The AVP of Project Management leads project initiatives and is accountable for driving the successful execution of strategic initiatives across the organization. This leadership role serves as a critical bridge between strategic planning and operational execution, ensuring projects align with broader business goals and transformation priorities. The AVP oversees a team of project leaders and is responsible for establishing effective governance frameworks, promoting cross-functional collaboration, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Why Join Us?
- Strategic Impact : Lead and evolve a high-performing project delivery function that directly impacts organizational success.
- Innovation : Drive digital transformation and efficiency through structured project management.
- Growth & Development : Work with top leadership to shape the future of project execution.
Qualifications & Experience
10+ years of experience in project / program management with expertise in both Agile and Waterfall methodologies.5+ years in a leadership role, managing project teams, budgets, and stakeholder relationships.Proven success in establishing and scaling a strategic project delivery or governance function within a complex organization.Capacity planning experience, with proven success in driving effective implementations, on budget and on-timeStrong understanding of enterprise-level portfolio management, risk mitigation, and governance.Expertise in Agile frameworks (Scrum, SAFe, Kanban) and Waterfall methodologies (PMBOK, PRINCE2).Experience with financial services, credit unions, or regulated industries is a plus.Proficiency in project management tools (JIRA, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Clarity PPM, etc.).Six Sigma, PMP, SAFe, PMI-ACP, or CSM certifications preferred.Experience directly with leading and driving Mergers and Acquisitions integrationsExperience directly with leading and driving large scale conversions, primarily digital conversionsExperience with Salesforce, and related CRM systems, a plusKey Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Governance
Partner with executive leadership to define, prioritize, and drive the execution of the organization’s strategic initiatives.Develop and lead a strategic, enterprise-aligned function that enables the successful delivery of high-impact initiatives.Translate long-term organizational goals into actionable programs and projects.Ensure the function operates as a value-added partner to the business, guiding project execution based on strategic priorities.Define governance standards and frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and alignment across methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid).Partner with executive leadership to define, prioritize, and drive the execution of the organization’s strategic initiatives.Monitor enterprise portfolio performance to ensure alignment with business strategy and value delivery.2. Enterprise Portfolio & Transformation Management
Oversee the intake, prioritization, and execution of a diverse project portfolio—including transformation, operational, and growth-focused initiatives.Support enterprise transformation by managing complex, cross-functional initiatives that evolve organizational capabilities and deliver measurable outcomes.Align resources and timelines to strategic priorities, ensuring timely delivery within scope and budget.Provide executive stakeholders with data-driven insights into portfolio health, capacity, risks, and interdependencies.3. Organizational Transformation & Change Leadership
Serve as a catalyst for change and innovation, helping the organization evolve its operating model, capabilities, and culture.Support leaders in navigating complex change initiatives through effective change management strategies and communication.Champion a transformation mindset across departments, breaking down silos and enabling agility.4. Methodology Oversight & Delivery Optimization
Promote a flexible, fit-for-purpose approach to project delivery, leveraging Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid models based on context and complexity.Guide the adoption and scaling of Agile practices beyond IT where appropriate (e.g., marketing, HR, operations).Ensure rigorous project execution standards regardless of methodology, focusing on outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and risk management.Cultivate a mindset of adaptability and learning to support a modern, transformation-ready approach to strategic execution.5. Stakeholder Partnership & Communication
Act as a trusted advisor to the C-suite and senior leaders, offering strategic counsel on initiative planning, prioritization, and risk mitigation.Facilitate steering committees and ensure alignment across business units, support functions, and external partners.Establish clear, consistent communication channels to keep stakeholders informed of progress, decisions, and critical milestones.Build strong relationships across departments to break down silos and support enterprise-wide initiatives.6. Leadership & Organizational Development
Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing project management team that delivers results and drives organizational transformation.Create career pathways, succession plans, and leadership development opportunities for project professionals.Encourage innovation and professional growth by promoting knowledge sharing, mentorship, and best practices.Model inclusive leadership and promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.7. Performance, Metrics & Continuous Improvement
Define and track key performance indicators at both the function and project levels to assess health, impact, and ROI of initiatives.Lead retrospectives, maturity assessments, and lessons-learned sessions to inform continuous improvement.Implement performance dashboards and reporting tools to support real-time decision-making.Leverage analytics and feedback to refine delivery practices, improve predictability, and drive greater strategic impact.Key Competencies
Strategic Thinking : Ability to align project management with business objectives.
Leadership & Influence : Proven experience leading teams and driving organizational change.
Adaptability : Strong ability to tailor methodologies based on project complexity.
Stakeholder Management : Strong communication and negotiation skills.
Results-Driven : Track record of delivering projects on time, within scope, and within budget.
