Strategic Program Manager

Gusto

. Lead and drive high-priority, cross-functional programs, taking full ownership for their success or failure .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $150,640 - $208,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in program management and operations with a focus on AI-driven solutions, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence executive-level stakeholders while enhancing customer experience strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program ManagementAI-Driven ProgramsStakeholder ManagementData AnalysisChange Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Project ManagementQuantitative AnalysisProcess ImprovementService Design PrinciplesData Visualization

Soft Skills

Critical ThinkingVerbal CommunicationWritten CommunicationEmpathy

Tools & Technologies

AsanaNotionAirtableJIRAExcelGoogle SheetsGsuite

Industry Keywords

Cross-Functional ProgramsOperational ReadinessExecutive PresenceChange ManagementCustomer Experience Strategy

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and drive high-priority, cross-functional programs, taking full ownership for their success or failure
Develop and manage program and project plans, charters, and roadmaps interfacing with Product, Engineering, and Customer Experience
Identify frameworks and design principles and propose creative, effective solutions
Collaborate with Engineering, Product & Design, and Business Technology teams on impactful problems and AI-driven solutions
Distill complex technical concepts into clear, actionable stakeholder updates
Apply systems thinking across teams, organizations, products, services, and operational needs
Create and implement AI-enabled readiness plans for weekly and monthly launches
Support smooth change management and operational readiness
Shape reporting mechanisms and cadences for large audiences
Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to enhance customer experience strategy
Influence executive-level stakeholders through collaboration and presentations
Serve as a trusted thought partner to organizational leaders
Improve team operating models, tooling, and reporting mechanisms

Requirements

What you’ll need

8+ years of experience in program management, operations, and/or project management roles
Proven track record of executing large-scale, complex projects spanning multiple stakeholders and organizations
Aptitude for understanding technical workstreams, engineering requirements, and how products/features map to operational needs for launch and change management
Experience with AI-driven programs is required
Strong understanding of service design principles and methodologies
Stakeholder and project management mastery
Quantitative analysis skills, critical thinking, and sound business judgment
Deep empathy for small business customers
Demonstrated process improvement and efficiency experience leveraging AI
Executive presence and ability to influence senior leaders and drive change
Data analysis, data visualization, and presentation skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Proficiency in Asana, Notion, Airtable, and JIRA
Experience with Excel/Google Sheets and Gsuite strongly encouraged
Ability to work from a secure, reliable, and consistent internet connection when outside a Gusto office

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive base pay
Health insurance
401(k)
HR benefits
Equity (RSUs)
Full-time employee benefits
Hybrid work arrangement
Secure, reliable, and consistent internet connection required when approved to work outside a Gusto office
Equal opportunity employer
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans