Senior Project Manager - Information Technology

Working Title: Senior Project Manager - Information Technology

State Role

Title:

Information Technology Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt:
Not Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Information Technology

Department: 100786 - IT Strategic Initiatives

Pay Band: 6

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $94,000-$98,000

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 03/17/2026

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community nestled on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU? We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave:
  Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage:
  Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options:
  Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being:
  Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program:
  Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

The Senior Project Manager leads complex, mission‑critical technology initiatives from initiation through closure. This role blends senior‑level project management with key business analysis responsibilities, partnering closely with business stakeholders, IT teams, SaaS vendors, and implementation partners to ensure solutions are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational priorities.

While the position is hybrid eligible, it will require a period of prolonged in-office onboarding and continued in-person project based meetings.

• Lead project planning activities, including scope, schedule, resources, dependencies, and risk management
• Coordinate work across internal teams, SaaS vendors, and third‑party implementation partners
• Monitor vendor performance against contracts, statements of work, and project milestones
• Manage scope changes using established governance and contract management processes
• Apply negotiation and influence to manage vendor and stakeholder expectations

• Track and report project status, risks, issues, milestones, and dependencies
• Monitor schedules, budgets, and vendor activities for alignment with approved scope and requirements
• Identify risks and issues early and recommend corrective actions
• Escalate complex or high‑impact issues appropriately
• Ensure implemented solutions align with approved requirements and vendor deliverables

• Communicate project progress, risks, and outcomes clearly to sponsors, stakeholders, and vendors
• Facilitate effective communication forums with internal teams and external partners
• Represent business priorities and the “voice of the customer” to technical teams and vendors
• Build trust through transparency, consistency, and follow‑through
• Adjust communication style to audience needs and project complexity

• Support development of project charters, scope documentation, and high‑level plans
• Contribute to contract‑related inputs aligned with project objectives and requirements
• Lead or facilitate post‑implementation reviews to evaluate outcomes and solution quality
• Assess vendor performance during project closure
• Document lessons learned…