Sr. Program Manager - People Experience (R5452)

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. We are seeking a Senior PX Program Manager to drive the successful delivery, adoption, and continuous improvement of high-impact people initiatives across the organization. In this role, you will partner closely with PX leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to plan, coordinate, and execute complex programs that enhance organizational effectiveness, elevate the employee experience, and align with business priorities. This is a full-time opportunity to advance critical PX initiatives, strengthen operational rigor, and build scalable processes that support continued organizational growth.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, coordination, execution, and ongoing management of complex PX initiatives and cross-functional programs; Define program scope, objectives, milestones, timelines, risks, dependencies, and success measures with PX leaders; Maintain integrated program plans and operating rhythms, monitoring progress and managing risks and issues; Identify and implement process improvements during project execution; Design and implement change management strategies that drive successful adoption, sustainability, and leader effectiveness; Assess organizational impacts and readiness, and develop communication and engagement plans; Partner with leaders and subject matter experts to facilitate change and minimize disruption; Track adoption and effectiveness and integrate lessons learned into future initiatives; Build strong, trust-based relationships across PX functions and business teams; Facilitate stakeholder alignment, decision-making, and issue resolution across multiple workstreams; Coordinate cross-functional efforts to ensure cohesive program delivery and integration; Provide clear, concise, executive-ready communications on program status, risks, outcomes, and recommendations; Establish governance models, operating rhythms, and reporting mechanisms for strategic PX programs; Develop dashboards, status reports, and executive updates; Maintain key artifacts, including action plans, decision logs, and risk registers; Optimize PX structures, standards, and workflows

Requirements

Bachelor's degree, preferably in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or equivalent experience; 8+ years of experience leading complex programs, transformation initiatives, or organizational change efforts in an HR, PX, or related environment; Demonstrated experience managing enterprise-wide, cross-functional projects with multiple stakeholders in high-growth or similarly complex environments; Strong program and project management skills, including planning, governance, risk management, and execution across multiple workstreams; Hands-on experience developing and implementing change management strategies, including stakeholder analysis, communications, training, and reinforcement plans; Experience working directly with PX/HR/People teams on initiatives such as performance management, talent development, PX systems, or employee experience programs; Ability to use quantitative and qualitative data (e.g., survey results, adoption metrics, KPIs) to inform program design, decision-making, and iteration; Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and drive outcomes without direct authority; Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities, with a track record of bringing structure and operating rigor to ambiguous environments; Demonstrated ability to build program frameworks, playbooks, or toolkits that scale PX initiatives across multiple teams or locations

Nice to have

Experience in high-growth technology, aerospace, defense, or similarly complex environments; Formal training or certification in program and/or change management (e.g., PMP, Prosci, Agile-related credentials); Experience implementing or optimizing PX/HR systems and tools (e.g., HRIS, performance management, engagement or survey platforms)

Benefits

Bonus; Benefits; Equity; Temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment for temporary employees)