Senior Project Manager - Finance

Howard University•Washington, DC

45d

About The Position

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness Howard University is seeking a Senior Project Manager. The Senior Project Manager (SPM) is a strategic leader responsible for driving high-impact financial initiatives and change management programs across the enterprise. With deep expertise in financial operations, regulatory frameworks, and organizational transformation, the SPM will lead cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects that enhance financial performance, operational resilience, and stakeholder value. This role demands a mastery of project execution, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive leadership in dynamic environments. SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY: Responsible for leading cross-functional project teams, including direct oversight of project analysts, financial specialists, and change management consultants. May supervise external vendors and contractors engaged in project delivery. NATURE AND SCOPE: Interfaces with senior leadership across finance, IT, legal, and operations departments. Engages external stakeholders including auditors, regulators, and strategic partners. Impacts enterprise-wide financial systems, compliance frameworks, and operational workflows. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: Lead end-to-end execution of finance-related projects including budgeting system upgrades, cost optimization programs, and compliance initiatives. undefined Translate strategic objectives into actionable project plans with clear milestones, KPIs, and risk mitigation strategies. undefined Oversee multi-stream programs involving finance, IT, legal, and operations, ensuring alignment with enterprise goals. undefined Design and implement change management frameworks to support adoption of new financial systems, policies, and workflows. undefined Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, facilitating decision-making through data-driven insights and scenario modeling. undefined Monitor project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance metrics; ensure adherence to internal controls and regulatory standards. undefined Identify process inefficiencies and lead initiatives to streamline financial operations and reporting cycles. CORE COMPETENCIES: Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and PM tools (e.g., MS Project, Visio). undefined Expertise in regulatory compliance (SOX, Basel III, IFRS), risk management, and internal audit coordination. undefined Lead enterprise-wide change management strategies to drive adoption of new financial systems, policies, and workflows, ensuring alignment with organizational culture and stakeholder readiness. undefined Influence behavioral change across diverse stakeholder groups by applying structured communication, training, and reinforcement techniques that foster accountability, engagement, and sustained transformation. undefined Exceptional communication and negotiation skills across technical and non-technical audiences. undefined Proven ability to lead diverse teams in high-stakes environments with competing priorities. undefined Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a bias for execution. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field; Master’s degree preferred. undefined 7–10 years of progressive experience in financial project management, including enterprise-wide change initiatives. undefined PMP or equivalent certification required; Prosci or other change management certification strongly preferred. undefined Demonstrated success in leading finance transformation programs within large, matrixed organizations. Compliance Salary Range Disclosure Compensation Range: $157,500 - $175,000 Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world. Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280. This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.

Requirements

Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and PM tools (e.g., MS Project, Visio).
Expertise in regulatory compliance (SOX, Basel III, IFRS), risk management, and internal audit coordination.
Lead enterprise-wide change management strategies to drive adoption of new financial systems, policies, and workflows, ensuring alignment with organizational culture and stakeholder readiness.
Influence behavioral change across diverse stakeholder groups by applying structured communication, training, and reinforcement techniques that foster accountability, engagement, and sustained transformation.
Exceptional communication and negotiation skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
Proven ability to lead diverse teams in high-stakes environments with competing priorities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a bias for execution.
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
7–10 years of progressive experience in financial project management, including enterprise-wide change initiatives.
PMP or equivalent certification required; Prosci or other change management certification strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success in leading finance transformation programs within large, matrixed organizations.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end execution of finance-related projects including budgeting system upgrades, cost optimization programs, and compliance initiatives.
Translate strategic objectives into actionable project plans with clear milestones, KPIs, and risk mitigation strategies.
Oversee multi-stream programs involving finance, IT, legal, and operations, ensuring alignment with enterprise goals.
Design and implement change management frameworks to support adoption of new financial systems, policies, and workflows.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, facilitating decision-making through data-driven insights and scenario modeling.
Monitor project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance metrics; ensure adherence to internal controls and regulatory standards.
Identify process inefficiencies and lead initiatives to streamline financial operations and reporting cycles.