Senior Program Manager (USAID/PLR)
Who We Are:
ZemiTek, LLC is a Woman-Owned, SBA-certified 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) based in the Washington, DC metro area. We have a strong record delivering innovative and high-quality solutions. Since 2007, ZemiTek has provided technical assistance, project management, information technology (IT), knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, training and learning development, and institutional support services.
Position Description:
ZemiTek, a trusted partner providing institutional support services to USAID's Bureau for Planning, Learning, and Resource Management (PLR), is actively recruiting a Senior Program Manager to join our corporate team. This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to PLR's impactful work, supporting USAID's mission to advance global development and humanitarian efforts.
The Senior Program Manager will oversee the day-to-day management and coordination of all activities and staff under the PLR contract with USAID. The PLR contract is an Institutional Support Services (ISC) contract for USAID's PLR Bureau. The Senior Program Manager will be responsible for direct client and partner relationship management, high-quality project management (including financial management and contract compliance), and team management.This role requires building and maintaining positive relationships with internal teams, clients, consultants, and subcontractors, contributing substantively to corporate objectives.
Key responsibilities include managing the full-time institutional support team, ensuring clearances, facilitating telework options, and overseeing the deployment of short-term technical assistance (STTA) and surge support personnel for USAID Missions overseas.The role also involves managing the transition of existing contractor staff and integrating evidence-based, adaptive management strategies across contract activities. Working closely with the Program Director, the Senior Program Manager will ensure the timely and successful achievement of all project deliverables and objectives.
Location: Washington, DCWork Schedule: Remote
Starting Salary Range: $100,000/annually
Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret-level Clearance (U.S. citizenship required)
Responsibilities:
- Support the Program Director in managing the contract, ensuring the successful completion of all deliverables, milestones, and objectives.
- Serve as the point of contact for client communications and requests, fostering strong relationships through compliant and timely collaboration and service delivery.
- Collaborate closely with project staff, internal teams, and ZemiTek support units (HR, payroll, finance, security) to address and resolve inquiries as appropriate.
- Develop and update processes, standard operating procedures, and knowledge management solutions to enhance project operations.
- Contribute to company-wide process improvements and other learning and development opportunities at ZemiTek.
- Supervise, mentor, and manage project staff through regular performance reviews, feedback sessions, addressing performance issues, and offering support.
- Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and offboarding of project and PMU staff, ensuring compliance with ZemiTek and client policies in partnership with HR.
- Build and strengthen client relationships by ensuring timely responses, collaborating effectively on contract activities, and delivering exceptional customer service.
- Proactively identify and mitigate risks to project implementation and contract compliance.
- Oversee contract activities and staff, ensuring compliance with government regulations and requirements.
- Maintain effective communication with the client and the subcontractor team, ensuring transparency and alignment on contract objectives.
- Collaborate with the Program Director and Financial Analyst on financial management, including budget planning, forecasting, and regulatory compliance.
- Prepare and negotiate employment agreements for placements, drafting employment packages for COR approval.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive work environment for all project staff.
- Oversee team member performance and support client collaboration on continuous performance management and professional development.
- Prepare and submit regular progress reports on objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and overall contract status.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree with a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience.
- Proven experience in project management, administration, reporting, monitoring, procurement, and financial operations, especially on U.S. Government (USG) contracts.
- Expertise in financial management, budget tracking, and project and task management.
- Experience managing client and prime partner relationships, subcontractors, and ISC staff.
- Strong communication skills, including clear and effective writing.
- Exceptional customer service and interpersonal abilities.
- Knowledge of USG procurement and compliance regulations.
- Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities, changing environments, and new technologies while maintaining high productivity in a dynamic work environment.
- Dedication to equity, inclusion, and advocating for marginalized voices.
- High proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is required. Experience with project management tools like Monday.com and/or Asana and familiarity with financial management software, including Deltek/Costpoint. Strong interest in learning and utilizing additional financial and project management tools.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance (US citizenship required).
Our application process is quick and easy.
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What We Believe:
ZemiTek is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant’s qualifications are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.
ZemiTek is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, ZemiTek will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to accommodations@zemitek.com.
ZemiTek embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion and strives to build and maintain a safe environment where we celebrate diverse backgrounds, treat everyone with respect, and value the unique lived experiences each person brings based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, military or veteran status, national origin, age, marital status or family status and related conditions.