Program Manager

Job Title: Program Manager

Summary- This is a contingent opportunity and would begin work upon the contract award

The Veteran Affairs Transition Assistance Program (VA TAP) supports service members and veterans as they transition from military to civilian life. Through a structured curriculum and personalized support, VA TAP delivers education and career guidance, benefits briefings, and resources to promote post-service success.

The Program Manager (PM) will lead the implementation and ongoing management of the VA Transition Assistance Program contract. The PM is responsible for the full scope of contract execution, ensuring seamless delivery of services across 330+ global sites, including the coordination of personnel, curriculum, training, reporting, risk mitigation, and quality assurance. The TAP PM serves as the primary point of contact for the Government and ensures compliance with all contract terms, timelines, and standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary authority and liaison for all contract-related matters, including direct coordination with the VA Contracting Officer (CO), COR, ACOR, and Program Manager
• Lead all phases of contract performance, including program planning, implementation, and administration across all TAP task areas: program management, curriculum development, onsite support, and training
• Develop, maintain, and report against the Project Management Plan (PMP), Staffing Plan, Risk Mitigation Plan, Quality Control Plan (QCP), Transition Plan, and other key program deliverables
• Oversee the execution of TAP services, ensuring timely delivery of all briefings, training events, curriculum updates, and strategic reports in accordance with the PWS
• Lead and supervise geographically dispersed staff, including Project Managers, Trainers, Curriculum Specialists, and Benefits Advisors
• Ensure contract staff meet qualifications, receive appropriate onboarding, and maintain compliance with VA training, credentialing, and performance expectations
• Monitor performance metrics and oversee risk and issue resolution processes, escalating concerns to the Government as required
• Ensure compliance with VA Section 508 requirements, privacy standards, and data security protocols
• Prepare and deliver weekly, monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc reports to the Government per contract deliverables
• Facilitate all required meetings, including weekly program status updates, quarterly reviews, and strategic planning sessions
• Oversee logistics for New Hire and Refresher Trainings, including location planning, cost tracking, and coordination of Government-approved materials
• Manage all ODC requests, budget compliance, and invoicing documentation in collaboration with internal finance teams
• Ensure adherence to FAR guidelines and avoid all potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) as defined by the VA

Supervisory Responsibilities   

• Manages subordinate supervisors who supervise employees plus subcontractors, vendor support and matrix staff.
• Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• PMP or equivalent industry-recognized Project Management certification (must be maintained throughout the contract)
• Minimum 12 years of program management experience with a focus on large-scale federal contracts or DOD programs
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience managing, staffing and overseeing geographically dispersed teams of similar sizes, including subcontractor performance
• Experience managing operations of national or global scale with multi-site implementation and remote workforce oversight
• Demonstrated expertise in VA, DoD, or TAP-related programs, including curriculum development and federal reporting standards
• Strong understanding of government contract compliance, FAR/DFARS regulations, and performance-based service delivery
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools
• Ability to travel CONUS/OCONUS up to 25% as required
• Valid passport (or ability to obtain one)

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working on VA TAP contract
• Prior military service or direct experience supporting transitioning Service members and Veterans
• Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, organizational leadership, or related field
• Experience managing contracts involving curriculum design and training deliverables
• Familiarity with Section 508 compliance, VA TMS 2.0 training platform, and SharePoint-based deliverable tracking
• Experience managing hybrid FFP/labor hour contracts with reporting tied to QASP or similar surveillance plans

Other Requirements 

• Must pass a pre-employment background check and be able to obtain and maintain a government clearance.
• This position requires access to U.S. Government facilities and systems. U.S. Citizenship, a valid driver's license, transportation, and auto insurance are required.

Competencies 

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems promptly; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Resolves conflict: Gives appropriate recognition to others
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills and participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
• Professionalism - Tactfully approaches others; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Manages and Controls project tasks; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities

Physical Demands and Work Environment
Work is primarily remote, with standard office requirements including sitting, standing, and occasional lifting up to 10 lbs.

Zeiders Enterprises, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer