Project/Program Manager, HR Strategic Programs and PMO

Description

Do you enjoy partnering with Human Resources (HR) senior leaders to turn priorities into well-run programs that get things done?

Do you like being the person who connects the dots—anticipating needs, aligning stakeholders, and keeping complex efforts moving forward smoothly?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

As the Project/Program Manager, HR Strategic Programs and Project Management Office (PMO), you will be a key member of the Human Resources (TSX) senior leadership team. This role leads and oversees a portfolio of high-impact HR initiatives supporting the Lab, partnering closely with senior leaders to drive strategic priorities and ensure effective executive operations. The role integrates advanced project and program management with executive-level communication and operational support, managing complex, cross-functional initiatives and department rhythms from planning through execution. It proactively anticipates leadership needs, aligns stakeholders, prepares executive-ready communications and materials, and establishes scalable processes that enhance TSX operational effectiveness and organizational efficiency.

As the Project/Program Manager, HR Strategic Programs and PMO you will:

• Establish the first Human Resources (TSX) PMO by providing leadership, oversight, and direction to TSX project leads, ensuring initiatives align with enterprise goals and timelines while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain common templates, tools, governance frameworks, and PMO best practices for use across TSX project teams.
• Establish oversight of the TSX departmental landscape of rhythms and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress, proactively identify risks and bottlenecks, and partner with project teams to implement corrective actions that ensure deliverable quality and adherence to timelines.
• Ensure that decision-making and problem-solving are guided by established policies, procedures, and department plans, leveraging support from TSX senior leadership.
• Apply a strong understanding of business needs to validate requirements and partner with Lab customers, stakeholders, and leaders to translate those needs into actionable, prioritized project plans.
• Evaluate project team capacity, resourcing, and performance to ensure high-quality, on-time delivery, supported by robust risk, issue, scope, and change management.
• Advise and partner with the TSX Communications Strategist to shape effective change management approaches for critical initiatives.
• Identify and escalate technical and operational issues, assess their broader impact, and prepare clear, timely reporting for senior leadership.
• Serve as the primary point of contact responsible for reviewing and refining project and program initiatives and materials (including executive presentations) to ensure executive-ready quality prior to Department Head and Managing Executive review.
• Serve as a strategic project leader, or as a member of one or more strategic project teams, as assigned by the Department Head and Managing Executive.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned, including the preparations of timely executive metrics and reports to inform department decision-making, providing support to TSX executives in leadership and department meetings, and contributing to the effective management of the TSX department office.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Information Technology, or relevant majors
• Have a minimum of 10+ years progressive Human Resources experience, either as a HR Business Partner, Organization Development, Talent/Professional Development or other HR functional or leadership roles
• Have a minimum of 5 years of HR project or program management experience, with a proven record of success in leading or serving in key project team roles
• Have a minimum of 3 years of change management experience and/or certification in change management
• Demonstrated strong multitasking, planning, organizational, and execution skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Demonstrated attention to detail and a high standard of quality in written communications, presentations, and other executive-level materials
• Demonstrated expertise in project management tools, methodologies, and processes
• Demonstrated business acumen with the ability to understand and align initiatives to organizational priorities
• Demonstrated experience building consensus and resolving conflict through effective collaboration with senior leaders, cross-functional teams, peers, and external stakeholders
• Are able to obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Possess a Master’s Degree in relevant field
• Have Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Demonstrated experience leading a PMO
• Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, or managing people

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$72,400 Annually

Maximum Rate

$222,500 Annually