Operations Program Manager Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

Are you an experienced program manager who can take ownership of complex, multi-workstream change? Do you enjoy getting beyond the plan and RAID log to understand the substance of a program, challenge assumptions and help shape the right outcome? Are you looking for the autonomy to lead significant initiatives while working closely with stakeholders across a global organization?

As Senior Program Manager at CFA Institute, you will join our enterprise program management team and take ownership of strategic and business change initiatives across the organization.

You will typically lead one significant initiative, or a small number of programs depending on their scale, taking responsibility for delivery from planning through execution and change adoption. While many of our programs have a technology component, you do not need to be a deeply technical program manager. What matters is that you bring strong program delivery expertise, can quickly understand the business context and are comfortable getting hands-on with the content of the work.

What You'll Do

• Lead complex, multi-workstream programs from initial planning through delivery, ensuring scope, timelines, resources, budgets, dependencies and risks remain controlled.

• Build and manage integrated program plans, governance structures, RAID logs, decision registers and reporting cadences.

• Work across functions to coordinate resources, manage dependencies and keep teams aligned around shared outcomes.

• Partner with senior stakeholders and program sponsors, providing clear communication, surfacing risks and helping drive decisions.

• Engage deeply with the substance of each initiative so you can challenge scope, assumptions and proposed approaches rather than focusing solely on program administration.

• Support strategic initiatives connected to CFA Institute's 2030 strategy alongside operational and business change programs.

• Assess current and future states, identify gaps and requirements, and help translate these into structured delivery plans.

• Manage organizational readiness, stakeholder engagement and change activity through the program lifecycle.

• Track program health, budgets and delivery progress, using data and clear reporting to support decision-making.

• Adapt your approach across Agile, Waterfall and hybrid environments according to the needs of the initiative.

What We're Looking For

• Significant, demonstrable program management and delivery experience, including ownership of complex, multi-workstream, cross-functional programs.

• Strong evidence of independently managing program plans, budgets, resources, risks, issues, dependencies and governance.

• Proven experience working with senior stakeholders and coordinating delivery across multiple business functions.

• The ability to step into an established portfolio and operate effectively with a high degree of autonomy.

• A hands-on approach: you can get up to speed on unfamiliar subject matter, engage with the content of a program and constructively challenge scope and direction.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, including the ability to navigate different priorities and build alignment across teams.

• Experience using structured program and project management methodologies and tools.

• Strong business acumen and the ability to connect day-to-day program delivery with wider business objectives.

Why Join Us

• Work across a significant pipeline of strategic and operational change, including initiatives supporting CFA Institute's 2030 strategy.

• Take meaningful ownership of your programs, with the autonomy to drive delivery while working within a supportive program management environment.

• Gain exposure to different areas of the organization as programs move across business functions and strategic priorities.

• Join an organization positioned at the intersection of the investment industry and the not-for-profit sector, where transformation initiatives can contribute to outcomes that benefit the wider investment community.

• Become part of an established enterprise program management team at a time when demand for change and transformation support is growing.

• Work on varied initiatives where you can apply strong program management discipline while also getting close to the business problems being solved.

At CFA Institute, we are committed to transparency and equity in our hiring process. In compliance with wage transparency laws in many of the jurisdictions in which we recruit, we provide the following information regarding compensation for this position:

Expected salary range: US - $109,000 - $145,000 per year.

Actual salary within the stated range will depend on the individual's experience, qualifications, skills, location, and other job-related factors. Additional benefits include eligibility for an annual discretionary incentive bonus, a 12% employer contribution to a pension plan, and a comprehensive medical benefits package.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees, including health coverage, generous time off, competitive retirement plans, flexible work options, and wellbeing and development programs. You can learn more on our careers site: Working at CFA Institute | Comprehensive Benefits

About CFA Institute

CFA Institute is the global leader in investment excellence and ethics. With nearly 200,000 charterholders across 160 markets, we promote professional growth, uphold ethical standards, and help advance better financial markets. Join a global organization committed to putting investors first.

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Important Message: Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements as CFA Institute cannot make assumptions about your education, experience, or location. We thank all those who apply.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. CFA Institute prohibits both discrimination and harassment with regard to all identifying characteristics: any individual employee, group of employees, or prospective employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, creed or belief, age, marital or partnership status, marital or family status, care giver status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, physical abilities/qualities, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, predisposing genetic characteristic, military or veteran status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence or sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, infectious disease carrier status, migrant worker status, educational background, socio-economic status, geographic location and culture or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy impacts all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, development, promotion, demotion, layoff, recall, furlough, transfer, leave of absence, and dismissal. This is a global policy that applies to all CFA Institute employees, regardless of location.

If, due to a disability or current medical condition, you need an accommodation or assistance to complete a job application, you can request one at any stage of the recruitment process. Please send an email to TAHelpdesk@cfainstitute.org noting the accommodations or assistance you are requesting. Please do not include any medical or health information in this email. We will review your request and contact you to discuss the possible options and arrangements. We will try our best to provide you with an accommodation or assistance that meets your needs and respects your preferences.