IT Strategy & PMO Consultant

Role: IT Strategy & PMO Consultant (AI-Enabled Transformation) Location: Sacramento, CA, Hybrid (as required by project needs) Duration: Contract (6+ Months) Overview: We are seeking an experienced IT Strategy & PMO Consultant to both manage selected projects and lead the transformation of the Project Management Office into an AI-enabled, Shared Services model that can support project managers and business customers at scale. This role blends hands-on project delivery with strategic PMO modernization, integrating governance, data-driven decision-making, automation, and cross-functional alignment with Business Relationship Management (BRM) and Enterprise Architecture functions. The consultant will establish scalable processes, introduce AI-powered workflows, enhance portfolio prioritization, and ensure projects deliver measurable business value. Key Responsibilities: Project Management (20–50%): • Lead end-to-end project delivery using PMP-aligned methodologies (initiation through closeout). • Develop and maintain project artifacts including charters, schedules, risk registers, communication plans, and status reports. • Facilitate phase-gate reviews, monitor scope/schedule/cost, and manage change requests. • Coordinate with business sponsors, analysts, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and delivery success. • Provide project reporting through enterprise tools and dashboards. • Drive project closeout activities and document benefits realization. PMO Transformation & Shared Services Enablement (50–80%): • PMO Operating Model Modernization • Redesign PMO structure, roles, RACI, and service catalog to support scalable shared services. • Improve intake, triage, prioritization, and governance workflows. • Optimize delivery frameworks, stage gates, and portfolio value management processes. • BRM Integration • Align PMO and BRM functions through shared planning cadences, KPIs, and intake governance. • Develop playbooks to transition initiatives from ideation to execution. • Enterprise Architecture Alignment • Partner with EA leadership to embed architecture checkpoints into intake and delivery lifecycle. • Establish governance processes linking capability planning to portfolio prioritization. • Data, AI, and Financial Governance • Deploy PMO data models, dashboards, and reporting frameworks. • Enhance CapEx/OpEx tracking, forecasting, and financial transparency. • Implement AI-enabled tools (e.g., workflow automation, collaboration copilots) to improve PMO efficiency. • Introduce scenario modeling and analytics for portfolio decision-making. • Change Management & Adoption • Lead organizational change initiatives, communications, and training programs. • Enable PMs and stakeholders to adopt new tools, processes, and governance models. Key Deliverables: • PMO transformation roadmap, operating model, and governance framework. • Standardized intake, prioritization, and portfolio management processes. • AI-enabled workflows, dashboards, and performance analytics. • Financial tracking and benefits realization models. • Project delivery artifacts including plans, schedules, and closeout documentation. • Sustainability and handover plans to transition operations into steady state. Required Qualifications: Experience: • 10+ years of IT project management experience, including managing multiple enterprise initiatives. • 7+ years in IT strategy, PMO leadership, or transformation roles. • Demonstrated experience redesigning or scaling PMO functions. • Experience implementing AI, analytics, or automation within governance or delivery environments. • Strong background in financial governance, forecasting, and portfolio value tracking. • Expertise in organizational design, RACI development, and operating model creation. • Proven ability to engage executive stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignment. Tools & Technologies: • Experience with enterprise project and reporting tools such as ServiceNow, Jira, Clarity, and Power BI (or equivalent). • Strong data interpretation and visualization capabilities (e.g., SQL, analytics/reporting platforms). Preferred Qualifications: • Certifications such as PMP, PMI-ACP, SAFe, TOGAF, BRMP, ITIL, COBIT, or Prosci. • Agile Product Owner certification or similar. • MBA or advanced degree in a related discipline. Core Competencies: • Executive-level communication and data-driven storytelling. • Change management and organizational adoption leadership. • Workshop facilitation and stakeholder engagement. Systems-thinking mindset focused on scalable, sustainable design