Project Manager

Wilson Sonsini•San Diego, CA

19d•Hybrid

About The Position

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth. As a leader in providing legal and business advice to technology and growth companies at all stages, this role will play a key part in advancing our PMO capabilities and supporting AI-driven initiatives across the firm. The IT Project Manager will serve as a critical link between the Information Technology team and business stakeholders, ensuring projects are well-defined, aligned to strategic goals, and successfully delivered. This role will operate within a PMO framework, driving governance, prioritization, and standardized delivery practices while managing a portfolio of technology and AI-related projects. In partnership with Business Analysts and cross-functional teams, the Project Manager will focus on execution, stakeholder alignment, and delivery outcomes, helping bring innovative solutions to life while improving efficiency, scalability, and overall business impact. This position is available as a hybrid or virtual work schedule.

Requirements

Strong experience working within a PMO environment, including governance, portfolio management, and standardized delivery frameworks.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality outcomes.
Hands-on experience with Smartsheet, including building advanced solutions, dashboards, and workflow automations.
Foundational understanding of AI tools and technologies, with experience or strong interest in applying AI to business problems.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
Experience eliciting and documenting requirements from stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Ability to influence, build relationships, and manage competing priorities across teams.
Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and sense of urgency.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
Experience delivering executive-level presentations and leading discussions with senior stakeholders.
Solid understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC), web technologies, and enterprise systems.
Experience with change management methodologies and driving user adoption.
Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
Strong business acumen with a focus on delivering measurable value.
Demonstrated curiosity and continuous learning mindset, especially in emerging technologies and AI innovation.
5+ years of experience in IT project management, business analysis, or related roles.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing or contributing to AI, automation, or digital transformation initiatives preferred.
Smartsheet Product and Solution Certification strongly preferred.
PMP certification or equivalent project management training strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end delivery of projects within a PMO-driven framework, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy, governance standards, and best practices.
Manage a portfolio of projects of varying size and complexity, with a strong focus on AI-enabled initiatives, automation, and digital innovation.
Develop, maintain, and execute detailed project plans including scope, schedule, budget, risks, and dependencies.
Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to define business requirements and ensure successful delivery of solutions that drive measurable outcomes.
Drive PMO standards and governance, including project intake, prioritization, stage gates, and status reporting.
Provide clear and concise updates to leadership through executive dashboards, presentations, and portfolio-level reporting.
Facilitate regular stakeholder meetings, steering committees, and working sessions to ensure alignment and transparency.
Coordinate internal teams and external vendors to ensure seamless project execution and delivery.
Assist in the evaluation of software solutions, including AI platforms, ensuring alignment with business needs and enterprise architecture.
Analyze and optimize business processes, proactively identifying opportunities for efficiency, automation, and continuous improvement.
Drive adoption of new technologies through structured change management practices, training, and stakeholder engagement.
Support in gathering, documenting, and validating business and functional requirements through stakeholder interviews, workshops, and process analysis.
Coordinate end-user communications, including announcements, updates, and feedback collection during and after implementation.
Monitor user adoption and feedback and recommend enhancements and solutions to improve usability and adoption.
Serve as the liaison between IT, business teams, and leadership to ensure alignment across all project phases.
Ensure comprehensive documentation of project artifacts, decisions, risks, and lessons learned.
Support the continuous improvement of PMO processes, tools, templates, and reporting standards.