Position Description

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, requiring high levels of functional integration and involving multiple disciplines to be managed. May manage several projects and/or programs simultaneously. 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

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.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

About Harvard University Kennedy School

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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