Project Manager

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager for a hybrid project (some on-site meetings may be required) with our Sacramento, California-based client leading high-visibility and complex project initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in managing large-scale programs within State agencies, strong stakeholder management skills, and a proven ability to deliver projects on time and within budget in accordance with federal guidelines.

The ideal candidate must have a working knowledge of California's Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL) for state IT projects, including its phased approach to planning, analysis, and governance. The candidate should understand the purpose of PAL, the key deliverables required at each stage, and how projects progress through formal approval gates. They must be able to align project planning, documentation, and decision-making to PAL requirements while integrating budgeting, procurement, and stakeholder engagement into the lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

*             Lead end-to-end project management across planning, execution, monitoring, and close-out phases.

*             Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, and budgets.

*             Manage cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with program goals and contract requirements.

*             Act as primary liaison between the client, internal teams, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.

*             Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.

*             Prepare and deliver status reports, briefings, and documentation for both internal and external audiences.

*             Ensure compliance with all federal, agency-specific, and contractual standards.

*             Apply project management best practices (e.g., PMBOK, Agile, or Hybrid approaches as appropriate).

Requirements:

*             7+ years of experience in project/program management, including at least 5 years supporting federal government contracts.

*             5+ years of experience with SDLC projects.

*             Demonstrated experience managing multi-million-dollar, multi-year projects.

*             Exceptional communication, organization, and leadership skills.

*             Proficient in Microsoft Project and other project management tools (e.g., Jira, Smartsheet).

Preferred:

*             Master's degree in Business, Public Administration, or related field.

*             Experience working with DOJ or law enforcement-related agencies.

*             Familiarity with federal acquisition regulations (FAR) and DOJ-specific guidelines.

*             Agile certification (e.g., Scrum Master, SAFe).