Strategic Project Manager

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is seeking a talented Strategic Project Managerto support and coordinate high-priority University projects from concept to implementation. The person in this role will work collaboratively across the University to support high-level strategic planning issues and initiatives within the Office of theSenior Vice President for Finance & Administration(SVPFA). The SVPFA leads all financial and administrative affairs for the University and oversees the financial offices of the controller, investment management, planning and budget, and treasury, as well as the administrative areas of human resources, public safety, facilities and real estate, information technology, purchasing, risk management and internal audit. This role will focus on key strategic initiatives within the Finance and Administration portfolio. The Strategic Project Manager must have the ability to lead projects and teams and to provide detailed project management support for a variety of different types of initiatives. This leadership

will include the ability to prioritize competing demands, and to draw upon, delegate, and foster collaboration among team members and stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the project in the allotted time frame. They must be able to diligently manage project resources, manage timelines, track milestones and deliverables, maintain budgets, and produce high-quality written reports/presentations.

This role requires considerable judgment, tact, creativity, adaptability, and initiative; the ability to produce high quality work product within tight deadlines; flexibility and willingness to adjust

to changing priorities to meet organizational needs; an unwavering commitment to service; a positive outlook; and a high level of confidentiality.

Success depends, at a minimum, on,

• The ability to closely manage all aspects of a portfolio of complex, cross-functional projects from inception to completion. The person in this role must be able to flex into various roles as needed, sometimes managing projects fairly autonomously, and sometimes supporting and enabling the work of the Senior Advisor, other members of the SVPFA's team, or other project managers throughout Finance and Administration.
• Significant experience with project planning methodologies, tools, and concepts.
• The ability to independently and objectively assess business processes and plans, and work with subject matter experts and leaders to develop recommendations for enhancements.
• The development and maintenance of relationships with colleagues throughout University Administration and the broader University.
• The ability to make sense of complex information and apply a systematic, disciplined approach to solve complex problems, manage projects, work collaboratively and in support of others, and adapt to changing situations.

The ideal candidate will organize tasks, set priorities, track deadlines, support the work of subject matter experts, and make decisions based on analytical and innovative thinking within

established guidelines.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

(80%) - Manage Individual Projects

• Support strategic initiatives, issues, and projects of high priority for senior leadership.
• Independently manage complex, high priority projects, including creating and adhering to project work plans, managing key stakeholders, and ensuring technical feasibility.
• Support senior staff/leadership with larger, more complex projects as needed.
• Lead or participate in multiple projects by completing and updating project plans and related documentation; managing project scope; ensuring efficient and on-time delivery
• of project tasks and milestones; following proper escalation paths; and managing relationships.
• Develop and maintain a detailed project plan to monitor progress. Track project performance to ensure the successful completion of short and long-term goals.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure that projects stay on track and are completed on time and on budget.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with projects and project timelines; report and escalate issues (and possible solutions) to leadership as needed.
• Measure performance using appropriate project management tools and techniques.
• Act as liaison/intermediary between multiple departments and provide direction to individuals and stakeholders to meet deadlines.
• Lead and facilitate meetings as requested; draft and maintain all meeting minutes through duration of the project including assessment and follow up of next steps to ensure project remains on track.
• Assess readiness among stakeholders and identify potential barriers/risks.
• Prepare the organization/unit for change; work with the organization/unit to plan the change; assist with the implementation of change.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

(20%) - Complete Project Tasks and Deliverables

• Use strong analytical skills to formulate information into sound, well-organized recommendations, communications, and plans of action. Examples may include assessing current processes, organizational charts, policies, etc., and working with work groups to develop recommended actions/enhancements.
• Create comprehensive project documentation and maintain all files and data entry for assigned projects.
• Create high quality presentation materials and memoranda in order to communicate context, findings, and recommendations to Senior University Leadership and Trustees.
  
  

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proven working experience in project management and experience with relevant software tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, Asana, etc.).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency with presentation and collaboration tools including all Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive).

• Superior organization skills and attention to detail, including the ability to manage project plans, collect and analyze data, and manage multiple projects at one time.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, and always have a customer service-oriented "can do" problem-solving attitude.

• Bachelor's Degree in appropriate field of study.
• Five years related experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Experience working in higher education, project management, and/or consulting.
• Experience in finance, accounting, human resources, information technology, and/or general administration.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. PMP certification recommended, but not required, within the first year of employment.

Classified Title: Strategic Project Manager
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PE
Starting Salary Range: $73,300 - $128,300 Annually (Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Exempt Status:Exempt
Location:Homewood Campus
Department name: EVP for Finance and Admin Off of
Personnel area: University Administration