Teams; advanced skills preferred.

SkillsRequiredExperienceExperience in program or project management. PMP or PgMP certification preferred.Required7 YearsProven experience managing large-scale modernization or transformation projects, ideally within government or public sector.Required7 YearsProven experience developing high-quality status reports and dashboards.Required7 YearsProven experience presenting to executive-level stakeholders.Required7 YearsGeneral knowledge of state/federal regulatory standards for government technology.Required7 YearsExperience with Agile project management methodologies is a plusDesired Experience with public-sector taxation operations or technologies is a plus.Desired