Senior Program Business Analyst Lead

We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Business Analyst Lead to support the Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO), Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Solution Program. This is a high-visibility IT modernization initiative within the State of Michigan’s IT Investment Portfolio. The ideal candidate will serve as the Lead Program Business Analyst, working closely with program leadership and key stakeholders to coordinate, manage, and facilitate program-level activities across multiple workstreams. Key Responsibilities Manage project scope, risks, issues, deliverables, and schedules across all program tasks. Collaborate with Project Managers, Business Managers, and key program stakeholders to ensure clear communication across all workstreams. Coordinate resources, review project tasks, and resolve or escalate issues as needed. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within a matrixed team environment. Identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle. Participate in Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, reviews, grooming sessions, and daily stand-ups. Work closely with software developers, subject matter experts, and stakeholders within an Agile development framework. Facilitate and manage program change requests, approvals, and prioritizations. Track and follow up on program-level action items and enhancement requests. Qualifications Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Senior Business Analyst, including experience in matrix management leading business, technology, and testing teams. Proven experience in scope and requirements management, quality management, and test management processes. Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects. Experience with Agile and Waterfall methodologies in software development and project delivery. Hands-on experience with project management, test tracking, and change management tools (Azure DevOps preferred). Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills. Ability to lead program change briefings, manage decision approvals, and oversee program scope and enhancement scheduling. Preferred Skills Experience supporting large-scale government or enterprise modernization programs. Strong facilitation, mediation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Work Arrangement:This position follows a hybrid schedule, requiring onsite work 2–5 days per week at the manager’s discretion. Remote-only work is not an option. Onsite Requirements: Must be onsite starting from day one. Wednesdays and Thursdays are mandatory onsite days. Candidates must reside within a 2 to 2.5-hour commuting distance from Detroit, MI. Note: Local candidates only. Job Type: Contract Pay: $48.00 - $50.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week Application Question(s): Can you walk me through your experience leading program-level business analysis activities in large-scale IT projects? How have you managed scope and requirements changes in previous programs? What project management tools have you used, and how did they help streamline collaboration? Describe how you’ve worked with both Agile and Waterfall methodologies—how do you adapt between the two? Work Location: In person