Senior IT Project Manager - Higher Ed

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior ITS Project Manager. This role is responsible for driving the successful delivery of large­scale, complex IT projects and programs that support the university’s strategic priorities. The Senior Project Manager will lead cross­functional teams, manage diverse stakeholder expectations, and ensure that all initiatives are delivered within scope, schedule, and budget—while aligning to business value and user needs.

The ideal candidate will be a self­starter with a proven track record of managing complex strategic IT initiatives in dynamic environments. This role requires a strategic thinker who is also hands­on, with strong leadership and influencing skills.

This is a hybrid position that requires on­site presence in the Boston office three days per week.

Qualifications

Education

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field.

· PMP, Agile or other relevant project management certification(s) preferred.

Experience

·8–10 years of progressive IT project management experience, including managing large, complex, cross­functional IT initiatives in matrixed organizations.

· Demonstrated experience in delivering enterprise­level technology projects, such as CRM, ERP, infrastructure, data integration, or cloud­based systems.

· Minimum of 5 years of experience engaging with business units, technical teams, and executive stakeholders to translate business needs into actionable project plans.

· Proven ability to lead diverse project teams, set direction, communicate vision, and influence outcomes without direct authority.

· Experienced in navigating organizational change, managing competing priorities, and driving projects forward in ambiguous or evolving environments.

· A strong history of using data­driven insights to guide project planning and risk management.

Knowledge and Skills

· Expert in project management methodologies, including Waterfall, Agile, and hybrid approaches.

· Proficient with project management tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, ServiceNow, or Jira.

· Strong analytical and problem­solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience presenting to senior leadership.

· Demonstrated ability to build relationships, foster collaboration, and resolve conflicts across diverse stakeholder groups.

· Deep understanding of business processes and IT alignment, with the ability to deliver measurable value.

· Skilled in resource planning and budgeting for large­scale projects.

· Self­motivated, organized, and capable of working independently in fast­paced environments.

· Good understanding of current and emerging technologies and how other enterprises are employing them to drive digital business

· Strong knowledge and understanding of business needs, with the ability to establish and maintain a high level of customer trust and confidence

Project Leadership & Execution

· Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple large and complex IT projects across departments, ensuring alignment with university priorities and strategies.

· Develop and manage detailed project plans, milestones, scope statements, budgets, timelines, and resource allocations.

· Ensure project deliverables are completed on time, within scope, and on budget while maintaining high quality standards.

· Conduct risk assessments and implement proactive mitigation strategies.

· Monitor project activities, ensuring the currency, quality and integrity of information, while providing consistency in content.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

· Serve as the primary liaison between technical teams, business units, and executive sponsors.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

· Facilitate effective communication across cross­functional teams to ensure shared understanding of objectives, progress, and changes.

· Present project updates, risks, and performance metrics to governance groups and leadership.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

· Provide direction and support to cross­functional project teams, including internal staff and external vendors.

· Establish clear goals and responsibilities and promote accountability across team members.

· Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, ownership, and problem­solving.

Monitoring, Reporting & Financial Oversight

· Track and report on project progress, milestones, risks, issues, and financials.

· Develop and publish status reports, prepare and modify schedules or plans as required.

· Ensure post­project evaluation, lessons learned, and knowledge documentation.

· Manage project budgets responsibly, identify cost­saving opportunities, and ensure financial accountability.

Financial Measures

· Responsible for managing and reporting on project budgets, ensuring financial discipline, and identifying opportunities for cost optimization without compromising project goals.