"Senior IT Project & Program Manager"

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is looking for a dynamic, experienced Senior IT Project and Program Manager to join our Information Technology department (HKSIT). As part of the Project Management and Strategy team, the successful candidate will identify and deliver value-focused solutions that enable the school’s Teaching & Learning and Research missions.

This position will plan, conduct, and supervise the completion of complex information technology projects in a unit or department, requiring high levels of functional integration and involving multiple disciplines to be managed. The Senior IT Project and Program Manager may manage several projects and/or programs simultaneously. They will support strategic portfolio management.

Duties and Responsibilities (included, but not limited to):

• Lead complex projects and initiatives ensuring alignment with the school’s strategic priorities
• Support portfolio management efforts to optimize project selection, planning, delivery and monitor performance
• Responsible for assembling project team, assigning individual responsibilities, identifying appropriate resources needed, and developing schedules to ensure timely completion of project
• Responsible for project discovery
• Serve as expert regarding scope and project objectives, solution’s value and technology, as well as the role and function of each team member
• Ensure work completion within schedule, budgetary and design constraints
• Make decisions about analysis, design and testing; solve complex technical problems; and, when necessary, provide alternative methods for achieving goals
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to leverage resources for successful project completion
• Make independent decisions within the confines established by sponsors/business owners
• Serve as primary contact with user groups and stakeholders
• Leverage steering and executive committees for decision-making, change management, and communications
• Absorb and leverage project related technology to ensure effective project management and collaboration
• Advise unit/school regarding post project operations
• Provide training to clients/staff
• Apply Harvard University’s IT technical standards and best practices
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT Code of Conduct

Additional HKS job duties:

• Prepare and present business cases for new initiatives
• Ensure project proposals clearly articulate expected business benefits and plans are focused on benefits realization
• Perform gap analysis
• Document functional requirements and interpret requirements as needed for internal and external developers
• Assist with creating user test plans and executing user testing
• Serve as the bridge between business owners and technical teams and technology vendors
• Develop queries and reports to be used by project teams

Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office setting.

Qualifications: Basic Qualifications: Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience. Additional Qualifications and Skills: Experience leading multiple projects and portfolio management. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills. Knowledge of information technology applications, processes, software and equipment. Highly specialized knowledge of a specific technology. Knowledge of advanced IT project management principles (e.g. Agile) and software. Demonstrated cross-functional project management experience. Demonstrated team performance skills, service mindset approach, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor. Attitude that supports an Agile working environment. Certificates and Licenses: Completion of Harvard IT Academy Project Management Foundations course (or external equivalent) preferred. PMP or other relevant certifications (e.g., Scrum Master) and experience strongly preferred. The successful candidate will have PMP certification or attain PMP status within 12 months of hire.