GENERAL SUMMARY: The Senior Project Manager will facilitate the management of business systems and technology projects. Projects are mostly highly visible, complex in nature and can span several departments across the school with multiple systems/integration points. This position works closely with clients to fully understand their requirements and define scope. Following a disciplined project management methodology, this position is accountable for the detailed contract negotiation, planning of tasks, identifying resources needed to meet the project s objectives, monitoring progress and preparing reports to ensure work is progressing to produce the deliverables on time and within budget. In addition, the Senior Project Manager will work with the PMO Director to continuously improve upon the methodology and processes within the PMO.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Works closely with end users to define project scope and ensure that their goals and objectives are clearly identified.
2. Consult with sponsors and stakeholders to review the project proposal, and determine project goals, time frames, funding limitations, staffing requirements, and other resources.
3. Ensures that projects are properly defined, work efforts are estimated, and required resources are identified to ensure success throughout the project management lifecycle.
4. Utilizes estimating and scheduling techniques to determine total work effort, task sequencing, and dependencies to ensure projects are completed as planned and scheduled.
5. Overall responsibility for ensuring that project objectives are met within budgeted dollars and timeframes.
6. Continually maintains ongoing documentation about project status and monitors progress toward completion.
7. Regularly communicates in writing and person to executive sponsors, end users, and stakeholders about project expectations and ongoing status.
8. Utilizes formal change management processes for the capture, evaluation, and impact of proposed changes.
9. Manages Booth IT resources, Consultants/Third-party resources, and other University/Booth resources located onsite and remotely.
10. Develops Statements of Work for vendor contracts and performs preliminary negotiations with vendors to obtain satisfactory pricing and beneficial contract terms for the school.
11. Coaches and mentors other team members on project management methodology, tools, and techniques.
12. Leads and directs high-priority, complex projects, which require considerable resources and high levels of systems integration.
13. Manages an average of 3 projects concurrently (two of which are considered large/complex).
14. Other related duties as required or assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

1. Bachelor s degree required, Technology or another related field preferred. Master s degree preferred.
2. A minimum of seven years of experience managing IT-related projects is required, experience managing complex projects with multiple work streams is strongly preferred.
3. Previous management of software development projects required.
4. PMI or PMP Certification preferred.
5. Experience using Microsoft Project (preferred) or other project scheduling tools (required).
6. Demonstrated ability to create and manage business cases, business requirements, scope documentation, project schedules, budget and resource estimates, risk and issue management plans, change management plans, quality assurance plans, and status reports throughout the project life cycle.
7. Knowledge of multiple project management lifecycles/methodologies including, Software Development Life Cycle, Agile, and Waterfall methodologies.
8. Knowledge of PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge processes and standards.
9. Ability to understand and apply concepts such as resource utilization, work effort, percent to completion, and project health.
10. Detail-oriented, results-focused, and adaptable to changing environments and business situations.
11. Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow university policies regarding data security.
12. Ability to communicate technical ideas and concepts to non-technical audiences as well as the ability to influence and manage stakeholder expectations.
13. Ability to lead and motivate teams to effectively achieve project objectives.
14. Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple detailed tasks/projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines.
15. Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach.
16. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
17. Ability to successfully complete tasks and manage project activities with very little management oversight.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information, please see the University s Notice of Nondiscrimination. Academic job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call or email with their request. Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call or email with their request.