Executive Director, Program Management

Iridium Communications

  • Reston, VA
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
Iridium is an award-winning and innovative satellite communications company with bragging rights to the only network that offers voice and data connectivity anywhere in the world. For over 20 years, Iridium’s unique network and services have supported critical communications needs for individuals, businesses, and the evolving Internet of Things.At Iridium, we understand the importance of staying connected and the limitations of traditional communications networks. People across the globe, including first responders, humanitarians, global militaries, scientific researchers, and lone workers, as well as ships, aircraft and remote operations all rely on Iridium to stay connected. We take our responsibility for providing these essential communications very seriously and pride ourselves on offering a reliable lifeline when needed. Likewise, Iridium is committed to providing an exciting and innovative workplace, where employees are challenged to think outside the box and collaborate on new, bold ideas and solutions. Our talented teams are passionate about their work and the impact our company makes around the world. Iridium fosters an empowering and inclusive culture that allows employees to genuinely be their best selves. We are looking for others who want to join this truly unique company that celebrates our employees and provides the opportunity to truly make a difference in the world.What We’re Looking For:Iridium is seeking an Executive Director, Program Management who is ready to rise to the next level in their career! If you have experience leading complex government programs in the satellite and ground systems industry, you will be excited about this role. As the Executive Director, Program Management, you will be in charge of executing programs for a rapidly growing national security missile defense business. You will oversee the Program Management function by leading, mentoring, and supervising a team of project and program managers, assigned engineers, and contractors on programs having high impact and value to the company. This role has a high degree of collaboration with various teams and departments in order to deliver successful solutions and navigate interdependencies in a matrix environment. If you thrive at providing clear and consistent communication and have a passion for development and for leading your fellow employees, then we want to talk to you.This position requires an active/current Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active).What You’ll Do:
  • Foster and develop a highly effective team of project and program managers to meet program goals
  • Lead major programs and related projects, with direct oversight of Project and Program Managers Be responsible for strategic program planning for the Program Management function, including planning, staffing, budgeting, managing expense priorities, and defining processes required for projects/programs
  • Oversee financial performance, including directing others to effectively set and direct budgets, providing approval and overall oversight of program budgets
  • Approve resource allocation, lead program teams, resolve conflict, and ensure project teams are aligned in delivering on the program’s mission and goals
  • Be accountable for the resolution of significant issues and risks to ensure alignment with and progress toward company goals
  • Oversee program and project execution strategy including gates, milestones, deliverables, and acquisition strategy including make or buy decisions, subcontracting strategy, etc.
  • Proactively identify and manage project risks to minimize impact on program success
  • Clealy communicate the company's expectations and requirements to the engineering, development, test, and deployment teams to ensure alignment and execution
  • Initiate proactive correspondence to senior management to communicate program status, ongoing financial viability, and identification of key issues
  • Participate in and support pricing negotiations and adjustments with customers, ensuring clear communication of requirements
What You’ll Need to Succeed:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field
  • 15+ years of relevant experience in complex satellite ground systems and spacecraft development
  • Previous management experience with government programs in the national security and related mission areas
  • Capable of being a strong motivator and source of direction for your team and exemplifying commitment to your team’s goals
  • Excellent leadership qualities and the ability to facilitate collaboration across multiple departments
  • Must possess a strategic mindset and be capable of planning objectives for an entire team
  • The ability to identify and evaluate challenges and come up with effective solutions
  • Able to confidently drive discussions, make decisions, and respond to difficult situations
  • Have a strong sense of urgency in driving projects to completion and be motivated to achieve outcomes and results
Things That Would be Great if You Brought to the Table:
  • PMI/PMP Certificaiton prefered
  • Master’s degree in Engineering prefered
We’ll also need you to:
  • Be able to travel approximately 1 week/month+ depending on program and management needs
  • Be a US Citizen
Work Environment:This position primarily works in an office setting and is largely sedentary with the majority of the position working with a computer. The role typically requires the use of basic office equipment such as a phone, video, computer, keyboard, mouse, and printer.Iridium is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Iridium Communications