IT Project Manager – Senior/Specialist

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking an experienced and collaborative IT Project Manager (Senior/Specialist) to join the Technology Services Division (TSD) Enterprise Implementation Services team. This subdivision is responsible for planning, architecting, and delivering enterprise technology solutions that support WSDOT programs statewide through services including Enterprise Architecture, IT Project Management, Business Analysis, Organizational Change Management, Project Quality Assurance, and Technology Vendor Management. Within the Enterprise Implementation team, the Enterprise Technology Project Management Office (ETPMO) provides oversight and implementation support for complex, high-risk technology initiatives in accordance with Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech), Office of Financial Management (OFM), and WSDOT technology policies and standards. In this role, you will lead medium to large-scale enterprise technology projects, establish project management best practices, support technology procurements, and help ensure the successful delivery of critical business and technology solutions across the agency.

Requirements

Comprehensive, advanced understanding of project management principles, standards, and best practices (e.g., PMI PMBOK, Agile) typically obtained through formal education and progressive professional development.
In-depth knowledge of project lifecycle phases, knowledge areas, project budgets, risk management, governance, and quality assurance processes.
Ability to independently analyze business requirements, develop project documentation, and manage project scope, schedule, and budget.
Proficiency in using project management software and tools to track progress and ensure project alignment with organizational goals.
Capable of leading project team meetings, monitoring progress, and ensuring compliance with mandatory design and code reviews.
Able to anticipate project challenges and develop strategic solutions to mitigate risks.
Demonstrates proactive planning and organization, maintains focus on project goals, and effectively manages time and resources.
Exhibits strong leadership qualities, fosters a collaborative team environment, and consistently delivers high-quality project outcomes.
Strong understanding of effective communication strategies.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, including team members, project managers, and executive management.
Capable of maintaining program documentation, compiling data, and preparing regular reports on program status, achievements, and challenges.
Actively listens to others, provides clear and concise information, and fosters open and transparent communication.
Proficient in risk management principles and practices.
Ability to establish formal risk identification, documentation, and mitigation procedures.
Capable of analyzing and communicating project risks and developing mitigation plans, as well as implementing formal change control processes.
Anticipates potential risks, takes a proactive approach to risk mitigation, and remains calm under pressure.
Understanding of leadership principles and team dynamics.
Understanding of supervisory principles, practices, and techniques, including performance management, team dynamics, and conflict resolution.
Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor project teams, providing guidance and support to ensure successful project delivery.
Ability to effectively manage and lead a team, including setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a positive work environment.
Able to propose improvements to project management processes and advise other IT professionals on best practices.
Capable of motivating and developing team members, addressing performance issues, and ensuring that team goals are met.
Inspires and motivates team members, leads by example, and fosters a positive and inclusive team environment.
Demonstrates fairness and consistency in decision-making, supports team members' professional growth, and maintains a positive and inclusive team culture.
Ability to analyze complex business requirements and translate them into actionable project plans and deliverables.
Skill in evaluating proposed IT solutions for business alignment, technical feasibility, and long-term sustainability.
Proven ability to prepare and present project proposals, progress reports, and recommendations to executive stakeholders and governance bodies.
Advanced knowledge of recognized project management methodologies, tools, and frameworks typically obtained through obtaining formal education, progressive professional experience and/or professional certifications.
Proficient in data management principles, software development life cycle, and emerging technologies.
Capable of applying technical knowledge to solve complex problems and support project objectives.
Demonstrates a continuous learning mindset, stays updated on technological advancements, and applies technical expertise effectively.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Ability to identify learning opportunities, seek out resources, and apply new knowledge and skills to improve performance.
Proficiency in setting and achieving personal and professional development goals.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
Ability to effectively communicate with others, identify their needs, and provide appropriate solutions or support.
Proficiency in managing and prioritizing tasks to ensure timely and satisfactory responses to requests.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Contract Management of State IT Contracts
Understanding of contract management principles, including the development, negotiation, and administration of state IT contracts.
Familiarity with legal and regulatory requirements related to state IT contracts, as well as knowledge of various types of contracts such as service agreements, software licenses, and maintenance contracts.
Continuous Improvement Understanding of and the ability to apply continuous improvement principles, methodologies, and tools, including DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) process, process mapping, root cause analysis, and statistical analysis).
Organizational Change Management Understanding of and the ability to apply change management principles, methodologies, and tools, including the ADKAR model.
Familiarity with the processes involved in planning, implementing, and sustaining organizational change.

Responsibilities

Independently analyze the business requirements, resources, and the proposed solution, and develop an initial project budget and project work plan and provide them to TSD management.
Independently analyze the proposed scope, schedule and budget.
Facilitate the establishment of a Project Steering committee ensuring composition from IT Business Customer management, TSD management personnel and Stakeholders.
Establish and lead project team meetings to manage the progress of the team throughout the duration of the project.
Continuously monitor and measures project team execution of assigned tasks; identify reports and escalate, as appropriate, any deviations from the approved scope, schedule, and budget.
Coordinate project team activity with external entities to ensure compliance with mandatory design and code reviews, and work with project SMEs, ensure and document project compliance.
Lead the TSD development and coordination efforts for Request for Proposal (RFP)/Request for Quotation (RFQ)/Request for Information (RFI) (Collectively RFx) acquisition process with the agency’s Administrative Contracts Office.
Independently establish and facilitate risk management, issue resolution, and formal change control processes.
Advise, facilitate, and ensure WSDOT TSD Business Customer compliance with applicable Revised Code of Washington (RCWs), and Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech) Policies, Standards, and Guidelines.