Project Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager, Operations Manager

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead high-impact initiatives that advance university priorities, enhance administrative and academic operations, and support institution-wide transformation. These roles manage complex, cross-functional projects from initiation through completion, applying project management and change management best practices to deliver results on time, within scope, and within budget.

Depending on experience, skills, and certification level, the candidate may be hired as a Project Manager III or a Project Manager IV. Both roles collaborate closely with university leadership, faculty, staff, and technical teams to ensure alignment, readiness, and successful project adoption.

This position is ideal for individuals who excel in navigating complexity, facilitating change, and driving strategic execution.

Responsibilities Project Leadership & Delivery

• Develop, implement, and track comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and communication strategies.
• Lead complex, high-visibility, and cross-functional projects that support university operations, academic initiatives, and institutional strategy.
• Coordinate day-to-day project activities across administrative, academic, financial, IT, compliance, and stakeholder groups.
• Facilitate project kickoffs, governance structures, and decision-making processes.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, project updates, and status reports to leadership and stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build strong partnerships across academic, administrative, and technical units to ensure alignment and shared understanding.
• Lead stakeholder engagement strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate cross-departmental communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
• Organize and facilitate meetings, workshops, and events for project teams, sponsors, and governance groups.

Change Management & Organizational Readiness

• Apply change management frameworks to support transitions, adoption, and user readiness.
• Lead communication, training, and engagement plans that prepare units for new systems, processes, or structures.
• Identify organizational impacts and coordinate strategies to reduce disruption and promote sustainability.

Process, Systems, & Continuous Improvement

• Recommend improvements to processes, systems, structures, and project management practices.
• Contribute to the development of institutional project management tools, templates, standards, and training resources.
• Support the enhancement and effectiveness of technical systems, workflows, or content as needed.
• Evaluate project outcomes and promote continuous improvement.

Leadership & Mentoring

• Provide guidance to lower-level project managers or team members.
• Model best practices in project management, communication, risk management, and change leadership.
• For Level III hires: contribute to institutional PM maturity by advising leaders, developing standards, and mentoring PM teams.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Level will be determined based on experience)

• Project Manager III role
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, project management, communication, information systems, organizational development, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 5+ years professional experience coordinating or managing projects using project management methodologies.
  • Certification such as A-CSM or PMP® preferred or required based on institutional standards.
• Project Manager IV role
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 8+ years managing complex projects, programs, or administrative initiatives using project management principles.
  • Professional certifications such as PMP, PgMP, Prosci, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, CSP-SM, or similar required or highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs)

• Advanced knowledge of project management and change management methodologies.
• Ability to manage complex timelines, risks, and multi-department communication.
• Strong skills in strategic advising, facilitation, negotiation, and executive-level communication.
• Ability…