Pm-080426 - Senior IT Project Manager - Healthcare IT Programs

Senior IT Project Manager – Healthcare IT

Location: Columbia, MD (Hybrid)Certifications: PMP RequiredSecurity: Ability to obtain a Federal Public Trust Clearance / CMS PIV Badge Required

Clearance: Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident capable of successfully clearing a federal background investigation to obtain a CMS PIV badge.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior IT Project Manager to lead complex, large-scale healthcare IT initiatives supporting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This role is responsible for leading large-scale software development efforts, enterprise platform modernization, and complex data integration initiatives within a heavily regulated federal healthcare environment.

The ideal candidate has a deep background in healthcare IT delivery, data management, and federal compliance frameworks. An active PMP certification is required. While an active CMS badge and direct Medicare/CCSQ domain knowledge are highly desirable, we are willing to sponsor the right senior candidate through the federal clearance process.

We are looking for a leader who takes ownership, anticipates challenges before they become roadblocks, builds trusted relationships with stakeholders, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes in complex healthcare IT environments.

This position offers the opportunity to lead high-impact healthcare technology programs while growing professionally within an organization that values initiative, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Why Join Next Phase?

• Lead high-visibility healthcare IT programs supporting CMS.
• Work alongside experienced technical and program leadership.
• Grow your career in a collaborative, mission-driven organization.
• Enjoy a hybrid work environment with opportunities for professional development and advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Manage the full lifecycle of complex IT systems development, software enhancements, or cloud migrations following the CMS eXpedited Lifecycle (XLC) framework or approved Agile methodologies.
• Stakeholder Management: Serve as the primary liaison between technical development teams, CMS Business Owners, and external healthcare stakeholders.
• Schedule & Budget Control: Apply strict PMP methodologies to manage project scope, build and maintain integrated master schedules (IMS), monitor risks, and deliver milestones on time and within budget.
• Compliance & Security: Ensure all software and data systems adhere to CMS Acceptable Risk Safeguards (ARS), federal security regulations, and strict HIPAA guidelines protecting PHI and PII.
• Agile Facilitation: Bridge the gap between federal reporting requirements and technical delivery, translating sprint-level progress into formal CMS governance documentation.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Certification: Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in good standing.
• Experience Tier: Minimum 7+ years of IT project management experience, with at least 3–5 years specifically dedicated to the Healthcare IT domain.
• Clearance: Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident capable of successfully clearing a federal background investigation to obtain a CMS PIV badge.
• Methodologies: Proven track record blending traditional predictive governance with modern iterative Agile/Scrum software delivery frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications (Highly Desired)

• Possesses a currently active CMS Personal Identity Verification (PIV) badge and active EUA account.
• Direct project management experience supporting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), specifically within the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ) or CMMI contract environments.
• Familiarity with healthcare data standards such as FHIR, HL7, or electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs).

General:

• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workload based on the needs of the client
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and frequent changes in priorities
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Excellent technical writing skills and proven experience in systems with complex requirements
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills with the ability to team with others to meet project objectives
• Understanding of the system development lifecycle as implemented with Agile; SAFe knowledge a plus

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to navigate in an office setting unassisted
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds
• Strong speaking skills, including the ability to articulate thoughts in a clear manner and excellent word enunciation skills, are required

Additional Information about this opening:

• Employees of Next Phase shall, as an enduring obligation throughout their term of employment, adhere to all information security requirements as documented in company policies and procedures
• Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work environment, with three days in the office per week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) and two days working remotely
• We are committed to your professional growth, providing opportunities for advancement and exposure to exciting projects and initiatives
• This position is suited for candidates within commuting distance to Columbia, MD, and not eligible for a fully remote schedule
• We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and professional growth and development opportunities. If you meet the above requirements and are looking for a challenging and rewarding career opportunity, please submit your application for consideration.
• The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only, not a compensation or salary guarantee. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other laws.

Salary Range:

• $135,000 - $165,000

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This range reflects a broad spectrum of potential candidates, with salary offers based on skills, experience, and expertise in the field.

ABOUT NEXT PHASE SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES, INC.

Innovation. It’s What Defines Us.

Next Phase Solutions and Services, Inc. provides insights and solutions for healthcare, engineering, and science research. Next Phase commits to creating an environment where our employees achieve their full potential, increase productivity, and expand their professional and personal horizons. We look for bright, innovative people who achieve results, understand the importance of being productive and supportive team members, and prioritize customer satisfaction. Next Phase leadership is looking for new leaders, scientific and technical subject matter experts, and technically savvy people interested in putting forth the effort and commitment needed to grow our company.

Will you join us to share in the success?

Benefits

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

HEALTH AND WELLNESS BENEFITS

• Choose from three medical healthcare plans.
• Dental and Vision Insurance plans.
• Enjoy a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA), and a company-sponsored Wellness Program.

PERSONAL INSURANCE BENEFITS

• Next Phase offers life insurance, accidental death, and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance, all of which are paid for by the company.

PAID LEAVE

• Employees receive competitive paid time off, including 11 holidays and maternity leave for recovering mothers.

RETIREMENT

• Corporate-sponsored retirement savings plan administered through a premier global investment management firm, with potential for discretionary company contributions.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Employees can be reimbursed for professional development expenses such as classes, books, technical certification/testing fees, professional dues/subscriptions, and professional licenses required for their position.

PET INSURANCE

• You have two options to ensure the happiness and health of your pets.

COMPETITIVE BONUS PROGRAM

• At Next Phase, we believe in sharing our success with the employees who make it happen!

Next Phase Solutions and Services, Inc. offers all qualified candidates and employees equal employment opportunities. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic safeguarded by federal, state, or local laws. Our commitment at Next Phase Solutions and Services, Inc. is to hire and promote the most qualified individuals for our positions.

"EOE, including disability/vets"

NEED ASSISTANCE?

If you are a person with a disability who requires assistance with the electronic submission process, please email us at HRDirector@npss-inc.com.