Program Director

The Program Director will lead a large‑scale, global network operations and modernization contract supporting the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Technologies (DT). This role oversees 24x7 worldwide network operations, modernization activities, security integration, service management, and customer engagement across all geographic regions.

The Director is responsible for all contract performance, people leadership, innovation, quality, and mission delivery. Success requires deep expertise in global networking, transformation of legacy architectures to TIC 3.0‑aligned and Zero Trust frameworks, and experience leading very large teams (300+ personnel) across multiple time zones and functional disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Direction

• Lead all aspects of the contract supporting Diplomatic Technologies’ global network mission, ensuring operational excellence and alignment with State Department and DT strategic priorities.
• Manage a large multidisciplinary workforce, including NOC operators, field engineers, network architects, cybersecurity professionals, PMO staff, and regional leads.
• Drive modernization initiatives, possibly including SD‑WAN deployment, network segmentation, automation, and TIC 3.0/Zero Trust evolution.

TIC 3.0 & Zero Trust Implementation

• Oversee the program’s alignment with TIC 3.0, including traffic visibility, policy enforcement, trust zones, egress management, and cloud integration.
• Implement and mature Zero Trust architectures, including identity‑centric access, micro‑segmentation, continuous verification, and integration with ICAM systems.
• Ensure controls align with NIST SP 800‑207, OMB Zero Trust Strategy, and Department of State Zero Trust Roadmap.

Operations & Service Delivery

• Direct 24x7 network operations globally, ensuring high availability, reliability, and prompt incident response.
• Establish and enforce SLAs, KPIs, SLOs, and MTTR targets consistent with diplomatic mission needs.
• Ensure consistent ITIL‑aligned service management across regions, integrating processes such as change, incident, and problem management.

Security, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure continuous compliance with NIST RMF, FISMA, TIC 3.0 guidance, and DT cybersecurity requirements.
• Partner closely with cybersecurity teams to support POA&Ms, audit response, continuous monitoring, and ATO processes.
• Lead risk management, resilience planning, and COOP/DR alignment for mission‑critical systems.

Contract Management & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact with the Contracting Officer (CO), COR, GTMs, and DT leadership.
• Oversee subcontractor management, performance incentives, and FAR‑compliant contract execution.
• Provide clear, executive‑level communication, reporting, and strategic recommendations to DT stakeholders.

Financial & Resource Management

• Manage program budget, resources, and staffing strategies across global operations.
• Ensure accurate forecasting, EVM compliance, and cost‑efficient delivery.
• Drive workforce development, retention, and succession planning across 300+ personnel.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years managing complex IT or network programs, including global environments.
• 5+ years experience leading large, diverse teams, including responsibility for 300+ personnel.
• Demonstrated experience delivering large‑scale network modernization, SD‑WAN deployment, and cloud connectivity initiatives.
• Deep understanding of TIC 3.0, Zero Trust architectures, NIST SP 800‑207, and federal cybersecurity requirements.
• Technical proficiency in enterprise networking (BGP/MPLS, IPv6, VPN/SD���WAN, QoS), network security, and multi‑cloud networking.
• Strong ITIL‑based service management background.
• Proven ability to interface effectively with senior federal executives, CO/CORs, GTMs, and global stakeholders.
• Active Top Secret clearance.

Required Certifications

• PMP (or PgMP preferred for program‑scale leadership)
• ITIL 4 Intermediate level certification or equivalent
• Agile/SAFe certification (SAFe SPC or ScrumMaster) or demonstrated lean agile experience.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Cybersecurity, a related technical discipline or business required.
• Master’s degree preferred in a relevant field such as Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Public Administration, or Business Administration (MBA, MPA, MSIS, MSCS).

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience supporting Department of State, especially Diplomatic Technologies or global operations.
• Experience with OCONUS deployments, austere environments, or high‑risk posts.
• Integrated NOC/SOC program experience.
• Familiarity with COOP/DR for global missions.
• Experience managing multi‑contractor ecosystems.
• One or more of the following:
  • CISSP
  • CCNP/CCIE
  • GIAC (GSEC, GCIA, or equivalent)
  • Security+ CE