Senior Program Manager - IAM: Higher Education

We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead our Identity and Access Management (IAM) initiatives. This role is responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of IAM programs that ensure secure, efficient, and compliant access to university systems and data. The Senior Program Manager will
lead multiple complex IAM projects, coordinate with diverse stakeholders across the university, and ensure the delivery of solutions that support the
institution's academic and administrative missions while maintaining the highest security standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7–10 years of IT program/project management experience, with at least 5 years in IAM or related security domains.
• Demonstrated experience with IAM technologies and protocols including:
  • SSO, MFA, PAM, identity governance
• Strong understanding of:
  • Authentication protocols (SAML, OAuth, OIDC)
  • Directory services (Active Directory, LDAP)
• Proven track record of managing large-scale IAM projects in complex, distributed environments.
• Excellent PM skills with PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience developing IAM roadmaps, and maturity assessments aligned with institutional goals.
• Experience leading large-scale IAM implementations including SSO, MFA, PAM, and identity governance.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and vendors to ensure timely delivery of IAM solutions.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement across academic, administrative, and IT departments.
• Ensure compliance with security policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Create clear documentation for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Skilled at managing customer expectations and presenting to executive audiences.
• Experience in higher education environments.
• Deep understanding of IAM concepts, technologies, and best practices.
• Experience with IAM platforms such as Azure AD, AWS IAM, and Google Cloud Identity.
• Knowledge of zero-trust security models and principles.
• Familiarity with SSO, identity federation, and lifecycle management.
• Strong vendor and contract management capabilities.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams with empathy and awareness.
• Skilled in navigating matrixed organizations and influencing without direct authority.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (PMI, Agile, PRINCE2) and tools.
• Strategic thinker with a blend of business, IT, financial, and communication skills for a high impact visible role.
• Comfortable engaging with senior leadership and navigating political environments.
• Understanding of IAM challenges in academic settings, including lifecycle needs of students, faculty, and staff.
• Awareness of emerging technologies in digital business and higher education.