Projects Manager, Senior

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director of Operational Excellence and Special Initiatives, the Senior Project Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing the Division of Administration’s operational excellence goals by leading and delivering high-level initiatives, services, and advancements. This role oversees multiple complex projects with concurrent deadlines, ensuring each is executed on time, within budget, and in alignment with institutional priorities. The Senior Project Manager applies advanced project management methodologies to coordinate cross-departmental efforts, ensure stakeholder engagement, and deliver measurable results. The role serves as an execution partner to senior leadership on initiatives with significant operational, financial, and reputational impact. Current and Anticipated Projects May Include Public Safety and Risk Management Initiatives Security standards and compliance frameworks Access control and surveillance modernization Operational readiness and technology enablement Mobility, Parking, and Transportation Initiatives Policy and program redesign Technology implementations and transitions Identity, Access, and Card Services Initiatives Platform transitions and vendor coordination Service model optimization and data governance Division-Wide Operational Excellence Process standardization and documentation Cross-unit technology enablement Change management and adoption planning At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice. We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story. Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
Progressively responsible experience leading complex operational or infrastructure initiatives; higher education experience highly desirable.
Demonstrated success managing multiple projects with competing deadlines.
Experience with program design, strategic planning, and fiscal management.
Experience working with senior leaders and high-stakes stakeholders.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive results.

Nice To Haves

Microsoft Planner, Project, or equivalent PM tools.
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Familiarity with dashboards or data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI is a plus.
Comfort working with system owners and data teams, not hands-on administration.

Responsibilities

Oversee multiple high-priority projects from initiation through completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
Lead project intake, scoping, and prioritization in partnership with senior leaders.
Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, deliverables, milestones, and success metrics.
Manage project budgets and allocate resources effectively.
Identify risks, dependencies, and decision points; proactively escalate as needed.
Establish and maintain project governance structures.
Track and report on realized outcomes and benefits relative to original business cases.
Advise senior leaders on options, tradeoffs, and impacts.
Facilitate alignment across units with competing priorities.
Manage vendor performance and contractual deliverables in coordination with procurement and finance.
Develop business cases, decision briefs, and implementation roadmaps.
Analyze cost, quality, efficiency, and risk impacts of proposed changes.
Support policy development that spans multiple operational units.
Oversee the flow and exchange of project-related information, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
Develop presentations, reports, and briefings for senior leadership and other stakeholders.
Promote a culture of accountability, decision-making, and continuous improvement.