University of Minnesota

About the Job

Strategic Initiatives Project Manager

The University of Minnesota is seeking a project manager to lead and manage complex projects and services within the office that will serve the university community. Reporting to the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives (VPSI), the project manager will work closely with university leadership and play a key role in advancing university-wide priorities and initiatives that include and impact all campuses. The University of Minnesota will launch a bold new strategic plan this year that will set the direction for years to come and the project manager will actively participate in its implementation and manage data collection and reporting that will be used to track progress, in collaboration with staff, faculty, students, and administrators. The project manager is responsible for providing analysis and consultation on a variety of administrative and project matters that have significant, campus-wide impact. The project manager will conduct research and fact-finding to support independent decision-making..

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and oversee university-wide strategic priorities with the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives.
• Provide strategic insights, guidance and advice to VPSI around the implementation of the University’s strategic plan.
• Lead and manage multiple concurrent projects, serve as the point of contact for those projects, resolve and navigate complex issues/problems.
• Develop executive and detailed project plans to include information regarding project schedules and estimates, resource plans, status reports, progress tracking and projections.
• Monitor and manage project scope, maintain effective and transparent documentation for the project owners and teams and University leadership team.
• Ensure engagement with key stakeholders both internal and external to the University and build relationships through routine meetings.
• Manage project calendars and document meeting discussions, decisions, and key actions; manage and archive project records.
• Develop metrics and measure project performance using a disciplined project management approach and tools
• Monitor project progress, identify and quantify variances and/or risks and guide and oversee any required corrective actions.
• Create, develop, manage and deliver on assets within the project communications plans to engage all stakeholders.
• Collaborate with project owners and teams to provide project scoping direction and set up.
• Partner with the VPSI to set expectations in accordance with the project plan to ensure a common understanding and align the stakeholders and team members.
• Effectively communicates stakeholder requirements to team members and communicates project progress to all stakeholders.
• Oversee, create and prepare written and visual committee reports and presentations, for a variety of audiences, including University executive leaders and the Board of Regents.
• Lead projects through from original concept to completion, on time and on budget (if applicable).
• Identify and assess issues, risks, and interdependencies, and escalate issues appropriately. Proactively makes recommendations, before such information is requested.
• Build mutual trust and encourage respect and cooperation among team members

This is a 100%, 12-month, on-campus, annually renewable appointment in the academic administrative personnel series. Most work is conducted during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. However, evening and weekend work is occasionally required, as necessary, to properly execute the duties of this role. Occasional remote work may be accommodated at the discretion of the VPSI.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in project management or similar type experience.
• Strong analytical ability is required to gather and summarize information, solve administrative problems, and prioritize work assignments independently.
• Experience with preparing reports and presenting findings. Ability to independently manage complex projects and competing priorities.
• Knowledge of both theoretical and practical aspects of project management, techniques, and tools.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to achieve results.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects at once.
• Ability and political acumen to balance competing demands, priorities, and the needs of multiple stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or professional degree (i.e. Project Management Professional (PMF) certification)
• Familiarity with or experience at the University of Minnesota System or another higher education institution, public agencies or similar

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $100,000 - $120,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).