Careers

Job Summary:

University Information Technology Services (UITS) of the University of Massachusetts System Office is seeking a Project Portfolio Manager with a distinctive blend of business, IT, communication and planning skills to enable successful achievement of strategic goals and desired business outcomes via effective management of projects.

The primary purpose of the Project Portfolio Manager role is to be responsible for maintaining the University of Massachusetts President’s Office IT Services project portfolio. This will include ensuring that accurate and up-to-date records are kept of all IT projects. The Project Portfolio Manager will work closely with IT management, project managers, and university stakeholders to ensure that UITS projects are managed throughout their lifecycle. The successful candidate will be a skilled project professional with a deep understanding of IT project management principles and practices. They will be able to effectively coordinate projects, communicate with stakeholders, and ensure that all projects are maintained to a standard required by the organization.

The Project Portfolio Manager reports to the Director of Portfolio, Program, and Project Management and is a member of the Project Management Office (PMO). The team collaborates with colleagues in UITS, all departments in UMass System Office, campus IT and functional stakeholders across all major areas of university operations.

Essential Functions:

• Working with the Principal Portfolio Manager, develop and manage the organization's IT portfolio management strategy and process.
• Monitor project progress and ensure that all projects have:
  • • assigned project stakeholders
    • regular updates
    • the required artifacts
    • updated and accurate health status
• Maintain the project portfolio, working with project managers and other stakeholders to assure the integrity of the data
• Ensure information and artifacts are gathered in preparation for evaluation at Project Review Board (PRB)
• Chair the PRB
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify and mitigate risks and issues
• Monitor project progress and provide regular status updates to IT management and stakeholders
• Assist project managers in identifying and resolving project issues, risks, and dependencies
• Conduct project evaluations to assess project success, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend changes to project processes and methodologies
• Take an active part in project reviews and retrospectives to identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend changes to project processes and methodologies
• Ensure project managers are developing and maintaining project documentation, including project plans, project status reports, and project schedules, and ensure compliance with governance standards
• Provide guidance and support to project managers and other IT staff on project management best practices and project portfolio management processes
• Attend all PMO meetings as required
• Follow standards, best practices, and procedures for project management within UITS.
• Contribute to a climate of collaboration by sharing knowledge and providing support as needed

Other Functions:

UITS has created this job description to indicate the general nature and level of work that UITS expects the Project Portfolio Manager to perform. This job description is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of the Project Portfolio Manager and should not be interpreted as such. Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience):

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or professional equivalent.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in an IT environment; preferably project or service management.
• Awareness of project management methodologies and tools, including Agile and Waterfall.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Experience and ability in conflict resolution, meeting facilitation, and other business interpersonal communication skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and influence others using empathy and knowledge of different work and communication styles.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience):

• Project management certification.
• Experience and knowledge of project management methodologies and tools, including Agile and Waterfall.
• Demonstrated ability to present and interact effectively with executive leadership.
• Demonstrated sound judgment in handling sensitive and politically complex issues.
• Effective business writing skills for proposals, documentation, and stakeholder communications.
• Discipline in setting and managing customer expectations.

Working Conditions:

Typical office environment. Periodic travel to campus sites and executive offices in downtown Boston. Required onsite as and when needed by the needs of the team or the Director, PMO.

Additional Details:

Salary commensurate with experience up to $95,000.