Program and Project Manager

Description

We are a community bank with approximately $1.6 billion in assets, focused on practical, customer-centered growth and continuous improvement.

We are seeking a Program and Project Manager who can lead complex, cross-functional initiatives while building and scaling a formal Project Management practice across the bank. This role will not only deliver projects but also define standards, improve execution discipline, and increase organizational visibility into priorities and outcomes.

The ideal candidate brings a balance of hands-on delivery expertise and Project/Program leadership experience, able to implement governance, standardize processes, and partner with business and technology leaders to drive results in a practical, low-complexity environment. 

Program & Project Delivery – 

• Lead and coordinate multiple strategic projects including system implementations, process improvements, and product initiatives.
• Define and refine scope, timelines, and measurable outcomes in partnership with stakeholders.
• Monitor progress and ensure delivery against scope, schedule, budget, and quality targets.
• Identify risks early and drive mitigation strategies to keep initiatives on track.

Project/Program Management Process Owner – 

• Owns and improves scalable Project Management framework, including governance, intake, prioritization, and reporting processes.
• Refine and maintain standards of: 
  • Project templates, tools, and playbooks.
  • Governance structures and steering committee processes.
  • Portfolio reporting and performance metrics.
• Lead enterprise project prioritization efforts and capacity planning practices.
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery through lessons learned, metrics, and process refinement.

Business & Technology Partnership – 

• Work directly with business units to translate needs into defined requirements, roadmaps, and execution plans
• Support system implementations, including core banking, digital banking, and third-party platforms
• Facilitate process mapping (as-is / to-be), testing coordination, implementation readiness, and product delivery planning (when applicable) 
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to deliver successful outcomes

Communication & Governance – 

• Facilitate regular project and program updates to stakeholders and senior leadership
• Support or lead governance forums such as project steering committees and prioritization bodies (aligned with governance leadership).
• Provide concise, actionable reporting on portfolio performance, risks, and capacity.
• Builds reporting mechanisms that provide all levels of the organization with clear visibility into project health, risks, and dependencies; ie provide the right information at the right time to the right people.

Process Improvement & Enablement – 

• Apply Lean, Agile, or process improvement techniques to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Build organizational capability through coaching, documentation, and mentoring of project managers, analysts, and business stakeholders.
• Document workflows, procedures, and outcomes in a simple, usable format.
• Provides professional, courteous, and efficient service to all internal and external customers, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to high standards of integrity and service excellence.
• Embrace the Bank’s core values: Caring & Compassion, Excellence, Relationships, Trust, and Enrichment. Be a source of possibilities.
• Perform miscellaneous duties or special assignments as required, always aligning with the Bank’s values of integrity, service, and collaboration.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attends all required meetings and training, maintaining a commitment to personal and professional growth in alignment with the Bank’s values.
• Complies with federal and state banking regulations, as well as with all bank and department policies and procedures.
• Interacts harmoniously, professionally, cordially and effectively with others, focusing upon the attainment of bank goals and objectives through a commitment to teamwork.
• Serve on various committees as assigned, actively contributing to the improvement of branch operations and customer satisfaction.  

Working Conditions – 

• Physical surroundings are generally pleasant and comfortable with protection from weather conditions, though temperature changes may occur.
• Ability to sit or stand with freedom of movement, regularly alternating between both positions.
• Extensive operation of computers and office equipment requiring dexterity, coordination, and frequent use of hands.
• Ability to lift items weighing approximately thirty-five pounds.

Requirements

Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5+ years of experience in project/program management, with 1 year in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience improving project management functions, governance structures, or portfolio management capabilities.
• Experience leading system implementations and cross-functional initiatives.

Certifications:

• Preferred: PMP, Agile certification (e.g., Scrum Master), and/or experience with Six Sigma methods.
• Equivalent practical experience will be considered.

Core Competencies:

• Strong organizational and multi-project management skills.
• Practical, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to influence across departments without formal authority.
• Strong communication and executive presentation skills.
• Experience building trust and alignment across business and technology teams.
• Focus on execution and outcomes, not unnecessary complexity.
• Dependable and punctual, adhering to attendance standards and demonstrating accountability in all actions.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player, contributing to a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring that all tasks are completed to the highest standards of accuracy and compliance.
• Proven ability to deliver quality work during times of increased volume, demonstrating resilience and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to, with or without accommodations, read/see documents and computer screens, communicate in person via telephone or Zoom calls, and use a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to travel to all Bank locations, ensuring a flexible and adaptable approach to meeting organizational needs.

Technical Skills – 

• Experience with project and portfolio management tools (e.g., Click-up, Planner, Jira, or similar).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with workflow automation tools (e.g., Power Automate or similar).
• Understanding of banking platforms and integrations (APIs, digital systems, vendor platforms).

Preferred Qualifications – 

• Experience in a community bank or credit union environment.
• Exposure to enterprise project management functions, governance models, and portfolio management.
• Experience in software implementations, conversions, or digital transformation projects.
• Understanding of banking operations (deposits, lending, compliance).

Key Traits for Success –

• Self-starter who can operate with minimal bureaucracy.
• Organized but adaptable as priorities shift.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Comfortable balancing hands-on project execution with building scalable processes.