The Project Administrator, under the direction of the IT Director, is responsible for creating, updating and implementing a standard, repeatable, efficient and agile project management and change management process and methodology across the Tribe's government, gaming & hospitality, health and enterprise divisions. Works closely with other IT resources, organization managers and key project stakeholders to oversee projects and change optimization, coordination and project communication, creating the greatest opportunity for IT project and initiative success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

Project Management and Leadership:

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful completion of the organization's largest IT projects, adhering to established methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and project management best practices.
• Develop and implement efficient, repeatable, and agile project management processes that can be adopted by all IT staff and teams, streamlining project execution and reducing workload.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to IT project teams on project management best practices, methodology implementation, and successful project delivery.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, risk assessments, and communication strategies.
• Facilitate regular project meetings to ensure clear communication, track progress, identify and address issues, and maintain stakeholder alignment.
• Manage project budgets and resources effectively to ensure project completion within scope, time, and cost constraints.

Change Management and Implementation:

• Design and implement effective change management strategies to minimize disruption and gain user acceptance for new IT systems and processes.
• Develop and deliver training materials and communication plans to educate stakeholders on project deliverables, impacts, and expected outcomes.
• Manage project risks and dependencies, proactively identifying and mitigating potential issues to ensure project success.
• Track project performance against established metrics and KPIs, providing regular status reports to IT leadership and project stakeholders.
• Oversee successful project closure and knowledge transfer, ensuring lessons learned are documented and shared within the IT department.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:

• Work collaboratively with the IT Data & Applications team (Database Administrators, Data & Application Administrators, etc.) and other IT teams (System Analysts, BI Analysts) to ensure seamless project execution and integration with existing IT infrastructure.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with IT leadership, project sponsors, and key stakeholders, keeping them informed on project progress and addressing concerns promptly.
• Partner with business stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements, translating them into achievable project objectives and deliverables.
• Mentor and support IT team members in projects and change management skills to be more structured and successful in projects they must lead in the performance of their job duties.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay up to date on emerging project management methodologies and best practices, continuously seeking to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of IT project delivery within the organization.
• Identify opportunities to streamline project management processes and tools for all IT staff and project teams' benefit.
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented project management culture within the IT department.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• All other job-related duties as assigned.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, executives, Board of Directors, customers and outside vendors/service providers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position heavy with dual lifting of 100 pounds maximum and frequent lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of color vision, typing; frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, use of hearing, driving, bending; occasional pushing/pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, manual handling, use of smell, near/midrange/far vision and field of vision. Working conditions include occasional exposure to weather, wet/humidity, noise and air quality. Potential hazards include constant computer use and occasional exposure to electric shock, high exposed places, chemicals and equipment. The IT Department is a 24/7 operation; working nights, weekends, holidays and on-call should be expected if scheduled to work.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor's degree in computer information systems, business, or similar field required or five years of project management experience in an IT or technical field.

Experience: Minimum two years of experience in IT Project Management within IT for a large business or enterprise required.

Certification/License: Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver's license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must undergo a Criminal background investigation done under the rules of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge

• Project Management Methodologies: In-depth knowledge of established project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and best practices for project planning, execution, and control.
• Change Management: Understanding of change management principles and strategies for minimizing disruption and gaining user acceptance for new IT systems and processes.
• IT Infrastructure and Applications: Working knowledge of the organization's IT infrastructure, applications, and the interdependencies between various IT systems.
• Business Acumen: Awareness of the tribal organization's business goals and objectives, enabling translation into achievable project deliverables.

Skills

• Project Planning and Execution: Proven skills in developing and managing comprehensive project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, risk assessments, and communication strategies.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with IT staff, project teams, stakeholders, and business users.
• Leadership and Facilitation: Ability to lead and motivate project teams, facilitate productive meetings, and manage project stakeholders effectively.
• Problem-Solving and Risk Management: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and mitigate potential project risks to ensure successful completion.
• Budget Management: Ability to manage project budgets effectively, monitor resource allocation, and track project costs against established baselines.

Abilities

• Organization and Prioritization: Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: Ability to negotiate project scope, timelines, and resources, and effectively resolve conflicts among project stakeholders.
• Time Management: Proven ability to manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and deliver projects on schedule.
• Technical Acumen: Strong understanding of IT processes and terminology, allowing for effective communication with technical teams.
• Adaptability and Continuous Improvement: Ability to adapt to changing project requirements, embrace new project management methodologies, and continuously improve IT project delivery within the organization.
• Confidentiality: Must maintain strict confidentiality of all tribal data and business operations.

Native American preferred.