Senior IT Project Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking an experienced IT Senior Project Manager to manage the planning, implementation, and production support for NORC systems projects. This leader will plan and manage multiple medium to large sized IT systems development projects of moderate to high complexity, ensuring that project results contribute positive business value and meet agreed upon scope, schedule and cost objectives. At NORC, Project Managers lead a variety of different types of projects including large scale survey data collection and management systems implementation, internal initiatives and systems, new product and service launches, large-scale application development, systems integration, operational efficiency improvements, and infrastructure upgrades and deployments. 

The IT Senior Project Manager will establish and maintain a collaborative partnership with internal business units (research and operations staff) as well as external clients while leading IT full stack development teams to meet project objectives. They will bring creative approaches to problem solving and identifying innovative solutions in order to produce quality deliverables supporting business needs.  Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Location:

This is a hybrid role based in either our Chicago Loop or downtown Washington, DC office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office. Remote work status may be considered for outstanding candidates. DEPARTMENT:
Secure Computing Systems and Operations NORC's Secure Computing Systems and Operations provide technology services to our staff and clients. Given the critical role technology plays in our day-to-day lives, we are committed to providing professional, high-quality solutions in order to further our collective goal of advancing social science research.  RESPONSIBILITIES:
Development of the IT project plan, and managing its scope, schedule, resources, budget and risk. Applies advanced project management methods and techniques to execute project goals. Hands on management of IT team resources, tasks, and deliverables on multiple projects and projects with significant budgets and risks.  Risk identification and mitigation planning and control. Issue management including tracking, assignment, and closeout of all project issues.

Leads the effort in creative approaches to problem solving, especially for most complex projects; confers with project personnel to provide technical advice and resolve problems; works with project stakeholders, department management, IT senior management and NORC senior management to ensure company initiatives and project objectives are being met.  Leads the preparation of solution descriptions and cost estimates for the significant new IT components on projects and may contribute to NORC new business proposals.

Solves complex technical and business problems; takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions. Works independently; receives minimal guidance. Contributes to performance reviews for team members.  Interprets internal or external business issues and recommends best practices and is expected to take a lead in improving procedures for the IT PMO.  Report regularly to IT management on the status of all assigned projects.

Report project delays and changes in requirements to the Project Director and IT management on a timely basis. 

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or similar field required, or equivalent experience.  Master’s degree preferred  10+ years of overall experience, with at least 5 years of current hands-on project management experience, leading projects that result in delivery of products and data  Agile Scrum Master experience required, Waterfall SDLC methodology experience a plus  Extensive knowledge of project management processes, project financial management, systems development methods, change management concepts and business process improvement methods  Management of full stack systems development teams required, with demonstrated management of Java, SQL Server, and other…