Senior Project Manager

Covista•Chicago, IL

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Project Manager (Sr. PM) is responsible for portfolio-level oversight and delivery leadership for digital learning initiatives. This role ensures that complex and high-risk work is planned, governed, and delivered predictably, with clear visibility into risks, dependencies, and trade-offs. This position manages multiple projects and implementation activities throughout Covista as well as other divisions as necessary. Assists in projects typically focus on managing activities associated with new, changed and discontinued programs, locations, policies, and other business initiatives. Will work in conjunction with other functional groups, Business Analysts, and technical staff to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of solutions in support of business goals and objectives. The individual also works closely with project owners, consultants, and other third-party vendors when necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree required.
Five (5) plus years of full lifecycle project management experience including knowledge of PMBOK or other equivalent methodology required.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve issues and determine effective business and alternative solutions.
Demonstrate initiative and ability to advance projects while managing multiple initiatives.
Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to interact with all levels within the organization and work in a fast paced environment with many initiatives.
Ability to manage a variety of business and vendor resources.
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions with minimal supervision and direction.
Proficient with project management practices and tools.
Capability to influence and instill credibility in sponsors, peers and subordinates by meeting project milestones, deadlines and budget.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Business or Project Management desirable preferred.
Experience in an academic enterprise is definitely a plus preferred.
Portfolio Management Professional (PMP) desired preferred.

Responsibilities

Own delivery health across assigned portfolios (scope, schedule, budget, risk) and monitor cross-project dependencies and systemic risks
Serve as the primary delivery point of contact for senior stakeholders and build confidence through consistent, decision-ready reporting
Analyzes projects to determine functions and resources involved, implications to the Business, and issues.
Clarifies decision rights, approval paths, and escalation thresholds to ensure timely and informed delivery decisions.
Identifies necessary approvals related to planning and implementation activities. Provides guidance to business leaders on how to seek approval.
Research and interpret policies, guidelines, etc. and incorporates these into implementation plans and execution efforts.
Conducts project prioritization efforts based on various factors including revenue goals, resource scheduling, marketing and recruitment window (“runway”), process readiness, etc. Makes recommendations on resulting priority sequences.
Ensures implementation of prescribed regulatory compliance/accreditation requirements, academic policies, student disclosure requirements, student finance regulations and policies, catalog and website policies, policies and procedures for marketing, recruitment, IT, career services, operations, etc., and other critical policy requirements.
Assesses readiness of all items required for approval (e.g., OK-to-Recruit or other official communiqué), and recommends their approval to the appropriate senior officer
Initiates, authors and provides thorough and timely communications regarding the planning and status of multiple projects to Implementation Team members and appropriate stakeholders.
Analyzes and researches issues and problems; identify and recommend solutions; implements.
As Central Services representative, actively participates in Product Steering Committee and related work.
Manages project teams and related implementation activities according to project plans in a matrix organization.
Coaches and develops team members in support of the achievement of the project.
Supports additional initiatives as assigned when aligned to portfolio-level oversight or delivery of leadership needs. Manages other projects as assigned by Central Services management.
Communicates project progress and issues to clients, especially related to the impact of changes in project resources, scheduling, scope, and delivery.
Works closely with the groups involved to ensure smooth implementation.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Complies with all policies and standards.