Senior Project Specialist

Senior Project Specialist

Senior Project Specialist (Business Systems Analyst III)

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $7,284 - $7,729 per month

Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $7,284 - $10,611 per month

• This is a full-time, probationary, exempt position.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Chief Information Officer, the Senior Project Specialist is responsible for the end-to-end planning, coordination, and delivery of enterprise technology and digital modernization projects. This position serves as the primary driver of execution — ensuring that initiatives are scoped, resourced, scheduled, and completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with organizational priorities.

The Senior Project Specialist leads cross-functional project teams across the full project lifecycle, from charter and requirements through implementation, testing, and closeout. The incumbent translates strategic direction into actionable work plans, manages day-to-day project activities, removes blockers, tracks milestones, and holds teams accountable for delivering measurable results. This role requires a hands-on, detail-oriented project leader who excels at driving progress, managing competing priorities, and communicating clearly with both technical staff and executive stakeholders.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
  • Principles and practices of project management, including scope, schedule, budget, risk, and resource management across the full project lifecycle.
  • Project management methodologies and frameworks (e.g., Waterfall, Agile, Hybrid) and when to apply each.
  • Enterprise technology environments, including IT systems, infrastructure, and digital tools commonly used in organizational settings.
  • Organizational planning processes, governance structures, and decision-making frameworks.
  • Current trends, best practices, and emerging developments in information technology and project delivery.
  • Change management principles and techniques for driving adoption of new systems and processes.
• Skill/Ability to:
  • Plan, organize, and manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities, deadlines, and resource constraints.
  • Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, risk registers, and status reports.
  • Facilitate project meetings, working sessions, and stakeholder reviews with clarity and purpose.
  • Communicate effectively in writing and verbally with technical staff, department leads, and executive leadership.
  • Hold project teams accountable for deliverables and drive results in a matrixed, cross-functional environment.
  • Identify and escalate risks, issues, and blockers proactively and propose practical solutions.
  • Build collaborative working relationships across departments, divisions, and external vendors.
  • Adapt quickly to shifting priorities, ambiguity, and evolving organizational needs.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Computer Science, or a related field required.
• Minimum 4 years of hands-on project management experience, with a proven track record of delivering complex technology or digital initiatives or related experience.
• Direct experience managing project schedules, resource plans, and risk registers.
• Preferred Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:
• Master's degree preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Agile/Scrum certification (CSM, SAFe, or equivalent).

Department Summary

Technology Services is empowering Fresno State by strengthening strategic partnerships, elevating user-focused services, and fostering educational and research innovation.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by May 17, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click "Apply Now" to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following:
1) their most recent resumé/vitae,
2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and
3) contact information for…