Ascension LLC is seeking a senior-level Principal / Program Executive to provide executive oversight, strategic leadership, and contractual authority for a high-visibility transportation planning and consulting engagement.

This role is critical to ensuring that all contract objectives are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with the client’s mission and regulatory requirements. The Principal serves as the ultimate decision-maker and trusted advisor to the State, responsible for program success, compliance, and stakeholder confidence.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader in consulting, program management, and/or transportation planning, with a strong track record of leading complex, multi-disciplinary projects, managing senior stakeholders, and driving measurable business outcomes.

This position is best suited for professionals with deep expertise in:

• Program and portfolio oversight
• Government consulting (State/Federal)
• Strategic planning and execution
• Financial and contract performance management
• Stakeholder engagement and executive communications

Position Summary

The Principal acts as the Contractor’s Chief Executive Authority for the engagement, providing strategic direction, governance, and oversight across all project activities.

This role ensures that resources, processes, and deliverables are aligned with contract requirements, while maintaining full accountability for budget, schedule, quality, and compliance performance. The Principal works closely with the Project Manager and client leadership to resolve issues, mitigate risks, and ensure successful program execution.

The ideal candidate is:

• A strategic thinker who can align project execution with organizational goals
• A decisive leader capable of making binding decisions on behalf of the contractor
• A relationship builder who can influence executive stakeholders
• A problem solver who anticipates risks and proactively implements solutions
• A results-driven professional focused on delivering measurable value

This role requires strong familiarity with program governance frameworks, regulatory compliance, and consulting delivery models, as well as the ability to operate effectively in dynamic and ambiguous environments.

Day-to-Day Activities

• Provide executive oversight of all contract activities to ensure alignment with scope, schedule, and budget
• Serve as the primary escalation point for contractual, financial, and operational issues
• Act as the final authority on key decisions, including budget, compliance, and performance outcomes
• Oversee and support the Project Manager in execution, risk management, and stakeholder coordination
• Ensure contractual compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulatory requirements
• Monitor program performance metrics, milestones, and deliverables
• Lead executive-level meetings, briefings, and negotiations with State stakeholders
• Provide strategic guidance to ensure delivery of promised business value
• Allocate and manage resources across the contract to meet performance objectives
• Support issue resolution and conflict management across teams and stakeholders
• Review and approve key deliverables, reports, and program documentation
• Maintain strong client relationships and serve as a trusted advisor
• Ensure alignment with quality standards and continuous improvement practices
• Provide oversight of financial performance, invoicing alignment, and cost controls