Project Manager: Office of Innovative Technologies - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Project Manager leads multiple complex IT projects within the Office of Innovative Technologies (OIT), ensuring successful delivery across scope, schedule, budget, risk, and quality. Partners with university stakeholders to plan, execute, and monitor projects while supporting continuous improvement of project management processes and tools.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
Minimum five years professional experience managing IT projects or project management in another field with demonstrated track record of delivering projects on time, within budget and scope, and to stakeholders’ satisfaction.
Experience and education equivalent to the Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) credential are required.
Strong knowledge of industry-standard project management principles and practices
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
Proven ability to lead teams and hold team members accountable for project outcomes
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
Ability to anticipate, assess, and mitigate risks to minimize impact
Skilled in evaluating project budgets, schedules, costs, benefits, and feasibility
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Effective time management and organizational skills
Ability to facilitate productive meetings and drive decision-making
Strong customer service orientation and stakeholder management skills
Ability to foster collaboration, teamwork, and a solution-oriented mindset
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
Ability to document and analyze project performance, including successes and failures
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, information systems, project management, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is strongly preferred.
Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or Certified SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) is preferred.
Experience working in a higher education/university environment preferred.
Minimum five years’ experience in the IT industry with experience managing IT projects such as software development, system building and integration, data wiring, software implementation, and networking.
Experience mentoring or coaching project managers or staff on best practices
Familiarity with Project Portfolio Management (PPM) tools
Experience driving project management process improvements and methodology enhancement
Demonstrated ability to operate as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to leadership
Experience leading projects involving multiple institutions, campuses, or external partners
Strong ability to frame decisions by presenting options, trade-offs, and recommendations
Experience working with vendors and external consultants in project delivery

Responsibilities

Manage multiple large, complex, and high-visibility technology projects across OIT involving internal teams and external stakeholders
Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risk management
Lead cross-functional project teams (ranging from 4 to 50 members), assigning tasks and monitoring progress toward deliverables and timelines
Collaborate with leadership and UT departments/campuses to allocate resources and align priorities
Track and manage project budgets ranging from tens of thousands to low millions
Communicate project status, risks, and outcomes clearly and regularly to stakeholders
Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues; documenting and tracking throughout the project lifecycle
Anticipate challenges and proactively propose and evaluate solutions with project teams
Facilitate effective meetings and decision-making discussions by presenting options and trade-offs
Work closely with vendors and consultants to ensure successful project execution
Maintain project momentum by managing dependencies, risks, and stakeholder commitments
May mentor staff and project managers on project management practices and tools (including PPM systems)
Research, recommend, and implement improvements to project management methodologies and processes
Analyze project successes and failures to identify opportunities for continuous improvement
Perform other related duties as assigned