Program Manager - Department of Health and Human Services

Description

The Program Manager will provide overall leadership, oversight, and coordination for management support services delivered to the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) within HHS. This role serves as the primary point of contact between the contractor and federal stakeholders and is responsible for ensuring contract performance, quality, schedule adherence, and compliance with federal requirements.

The Program Manager oversees multidisciplinary teams supporting program management, planning, evaluation, reporting, communications, and stakeholder engagement activities in support of NIDILRR’s research and operational mission.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Contract Management

• Serve as the primary interface with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and designated federal program staff.
   
• Oversee execution of all contract tasks and subtasks, ensuring deliverables meet scope, quality, and schedule requirements.
   
• Manage contract performance across base and option periods, including staffing, work planning, and resource allocation.
   
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal regulations, policies, and contract requirements.
   

Strategic Planning & Oversight

• Lead development and execution of annual work plans, long-range plans, project plans, and implementation strategies.
   
• Provide strategic guidance to support NIDILRR’s administrative, programmatic, and research management priorities.
   
• Monitor risks, identify issues, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure uninterrupted program support.
   

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Manage and supervise analysts, technical writers, subject matter experts, and administrative staff supporting the program.
   
• Assign tasks, monitor performance, and ensure staff have appropriate expertise and training to meet contract requirements.
   
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration to support complex, multi-task initiatives.
   

Reporting & Deliverables

• Oversee preparation and submission of all required deliverables, including management reports, technical reports, performance reports, and congressional materials.
   
• Review and approve draft and final deliverables for quality, accuracy, and compliance prior to submission to the Government.
   
• Ensure all deliverables meet HHS digital accessibility and Section 508 requirements.
   

Stakeholder & Meeting Management

• Provide oversight for planning and execution of advisory council meetings, expert panels, stakeholder meetings, and grantee engagements.
   
• Ensure meeting logistics, documentation, accessibility accommodations, and post-meeting reporting are completed successfully.
   
• Represent the program in meetings, briefings, and discussions with federal leadership and external stakeholders.
   

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

• Implement and manage quality assurance processes aligned with the contract’s Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).
   
• Track performance metrics and incorporate feedback from federal stakeholders to improve service delivery.
   
• Support Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) inputs by maintaining strong performance documentation.
   

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, public health, social sciences, or a related field.
   
• Significant experience managing federal programs or contracts, preferably within a civilian agency environment.
   
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex workstreams.
   
• Strong understanding of federal contracting, program management, and performance oversight.
   
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting HHS, ACL, NIH, or other federal research or health-related organizations.
   
• Familiarity with research administration, program evaluation, or grant management.
   
• Experience overseeing development of reports to Congress or senior federal leadership.
   
• Knowledge of Section 508 accessibility requirements and federal documentation standards.
   
• PMP or similar project/program management certification.