Director of IT Project Management

Sam Houston State University - Huntington, WV

Full-time - Mid Level

Huntington, WV

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of IT Project Management at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) plays a pivotal role in overseeing the IT Project Management Office (PMO) within the Strategic Enrollment & Innovation division. This position is responsible for providing strategic direction and guidance in the planning and execution of IT projects, ensuring that they align with the university's overall objectives. The Director will lead a team of project managers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in project delivery. This role requires a strong focus on best practices in project management, risk management, and budget planning, ensuring that all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget. In this capacity, the Director will develop and implement the strategic vision for the PMO, serving as a key advisor to senior leadership on IT project strategy and execution. The position involves managing a diverse portfolio of IT projects, ensuring effective resource allocation and interdependencies are managed efficiently. The Director will also be responsible for establishing rigorous project governance and reporting mechanisms, providing transparency and accountability to stakeholders. The role requires strong leadership skills, as the Director will mentor and develop project managers, conduct performance evaluations, and set clear objectives for the team. Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including department heads and external partners, is essential for facilitating effective communication and ensuring project success. The Director will also oversee the development and management of project budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources while complying with regulatory requirements and university policies. This position may require occasional travel to meet with stakeholders or attend conferences, and the ability to work extended hours during peak project periods is expected.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the strategic vision for the IT Project Management Office (PMO).
• Align IT project management processes and goals with the overall objectives of the division.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Executive Director of Operations and Senior Vice President on IT project strategy and execution.
• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of high-impact IT projects, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Manage the IT project portfolio, ensuring project interdependencies and resource allocation are effectively managed.
• Responsible for risk management, budget planning, and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
• Ensure rigorous project governance and reporting mechanisms are in place and adhered to.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and development opportunities to a team of project managers.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and efficiency in project delivery.
• Conduct performance evaluations, setting clear objectives and expectations for the IT project management team.
• Lead cross-departmental projects involving multiple staff members.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including department heads, faculty, and external partners.
• Facilitate effective communication between project teams and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Act as a point of escalation for project-related issues and risks, ensuring timely resolution.
• Oversee the development and management of project budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
• Ensure the efficient allocation of resources across projects, managing competing priorities effectively.
• Compile and disseminate comprehensive project and portfolio reports, covering status, budget expenditures, and key performance metrics.
• Integrate agile methodologies to drive continuous improvement.
• Continuously evaluate and improve project management processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Implement best practices in project management, leveraging industry standards and innovations.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and university policies in all project management activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business project management, technology-related, or a related field.
• Five years of experience in IT project management, with at least 2 years in a leadership or director-level role.
• Experience managing a Project Management Office (PMO) is strongly preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is required; additional certifications in Agile, Scrum, or ITIL are highly desirable.
• Experience in a state institution of higher education leading complex, large-scale IT project management is desirable.
• Additional education may be considered in lieu of experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong proficiency in project management software and tools, such as Microsoft Project, JIRA, or similar.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and resource management.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Flexible work environment fostering work/life balance
• Educational assistance programs
• Dependent assistance programs
• Professional development opportunities