Program Manager (U.S. Coast Guard)

The U.S. Coast Guard is advancing modernization initiatives that strengthen mission support, improve operational efficiency, and help the service manage complex enterprise workflows across acquisition, workforce, and mission support functions. This role is designed for a senior leader who can unify Appian-related efforts into a centralized program model and help position Appian as a standard platform for workflow modernization across current and future USCG priorities. Coast Guard Mission Support exists to enable missions through lifecycle support of people, platforms, and systems, while Coast Guard acquisition organizations oversee major recapitalization and software-related programs that depend on disciplined governance and scalable delivery models.

This role is based at our HQ in McLean, VA. Appian was built on a culture of in-person collaboration, which we believe is a key driver of our mission to be the best. Employees hired for this position are expected to be in the office 4 - 5 days per week to foster that culture, ensure we thrive through shared ideas and teamwork, and maximize opportunities to connect with the exceptional people across Appian. While working in-person with customers is our main priority, we also believe the office environment enables more opportunities to celebrate wins, collaborate effectively, and build strong relationships across teams.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the USCG Appian Modernization Program across strategic mission support and operational initiatives. This individual will serve as the central leader responsible for platform strategy, delivery governance, stakeholder alignment, and the evolution of Appian from a set of project implementations into a unified enterprise program.

This role combines program leadership, platform governance, delivery oversight, and client engagement. The right candidate will bring experience leading federal digital transformation efforts, a practical understanding of Coast Guard mission support environments, and the ability to build a repeatable model for scaling secure, mission-focused Appian solutions across the organization.

What you’ll do

Lead the transition from separate Appian projects to a centralized USCG Appian modernization program with shared governance, standards, and delivery priorities.

Establish and mature an Appian Center of Excellence that supports intake, prioritization, architecture review, reusable assets, and platform adoption across multiple Coast Guard initiatives.

Drive the roadmap for Appian solutions supporting acquisition management, human resources, mission-focused case management, and future modernization opportunities aligned to Coast Guard priorities.

Partner with Coast Guard stakeholders across mission support, acquisition, business operations, and technical leadership to translate operational needs into scalable workflow, case management, and decision-support solutions.

Oversee cross-functional delivery teams including Appian developers, architects, business analysts, QA specialists, scrum leads, and integration resources.

Build a reusable delivery model that includes design standards, component libraries, integration patterns, release controls, and performance reporting.

Guide program-level risk management related to legacy dependencies, governance requirements, security approvals, platform sprawl, and enterprise change adoption.

Support executive communications, governance reviews, roadmap planning, and value reporting tied to mission outcomes.

Oversee advisory support workstreams that complement the platform portfolio, including process improvement, modernization planning, requirements shaping, governance support, and stakeholder alignment.

What you’ll own

Enterprise Appian program strategy and operating model.

Platform governance, standardization, and reuse.

Delivery oversight across multiple Appian workstreams and advisory engagements.

Stakeholder alignment across business, technical, and compliance teams.

Growth of Appian as a modernization platform for future USCG use cases.

Basic Qualifications:

7+ years of experience in IT program management, digital transformation, or enterprise platform delivery.

3+ years leading IT initiatives or USCG or DoW workflow application programs in a complex federal enterprise.

Direct experience supporting the U.S. Coast Guard, DHS, or other federal operational or mission support organizations is strongly preferred.

Strong understanding of workflow modernization, case management, integration delivery, and Agile program execution.

Experience managing portfolios that include both software delivery and advisory support services.

Familiarity with operational domains such as acquisition management, human capital or workforce systems, mission support processes, and case management is highly desirable.

Experience working in regulated federal environments with security, compliance, and governance expectations tied to enterprise systems.

Ability to lead matrixed teams, influence senior stakeholders, and connect delivery decisions to mission outcomes.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Scrum, SAFe, or Appian certifications are preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience centralizing delivery across multiple projects into a true program structure.

Success building or operating a low-code Center of Excellence.

Comfort working at both executive and delivery-team levels.

Knowledge of integrating Appian with enterprise systems, APIs, and mission support platforms.

Experience shaping future opportunities while managing active delivery.

Familiarity with federal acquisition environments, governance processes, and modernization efforts tied to enterprise operations.

Join us to help shape a modern, scalable workflow platform that supports better outcomes for the maritime public and the USCG teams who serve them every day. This is an opportunity to lead both active delivery and long-term platform strategy in one of the most meaningful modernization environments in government.

The base salary range provided represents a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for a government clearance differential. Actual compensation will be dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant work experience, qualifications, internal peer equity, and market and business conditions that exist when extending an offer. A discretionary bonus may be awarded in recognition of individual and company performance.

In addition, Appian provides generous benefits offerings that include a 401(k) plan with company match, flexible time off, paid parental leave, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, disability insurance, wellness programs, flexible spending accounts, health savings account contributions, an employee referral bonus program, and learning and development resources. Certain positions may be eligible for equity awards.

Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation, commission, bonus, or benefit plans.

Base Salary Range

$150,000—$300,000 USD