SME Program Manager

2ndWave LLC (2ndWave) is seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Program Manager to provide program and project management services in support of an anticipated Federal contract in the Washington, DC metropolitan area

Position Summary

The SME Program Manager holds overall responsibility for the financial management, methods, and staffing of the Verification Division (VER) program to ensure technical requirements are met. This individual leads and guides the work of technical staff, establishes goals and plans aligned to program objectives, and serves as the principal point of contact for both the USCIS customer and the Contracting Officer, as needed. This is a Key Personnel position under the resulting task order.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Facilitate and promote enterprise-wide collaboration among VER, the Field Operations Directorate (FOD), USCIS, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as well as the broader immigration enterprise (e.g., SSA, DOL, DOS, and other federal, state, and local agencies).

• Ensure policy and operational alignment through regular coordination meetings, documented action items, and measurable process improvements.

• Develop and implement data-driven strategies to optimize operational efficiency, supported by quarterly progress reports on key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Conduct technology assessments and deliver actionable recommendations for IT enhancements, including the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

• Implement and scale Agile methodologies with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and success criteria; provide tailored Agile training and coaching, measuring effectiveness through adoption metrics.

• Establish and maintain governance artifacts, including RACI charts, project charters, and gate reviews, to ensure consistent oversight and accountability.

• Develop change management strategies for business process transitions, including beta/shadowing approaches, operational ready-line strategy development, and phased deployment planning.

• Provide experienced product owner and project management resources; hold and apply relevant certifications (e.g., CSM, CSPO, PMP).

• Develop strategic roadmaps and implementation plans reflecting people, process, and technology efforts, executed in an Agile, measured, and implementable manner.

• Provide governance support through regular project health assessments, identify risk, and recommend mitigation strategies; oversee project execution and apply PMBOK and Agile methodology to business processes.

• Establish performance monitoring mechanisms and provide monthly status reports tracking project outcomes against USCIS objectives.

• Support end-to-end project execution, including testing, integration, deployment, and post-deployment evaluation.

• Conduct retrospective analyses, process reengineering, implementation planning, and organizational impact assessments; recommend improvement opportunities, including policy and guidance development.

• Serve as the primary interface between the contractor team, the COR, and the Contracting Officer regarding program status, risk, and resourcing.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Information Technology, or a related field.

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in program and project management, including at least 5 years managing large-scale, complex federal programs or initiatives with a focus on immigration.

• Certification: At least one of the following – Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), Agile, or Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), or a similar professional certification.

• Five years of experience with immigration policy, exposure to the agencies and offices operating within the immigration ecosystem, and familiarity with the DHS systems used for identity management and immigration status.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage competing priorities.

• Experience with Agile methodologies, program planning, risk management, and performance reporting.

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills at the executive level.

About 2ndWave

2ndWave LLC (2ndWave) is a management and technology consulting firm providing a focused set of financial management, program management, and technology solutions to public sector clients. Our certified professionals have extensive experience implementing large, complex public sector programs; helping our clients solve their most pressing financial and business management challenges; and implementing proven leading-edge technology solutions that enable them to operate more efficiently while minimizing risks and costs.

What we offer

At 2ndWave, we've built a people-first culture where certified professionals collaborate to solve our public sector clients' most pressing financial, business management, and technology challenges. We've earned our reputation by empowering our team to bring fresh perspectives, challenge conventional approaches, and deliver leading-edge solutions that help our clients operate more efficiently while minimizing risk and cost. When our people grow, our clients win — professional development, credentialing, and continuous improvement are central to how we operate.

Compensation

The compensation for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to an individual's skill set, experience, training, certifications, and education, as well as business needs and internal equity. A reasonable estimate of the current compensation range for this position is $160,000 – $180,000.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive base salary and bonuses for eligible positions, we offer the following employee benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Match

• Life Insurance

• Flexible Spending Account

• Healthcare Savings Account

• Wellness Benefits

• Opportunities for Professional Growth and Development

• Employee Assistance Program

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation in the application and/or interview process should notify [email protected], and 2ndWave will engage with the applicant to provide appropriate accommodation.