Director of IT Project Management

Sam Houston State University - Huntsville, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Huntsville, TX

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of IT Project Management at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) plays a crucial role in overseeing the IT Project Management Office (PMO) within the Strategic Enrollment & Innovation division. This position involves complex and highly advanced managerial work, providing strategic direction and guidance in operations and planning. The Director is responsible for the successful delivery of IT projects, ensuring that they align with the university's strategic goals and are executed efficiently and effectively. This role requires a strong focus on leadership, mentorship, and the continuous improvement of project management practices. In this capacity, the Director will develop and implement the strategic vision for the PMO, aligning IT project management processes with the overall objectives of the division. The Director will serve as a key advisor to the Executive Director of Operations and Senior Vice President, guiding IT project strategy and execution. The position involves leading the planning, execution, and delivery of high-impact IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and on budget. The Director will manage the IT project portfolio, overseeing project interdependencies and resource allocation, while also being responsible for risk management and budget planning. The Director will foster a culture of continuous improvement within the PMO, encouraging innovation and efficiency in project delivery. This includes conducting performance evaluations, setting clear objectives for the project management team, and providing mentorship and development opportunities. The role also requires building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, facilitating effective communication between project teams and stakeholders, and acting as a point of escalation for project-related issues. The Director will oversee the development and management of project budgets, ensuring cost-effective resource use, and will compile comprehensive project and portfolio reports to communicate status, budget expenditures, and key performance metrics. Additionally, the Director will integrate agile methodologies into project management practices and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and university policies.

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

• Experience with Agile methodologies.
• Familiarity with ITIL best practices.
• Previous experience in higher education institutions.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Flexible scheduling options.