Program Director Research and Technology

Agency

Dept of Transportation

Division

Job Classification Title

Program Director II (NS)

Position Number

Grade

NC23

About Us

It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date.

The Program Director for Technology & Change Management is a high-impact leadership role responsible for bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and organizational evolution. You will lead the identification, vetting, and implementation of technology solutions designed to modernize agency operations and advance large-scale change management initiatives. You will also support delivery of leading research to synthesize, distill, and inform best practice technology applications for NCDOT.

This role isn't just about software; it’s about people and process. You will oversee a multidisciplinary team of 5-7 professionals, including internal staff and external consultants, ensuring that technology investments align with the DOT’s long-term vision for safety, efficiency, and infrastructure resilience.

Key Responsibilities:

●Strategic Roadmap Development: Identify and prioritize technology solutions (SaaS, AI/ML, Data Analytics, Enterprise Resource Planning) that support agency-wide change initiatives.
●Change Management Leadership: Develop strategies to ensure high adoption rates of new technologies, minimizing resistance and maximizing organizational ROI.
●Project Governance: Lead the full lifecycle of technology projects, from initial feasibility studies and business case development to post-implementation review.
●Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as the primary translator between technical IT teams and non-technical department heads to ensure tools meet actual operational needs.
●Resource Management: Manage two teams of 4–6 individuals, providing mentorship, performance evaluations, and daily work direction for both FTEs and specialized external consultants.
●Budget & Procurement: Oversee project budgets and lead the procurement process for new vendors, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade and Salary Range:  NC23 $81,620 - $159,158

Management prefers applicants with the following:

• Demonstrated ability to lead large scale initiatives, manage schedule and budgets and drive results
• Knowledge of Change Management Frameworks such as Prosci/ADKAR or Kotter’s 8-Step Process
• Working knowledge of state procurement processes especially as they relate to compliance with NCDOT and NCDIT-T requirements
• Knowledge of modern infrastructure tech, geospatial data (GIS), project management software, and enterprise-level digital transformation
• Demonstrated ability to manage hybrid teams of internal employees and high-rate external consultants

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and five (5) years of program experience in the area of assignment, including three years of managerial experience in the public or private sectors involving significant decision-making authority in the planning, organizing and directing of operations in the areas of the assigned program(s); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Phagan Joe Hudson

Email:

[email protected]