Job Title: Deputy Project Manager
Location: Knoxville, TN
Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Summary:
Management Solutions is seeking a Deputy Project Manager to support delivery of mission-critical services within a federal IT environment. This role is client-facing and supports Program Management in executing large, complex federal initiatives involving cyber and IT operations.

The Deputy Project Manager provides subject matter expertise in strategic planning and program management to help the organization meet mission-critical goals. This role includes supporting IT project governance, lifecycle execution, and strategic initiatives in a highly regulated federal environment. The position requires strong technical knowledge, leadership capability, and the ability to influence execution across multiple stakeholders, including senior government leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Support & Client Delivery

• Serve as a Deputy Project Manager supporting delivery of consulting services within a federal IT environment.

• Provide subject matter expertise in strategic planning and program management to support mission-critical objectives.

• Support the Program Manager in execution of program priorities, deliverables, and contractual obligations.

• Support IT project governance, planning, and strategic initiatives.

• Ensure all projects align with client strategic goals, including contributions to federal strategic planning efforts.

• Maintain consistent billable utilization aligned with organizational and contract expectations.

• Represent the organization professionally in all client engagements.

Project Leadership & Execution

• Provide technical and management leadership on major tasks or technology assignments.

• Establish goals, develop plans, and execute strategies to meet project and program objectives.

• Lead and support end-to-end project management activities across the full Project Development Lifecycle.

• Direct and control assigned project activities, maintaining responsibility for scope, schedule, budget, staffing, and quality.

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and customers to define, validate, and manage project requirements.

• Document the change control process by tracking scope, schedule, and cost changes.

• Maintain and enhance PMO automated project tracking and reporting tools.

Governance, Risk & Reporting

• Track and report project and program status across all lifecycle phases.

• Develop and maintain project dashboards, metrics, and reporting artifacts.

• Provide periodic status briefings and executive-level updates to senior leadership.

• Identify, assess, and manage risks across cyber, IT, and program domains; develop and implement proactive mitigation strategies.

• Maintain and enhance IT (virtual or physical) governance processes, frameworks, and associated documentation.

Cyber & IT Support

• Support initiatives related to cyber operations, IT infrastructure, and program execution.

• Coordinate with cybersecurity and IT stakeholders to ensure integration of security requirements into project planning and execution.

• Ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity and information assurance requirements within project activities.

• Translate technical cyber and IT concepts into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders and leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Interface with senior leadership, stakeholders, and clients to support decision-making and program execution.

• Facilitate meetings, briefings, and working sessions with technical teams and executive stakeholders.

• Conduct client negotiations and ensure alignment across multiple organizational levels.

• Support the Program Manager/Technical Lead in high-visibility communications and executive engagements.

Team Leadership & Oversight

• Lead and supervise cross-functional teams, including technical staff, client personnel, and subcontractors.

• Provide mentorship and oversight to junior staff as assigned.

• Support staffing coordination and resource planning across the program.

• Ensure effective execution of assigned workstreams in alignment with overall program objectives.

• This position may perform other duties as assigned.
  

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience in project or program management, with a strong emphasis on IT, cybersecurity, or technical programs.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant field.

• A postgraduate degree in a related field may substitute for up to 6 years of required experience.

• Demonstrated expertise in project governance, lifecycle management, and federal program execution.

• Proven ability to provide technical/management leadership on major tasks or technology assignments.

• Experience directing and controlling activities for a client, including financial management, methods, and staffing.

• Strong leadership capabilities, including experience interfacing with senior management and supporting executive decision-making.

• Experience supporting cybersecurity or IT initiatives in a federal environment.

• Ability to operate independently while supporting a Program Manager in a complex program structure.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.

• Experience supporting federal agencies.

• Familiarity with federal cybersecurity and IT governance frameworks (e.g., NIST, FISMA, FedRAMP).

• Experience supporting ITor cybersecurity operations programs.

• Prior experience in a consulting or professional services environment.

• Possessing an active Q, L, or Top Secret clearance is strongly preferred.
  

Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship is required due to federal contract and/or security clearance requirements.

Working Conditions: This position is primarily performed in an office environment or a home office setting. Employees will be required to use a computer and other office equipment for extended periods. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and operate a computer and standard office equipment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Management Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is the Law.

Management Solutions is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resources.

Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not a complete list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with it.

Management Solutions LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.