Program Manager, AI Enablement

Department:

WDTech - R&D

We are Walker & Dunlop.  We are one of the largest providers of capital to the commercial real estate industry, enabling real estate owners and operators to bring their visions of communities — where people live, work, shop, and play — to life. We are committed to creating meaningful social, environmental, and economic change in our communities.

Department Overview

WDTech is Walker & Dunlop’s technology organization, bringing together product, design, engineering, data, infrastructure, information security, and operations to build, operate, and protect the technology that powers our business. 

You will have the opportunity to apply modern technology and AI within one of the nation’s leading commercial real estate finance and advisory services firms. W&D’s market position, deep industry expertise, client relationships, and proprietary data provide a strong foundation for solving meaningful business problems, improving how we work and serve our clients, and creating new sources of competitive advantage. 

Across WDTech, we combine business context with disciplined technology practices and a high standard for security, resilience, and quality. Teams have ownership of meaningful problems and collaborate across disciplines, make thoughtful decisions, and continuously improve the products, platforms, and capabilities that move W&D forward. 

The Impact You Will Have 

The Program Manager, AI Enablement is responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of strategic AI initiatives across Walker & Dunlop. Working closely with the SVP, AI Enablement, this role translates strategic priorities into actionable plans, establishes clear processes and accountability, and ensures alignment across multiple concurrent programs. 

This position serves as a key liaison between AI engineering teams, product partners, and business stakeholders to support the development, implementation, and adoption of AI capabilities across the organization. The ideal candidate brings strong program management expertise, a practical understanding of AI technologies, and exceptional organizational and communication skills to manage competing priorities, address challenges, and drive successful program outcomes. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with the SVP, AI Enablement to establish priorities, develop execution plans, and coordinate a portfolio of strategic AI initiatives across engineering, product, and business functions. 

• Collaborate with AI engineering teams, product partners, and business stakeholders to align program objectives, scope, timelines, dependencies, deliverables, and success measures. 

• Coordinate the development and implementation of the AI Platform, including the Agent Layer, Agent Control Plane, Knowledge Gateway, and Context Layer, ensuring alignment on technical dependencies, development priorities, and release schedules. 

• Partner with Legal, Risk, Compliance, and Information Security teams to coordinate the development, approval, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of AI-related policies and governance standards. 

• Oversee the coordination of AI workflow and agent deployment initiatives, including intake, discovery, development, evaluation, approval, launch, and adoption. 

• Collaborate with Human Resources and department leadership to support the development and delivery of enterprise-wide AI training programs, including foundational learning and role- or department-specific training. 

• Establish and maintain program management processes, including planning cycles, project tracking, status reporting, risk registers, decision logs, and recurring stakeholder meetings. 

• Develop and maintain program governance frameworks, executive reporting, and stakeholder communications to provide visibility into progress, priorities, risks, and key decisions. 

• Proactively identify, assess, and address program risks, dependencies, and obstacles, escalating issues with recommended solutions when appropriate. 

• Support the SVP, AI Enablement in preparing executive communications, stakeholder updates, leadership presentations, and cross-functional meetings, ensuring timely follow-through on commitments and action items. 

• Identify opportunities to improve program management tools, processes, documentation, and operating practices to support the continued growth and effectiveness of AI Enablement initiatives. 

• Perform other duties as assigned 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 

• 7+ years of experience in program management, project management, technology delivery, or related roles, including at least 3 years managing multiple concurrent initiatives. 

• Proven experience managing complex, cross-functional programs involving engineering, product, and business stakeholders, including program planning, risk management, and executive reporting. 

• Demonstrated experience partnering with senior leadership to support strategic initiatives, organizational priorities, and decision-making. 

• Experience in technology-driven environments, preferably involving artificial intelligence, machine learning, or digital transformation initiatives. 

• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent certification and experience in commercial real estate, financial services, or capital markets preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of program management methodologies, governance practices, and project management tools, including Jira, Linear, Confluence, or Notion. 

• Understanding of AI platform architecture, agentic systems, and key components such as the Agent Layer, Agent Control Plane, Knowledge Gateway, and Context Layer. 

• Familiarity with AI applications, including document intelligence, knowledge retrieval, workflow automation, decision support, and agent development and monitoring. 

• Knowledge of AI governance, security, and risk management principles, including data protection, access controls, prompt injection, and agent permissions. 

• Ability to leverage AI technologies and development tools to support workflow improvements, data analysis, and operational efficiency. 

• Knowledge of emerging AI technologies and industry trends, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. 

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, actionable updates for executive and business audiences. 

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, navigate ambiguity, and adapt to changing business needs. 

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, work independently, and collaborate effectively across teams and leadership levels. 

• Ability to show ownership of your work, take on challenges and acknowledge growth opportunities, and demonstrate patience when learning new processes 

• Courtesy, respect, and thoughtfulness in teaming with colleagues and other stakeholders 

This position has an estimated base salary of $190,000 - $210,000 plus a discretionary bonus. An employment offer is based on the applicant’s relevant work experience, applicable knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

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What We Offer

• The opportunity to join one of Fortune Magazine’s Great Places to Work winners

• Comprehensive benefit options* that have earned Walker & Dunlop the gold level of the 2025 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation™, some of which include:
    - Up to 83% subsidized medical payroll deductions
    - Competitive dental and vision benefits
    - 401(k) + match
    - Pre-tax transit and commuting benefits
    - A robust health and wellness program – earn cash rewards and gain access to resources that
      promote health, engagement, and balance
    - Paid maternity and parental leave, as well as other family paid leave programs
    - Company-paid life, short and long-term disability insurance
    - Health Savings Account and Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending

• Career development opportunities

• Empowerment and encouragement to give back – volunteer hours and donation matching

*Eligibility may vary based on average number of hours worked

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are committed to equity in all steps of the recruitment and employment experience. We believe in equal access to opportunities in our workplace. We do not tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on any characteristic protected by applicable law, such as race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, sex, age, disability, veteran or military status, and genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We strive to be a safe place to ask questions, build professional relationships, and develop careers.

Fair Chance Hiring

Background checks, including any questions related to infractions, arrests, or conviction records, will not be conducted until after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted. We will consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of arrest and conviction records, in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.