Program Manager-Modernization (Technical Program Lead)

The Program Manager serves as the strategic and technical lead for planning and executing Modernization initiatives. This role is not only responsible for programmatic execution but also requires deep technical acumen across cloud platforms, mainframe architectures, modernization methodologies, and DoD cybersecurity compliance. This leader must be fluent in all technical discussions, capable of guiding architectural decisions, and able to manage cross-functional technical teams across infrastructure, software, data, and security domains.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Program Leadership

• Serve as the senior-most interface between customer leadership, mission partners, providers, and delivery teams.
• Drive the development of modernization roadmaps, implementation strategies, and investment justifications.
• Maintain direct accountability for program scope, schedule, cost, and performance metrics aligned with DoD standards.

Technical Oversight and Architecture Integration

• Provide hands-on technical guidance across hybrid cloud, mainframe, and DevSecOps initiatives.
• Participate in technical assessments, architecture reviews, and code modernization strategy sessions.
• Guide the integration of Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), microservices, API gateways, and AI/ML capabilities into modernization plans.
• Review and approve solution architecture blueprints, technical risk mitigation plans, and system design artifacts.

Risk, Compliance, and Governance

• Lead and/or support the development of RMF-compliant security plans and ensure alignment with Zero Trust, ICAM, and FedRAMP standards across multiple programs.
• Oversee all activities required for ATO and CPTC approvals across hybrid environments across multiple programs.
• Ensure all technical deliverables (e.g., code conversions, infrastructure builds, API integrations) meet DISA STIGs, NIST guidelines, and DoD mandates.

Stakeholder Engagement & Change Management

• Facilitate executive-level briefings, cross-agency planning sessions, and modernization working groups.
• Provide, coordinate and support modernization consulting expertise to customer mission partners and other mission application owners seeking modernization support through the program.
• Oversee organizational change management, training, and workforce transition strategies.
• Ensure timely reporting and issue escalation using modern project management tooling (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Power BI).

Job Requirements (Education/Skills/Experience):

Required Skills & Experience:

• Active Secret clearance required.
• 10+ years of program management experience in large-scale federal IT modernization efforts, ideally involving mainframe transformation.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency in:
• IBM Z systems and mainframe infrastructure
• Cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure IL5/6, Hybrid Cloud)
• Code modernization (COBOL to Java/Python/.NET)
• CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps tooling
• AI/ML integration and real-time analytics
• Deep knowledge of DoD IT governance, RMF, SNAP/eMASS, and Zero Trust architecture.
• Proven success managing hybrid technical teams including cloud engineers, architects, cybersecurity analysts, and developers.

Preferred Certifications:

• PMP or SAFe Program Consultant (SPC)
• AWS or Azure Cloud Architect Certification
• CISSP or CISM

Diné Development Corporation (DDC) is a Navajo Nation owned family of companies that delivers IT, professional, and environmental solutions to advance the missions of federal, state, and tribal government agencies. As thought leaders and innovators, our team of specialists build client-centric solutions that solve critical challenges faced by defense, civilian, and healthcare organizations. Employing a mission-focused approach, we deliver value that not only enhances current operations, but also drives future change. Closely aligned with this approach is our commitment to advancing the Navajo Nation and its People. Through economic development and community empowerment, we elevate the Navajo Nation to provide lasting impact and sustainable growth for future generations. DDC's ability to unite legacy-inspired technologies, industry best practices, and proven methodologies has contributed to our success for twenty years.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation, or any other basis prohibited by law. We participate in E-Verify.