IT Project Manager Govt Systems

ESG Consulting is seeking a Senior Project Manager to spearhead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of intricate health and human services program implementations within the Government Systems domain. This vital role demands the coordination of multidisciplinary teams, expert management of relationships with state agency clients, and rigorous adherence to federal and state regulatory requirements. If you are an experienced project leader passionate about driving positive impact in public sector initiatives in the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Area, this is an excellent opportunity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead comprehensive end-to-end planning and execution for complex program implementations, encompassing new program launches, regulatory compliance, operational redesigns, and federal mandate fulfillment.
• Develop robust implementation plans, integrated project schedules, and operational readiness frameworks that address policy, operations, training, technology, and stakeholder engagement.
• Establish and maintain effective project governance structures, including steering committees, executive oversight forums, and clear decision-making processes.
• Monitor project budgets and funding timelines meticulously, ensuring strict alignment between implementation activities, financial resources, and contractual obligations.
• Facilitate the translation of federal and state regulatory mandates into actionable implementation tasks, realistic timelines, and defined accountability structures.
• Coordinate intricate activities across multiple workstreams and organizational units, maintaining seamless alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Effectively manage competing priorities and concurrent project commitments.
• Ensure all implementation activities strictly align with statutory mandates, regulatory requirements, and federal approval processes.
• Facilitate design sessions to define critical program elements such as workflows, eligibility rules, benefit structures, and service delivery models.
• Manage projects funded through federal grant mechanisms, ensuring full compliance with grant terms, conditions, and reporting obligations.
• Develop and execute strategic stakeholder engagement and communication plans.
• Lead and coordinate matrixed project teams comprising subject matter experts, policy analysts, program specialists, technology teams, and operational staff, driving accountability without direct supervisory authority by establishing clear roles and expectations.
• Oversee the development of high-quality implementation deliverables, including detailed plans, operational readiness assessments, policy and procedure documentation, training materials, and transition plans.
• Manage project scope, change control processes, risks, and issues, escalating critical items as needed.
• Conduct thorough root cause analysis and develop effective corrective action plans to address implementation barriers and compliance concerns.
• Monitor cross-project dependencies to ensure proper sequencing and coordination for optimal outcomes.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of proven experience managing complex, matrixed project implementations.
• Demonstrated success in leading and coordinating cross-functional project teams within complex organizational environments without direct line authority.
• Experience developing comprehensive project management artifacts, including integrated project schedules, risk registers, stakeholder engagement plans, change management plans, and executive status reports.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to prepare and present clear, concise briefings and documentation for leadership and executive-level audiences.
• Proficiency with standard project management tools such as Microsoft Project or equivalent platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience leading the implementation of state or federally administered health and human services programs, including projects driven by new legislation, regulatory change, or federal mandates.
• Working knowledge of the federal and state health and human services program landscape, including familiarity with programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, TANF, child welfare, or behavioral health.
• Proven experience managing projects funded through federal grant programs, including grant compliance monitoring, deliverable tracking, and required reporting.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or an equivalent credential.
• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Health, Social Work, Business Administration, or a closely related field.

This is a contract, onsite position based in the Lincoln, Nebraska Metropolitan Area.