Planned Systems International (PSI) is currently seeking a JIRA SME/Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing a specific project within a PMO Support Team on a software development Portfolio at the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). They will provide cross-functional oversight of a project or initiative with a specific scope and timeline, which could entail oversight of software development efforts, strategic initiative support, or implementation of a new tool or process. This role involves coordinating with stakeholders, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope and budget, and driving initiatives that align with the organization’s goals. The Project Manager will oversee task management, action tracking, business process analysis/improvement, data and document management, communication, scope management, risk management, schedule coordination, meeting logistics, and Jira administration. Candidates should have a background in government consulting, project management principles, and Agile software development.

• Provide cross-functional oversight of a specific Portfolio project or initiative, serving as chief point of contact (POC) and subject matter expert (SME) for the project/product in the case of the latter.
• Develop detailed project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risk management strategies.
• Define project objectives, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Oversee all phases of the project lifecycle, from initiation to closure.
• Develop and maintain holistic knowledge of the project and its stakeholders to support answering information requests and communication requirements with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project requirements are understood and met.
• Collaborate with VA leadership, customers, end-users, developers, and PMO Support colleagues to manage Product Line operations and track progress toward goals and objectives.
• Serve as a key integration between internal and external teams to facilitate coordination of tasks and activities by developing and maintaining relationships with representatives from applicable groups and dependencies.
• Perform Jira administration tasks, specifically the management of requirements, work items, risks, and project documentation in the designated Jira and Confluence repositories.
• Provide support and oversight for all standard project management competencies in the areas of risk, schedule, scope, requirements, budget, and security (e.g. authority to operate (ATO) support).
• Support the government with the development of high-quality responses to external and internal communication requests in the form of PowerPoint presentations/slides, executive summaries, email correspondence, white papers, reports, and spreadsheets.
• Convert data and information provided by technical subject matter experts into executive-level “laymen’s terms.”
• Coordinate action items and proactively drive assignments to completion.
• Monitor project progress and address any issues or risks that arise.
• Prepare and present regular reports on project status, risks, and outcomes to senior management.
• Conduct regular project reviews and audits to ensure compliance with best practices and organizational policies.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices.
• Conduct research on special topics and recommend solutions to government clients.
• Stay up to date with VA policy, industry trends, and advancements in program management and software development.
• Facilitate executive-level virtual meetings, including preparing meeting agendas, capturing minutes, and tracking outcomes and action items.
• Work proactively and independently to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
• Function as part of an integrated team sharing products, best practices, and information across the PMO Support Team.
• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Bachelor's degree
• 5--8 years of relevant experience
• PMP Certification
• Experience working as a federal contractor or employee.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with brevity and clarity to government clients and develop work products that meet professional quality standards with minimal supervision.
• Experience working as a consultant, with an understanding of how to effectively manage and support government clients and stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of software development life cycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., JIRA, MS Project) and methodologies.
• Ability to schedule, organize, and facilitate executive-level virtual meetings and summarize outcomes.
• Ability to self-organize, balance workload, complete tasks on time (without reminders), proactively seek out assignments, and offer improvements to client delivery.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Required Technical/Business Tools Experience

• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
• MS SharePoint
• MS Visio
• Jira or comparable development management tool

• Experience working as a VA contractor or employee.

• Ability to effectively communicate in English, including talking and hearing.
• Ability to operate productively in a fully remote work environment, including the ability to take meetings and phone calls from a quiet and private space during business hours.
• Ability and willingness to actively participate in virtual meetings throughout most of the workday and be responsive to messages (MS Teams) and emails (MS Outlook) within reasonable timeframes set by the supervisor or client.
• Ability to be responsive and working during Eastern time zone standard business hours (8:00am to 4:00pm EST).
• Ability to satisfy security clearance and onboarding requirements:
  • Print, sign, scan, and return onboarding documentation.
  • Travel at personal expense to nearest government facility to get fingerprinted, apply for a PIV badge, pick-up the PIV badge, and pick-up government equipment.

PSI offers full-time, benefits eligible employees a competitive total compensation package that includes paid leave, and options for employer sponsored group medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, AD&D coverage, legal services, identity theft, and accident insurance. Flexible spending account and health saving account options offer pre-tax savings for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses. The company sponsored 401(k) retirement plan has an employer contribution match that is immediately vested. We invest in the professional growth of our employees through professional courses, certifications, and tuition reimbursement programs.

It is company policy to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination, are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities will be provided. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources by emailing HRDepartment@plan-sys.com, or by dialing 703-575-8400.