Senior Project Manager

Princeton University•Princeton, NJ

21h

About The Position

The Senior Project Manager will manage and coordinate the end-to-end execution of the contract renewal process for the contract between Princeton University and the US Department of Energy for the management and operations (the“M&O contract") of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). This strategic initiative involves not only the renewal of the M&O contract but also the potential expansion of the laboratory's engineering capabilities through the evaluation and integration of new subcontract engineering firms. The Senior Project Manager will coordinate the work of a diverse group of administrators, external advisors and stakeholders, ensuring alignment across technical, operational, and strategic domains. The Senior Project manager will also support the Office of the Vice-President for PPPL and the Office of the Dean for Research in other high-level key initiatives as appropriate. This is 1-year Term position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (or comparable combination of education and working experience) in Project Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
Minimum 7 years of experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
Familiarity with federal contract processes and science/engineering environments is a plus.
Proficiency in project management software is a plus (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent).

Nice To Haves

Strategic thinker with attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a high-pressure environment.
Experience working with senior leadership, government agencies, and external contractors.
Commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Project Planning & Scheduling- Develop a comprehensive project plan outlining scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
- Create and maintain a detailed project schedule using appropriate project management tools.
- Define and track key milestones and decision points throughout the project life-cycle.
Team Coordination & Oversight- Organize and coordinate a diverse group of administrators, technical staff, and external partners.
- Coordinate tasks and responsibilities to project participants.
- Facilitate regular team meetings to monitor progress, resolve issues, and ensure alignment.
Stakeholder Engagement- Provide regular updates to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
- Prepare and present progress reports, dashboards, and briefings.
- Ensure stakeholder feedback is incorporated into project planning and execution.
Support integration of the M&O Contract renewal with members of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), who maintain and coordinate the M&O contract language implementation; detail the impacts of negotiated contract changes; and updates between Princeton and the Department of Energy. This includes coordination of actions/recommendations taken by the Vice President of PPPL and the Director of the OVP as well as the coordination of impacts of the changes with the COO and other administrators and staff at the Plasma Physic Laboratory.
Subcontractor Evaluation & Integration- Support the identification and evaluation of potential subcontract engineering firms.
- Coordinate technical and administrative reviews of subcontractor capabilities in engineering disciplines, project management, cost control, and quality assurance.
- Integrate selected subcontractors into the broader project plan and ensure alignment with laboratory goals.
Risk & Issue Management- Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
- Monitor project risks and issues, escalating as necessary to ensure resolution.
Documentation & Compliance- Maintain accurate records of project activities, decisions, and communications.
- Ensure all project deliverables meet compliance, legal, and institutional standards.
Performance Monitoring- Track project performance against established KPIs and milestones.
- Adjust plans and schedules as needed to maintain momentum and meet deadlines.
Other High-level Key Initiative Support- Participate in Office of the Vice-President for PPPL and the Office of the Dean for Research high-level key initiatives as appropriate and requested.