Program Manager, Catalyst Collective

Position Summary

The Parallax Advanced Research mission is to deliver innovative research and provide technology, human, and business solutions through The Science of Intelligent Teaming™ for government, industry, and academic clients.

The Program Manager, Catalyst Collective leads multiple concurrent construction and secure facility projects across Parallax sites in support of the Catalyst Collective business vertical. This individual contributor manages program and project delivery from requirements through occupancy and closeout, managing scope, schedule, budget, risk, and contractor performance. The role applies strong program management skills to facility delivery in partnership with construction, engineering, and security subject matter experts, coordinating technical requirements and accreditation activities while developing expertise in secure facility construction. This position has no direct reports but leads through influence across internal teams, contractors, and government partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Program & Project Management

• Plan, execute, and close multiple concurrent construction and facility build-out projects across Parallax sites supporting the Catalyst Collective business vertical.

• Manages each project's scope, schedule, budget, and risk register from initial requirements through occupancy and closeout.

• Build and maintain integrated master schedules, track critical path, and keep projects on time and within budget.

• Prioritize work across the portfolio and recommend tradeoffs to leadership when projects compete for time, funding, or resources.

• Apply PMI standards and disciplined project controls, including change control, earned value tracking where appropriate, and lessons learned.

Secure Facility Construction & ICD 705 Compliance

• Lead project planning and delivery for the design, construction, and accreditation of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) and other secure spaces. Partner with qualified construction, engineering, and security specialists to incorporate ICD 705 and the IC Technical Specifications for Construction and Management of SCIFs into project requirements and execution.

• Coordinate with the Facility Security Officer, Special Security Officer, technical specialists, and government Accrediting Official/Authority to plan, prepare, and track required design, construction, and facility accreditation documentation and approval milestones.

• Coordinate with Site Security Managers and Construction Security Managers to track construction security requirements, obtain specialist verification of compliance, and resolve or escalate identified issues.

• Maintain strict confidentiality and protect sensitive and/or classified information throughout each project.

Vendor, Contractor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage architects, engineers, general contractors, and specialty vendors, holding each accountable to contract scope, quality, safety, and schedule. Coordinate technical reviews with qualified specialists and track corrective actions.

• Support solicitation, bid evaluation, and contract award in partnership with Parallax Contracts and Procurement.

• Review and recommend approval of invoices, change orders, and pay applications.

• Coordinate with landlords, property managers, local permitting authorities, and inspectors.

• Serve as the single point of contact for internal customers, translating mission and program needs into facility requirements.

Budget, Reporting & Governance

• Develop project cost estimates with input from contractors and technical specialists, and manage budgets, forecasts, and spending in partnership with Finance.

• Deliver clear, regular status reports and dashboards to Catalyst Collective and Parallax leadership covering progress, risks, issues, and decisions needed.

• Identify risks early and drive mitigation plans before they affect cost, schedule, or accreditation.

• Develop and improve repeatable processes, templates, and standards for secure facility projects across the organization.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Coordinate with qualified designers, contractors, safety personnel, and inspectors to verify applicable OSHA, building code, ADA, fire and life safety, and environmental requirements are addressed.

• Coordinate review of contractor safety programs with appropriate safety personnel and conduct regular site walks with qualified personnel to monitor progress, quality, and safety and track corrective actions.

• Coordinate permitting, inspections, and certificates of occupancy with responsible contractors, technical specialists, and local authorities.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• U.S. citizenship.

• Active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance.

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Five or more years of program or project management experience leading complex efforts involving multiple stakeholders, budgets, schedules, and competing priorities.

• Demonstrated experience managing contractors or external vendors and holding them accountable for deliverables and performance.

• Proven ability to lead multiple concurrent projects, coordinate cross-functional teams, and prioritize competing demands.

• Demonstrated responsibility for project budgets, schedules, risk management, and change control, including coordination of contractual requirements.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to brief leadership and hold contractors accountable.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Project or Primavera P6 and Microsoft 365.

• Ability to travel to Catalyst Collective project and customer locations

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, active and in good standing.

• Facilities or construction project management experience, including management of construction budgets, schedules, contracts, and change orders.

• Experience working in or supporting Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or Special Access Program (SAP) environments.

• Experience managing projects across multiple sites.

• Demonstrated experience delivering SCIF projects in compliance with ICD 705 and the IC Technical Specifications, through accreditation.

• Working knowledge of construction documents, building codes, and permitting processes.

• Experience as a Site Security Manager or working directly with a Construction Surveillance Technician program.

• Experience with Special Access Program Facility (SAPF) construction or DoD secure space requirements.

• Familiarity with TEMPEST, RED/BLACK separation, and secure communications infrastructure.

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification.

• Experience in a government contracting or research environment.

• Additional credentials such as Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or DBIA certification.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. This role requires regular visits to active construction sites, including walking on uneven surfaces, climbing ladders and stairs, and wearing required personal protective equipment. Work may be performed in secure areas where personal electronic devices are restricted. Office and construction site work, with regular travel.