About the Opportunity

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. 

Job Summary

The Division of Information Technology Services (ITS) seeks a strategic and experienced Senior IT Project Manager to lead large-scale, complex IT initiatives aligned with university priorities. This role requires a proactive leader with strong communication, stakeholder engagement and execution skills to guide cross-functional teams and ensure successful delivery of projects across scope, schedule, and budget.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a proven track record in managing strategic IT projects in dynamic environments. They must be both a strategic thinker and hands-on leader, capable of influencing outcomes and delivering results. This candidate must have demonstrated experience with large scale Infrastructure implementations.

24/7 operational support:

This role requires occasional availability outside of traditional working hours to address urgent business needs as they arise, including, but not limited to, responding to security incidents, supporting software deployments, resolving system issues, and addressing other critical operational requirements. The ideal candidate must be proactive and adaptable, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations by promptly addressing any issues, regardless of time or day. Flexibility and a strong sense of urgency are essential for success in this position.

 Other duties as required:

This role requires flexibility in performing duties outside of the primary responsibilities to support evolving business needs. The ideal candidate must be adaptable and willing to take on additional tasks or projects as required, ensuring smooth operations across the organization. This may include stepping in to assist with cross-functional teams, handling unexpected challenges, or contributing to initiatives that support business growth and success. A proactive mindset and the ability to pivot quickly are essential for thriving in this dynamic environment.

 Hybrid work schedule:

This role is hybrid and in the office three days a week to facilitate collaboration and teamwork. In-office presence is an essential part of our on-campus culture and allows for engaging directly with staff and students, sharing ideas, and contributing to a dynamic work environment. Being on-site allows for stronger connections, more effective problem-solving, and enhanced team synergy, all of which are key to achieving our collective goals and driving success

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University is unable to work sponsor for this role, now or in the future.

Minimum Qualification

Education

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• 8–10 years of progressive IT project management experience, including managing large, complex, cross-functional IT initiatives in matrixed organizations.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience engaging with business units, technical teams, and executive stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success delivering enterprise-level technology projects (e.g., CRM, ERP, infrastructure, cloud systems).
• Proven ability to lead diverse project teams, set direction, communicate vision and influence outcomes without direct authority.
• Skilled in navigating organizational change, managing competing priorities and driving progress in ambiguous environments.
• Strong use of data-driven insights for planning and risk management.

Certifications

• PMP, Agile, or other relevant project management certifications preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Distinctive blend of business, IT, financial and communication skills. This blend is vital because this is a highly visible position with substantial impact
• Expertise in project management methodologies, including Waterfall, Agile, and hybrid approaches.
• Proficiency in project management tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, ServiceNow and Jira.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including presenting to senior leadership.
• Effective influencing and negotiating skills in an environment in which this role may not directly control resources.
• Ability to 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 large-scale projects.
• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working independently in fast-paced environments.
• Deep understanding of current and emerging technologies and how leading enterprises leverage them to drive digital innovation and maximize business value.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of business needs, with the ability to establish and maintain a high level of customer trust and confidence.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Awareness and Process and Framework Expertise

• Adapts to new circumstances (e.g., changes in the business or macroeconomic environment)
• Understands workflows and processes throughout the organization, including the people involved in the processes, their sequencing and outputs of the processes
• Reduces business process inefficiencies by applying appropriate frameworks (e.g., Lean, value stream mapping)
• Applies knowledge of agile and continuous delivery methodologies and frameworks in project, program and/or portfolio management work
• Applies guidance from common risk assessment and mitigation frameworks

Data Acumen  and customer centricity

• Applies data visualization techniques to communicate data through graphical representations
• Builds a narrative around a set of data to convey actionable findings from the analysis
• Identifies and navigates relevant datasets needed for reporting and analysis purposes
• Applies design thinking methods to ensure customer needs and perspectives are addressed
• Devises solutions to meet customer requirements

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Identifies areas/opportunities for collaboration within and across functions/business areas
• Brokers consensus among stakeholders with conflicting needs
• Facilitates value-added meetings with stakeholders
• Is tactful in contentious or politically sensitive situations

Decision Making

• Proactively alerts team and/or manager when faced with unexpected roadblocks
• Makes progress when given unclear, contradictory or inconsistent information
• Identifies patterns and relationships in information to make decisions
• Makes rational judgments from the available information and analysis, and makes prompt, clear decisions that may involve tough choices or considered risks
• Takes responsibility for actions, projects and people, taking calculated risks rather than missing opportunities

Digital Adoption and Growth Mindset

• Learns and explores new technologies to perform their job
• Learns how to use and apply different technologies quickly
• Adopts new technologies to become more personally efficient
• Seeks opportunities to diversify skills and experiences beyond current role and function/business area
• Asks for additional responsibility and influential roles
• Seeks feedback to improve personal performance

Financial Acumen

• Understands the impact of a decision on the business’ financial statements and financial wellbeing in the long term
• Understands the organization's sources of revenue and/or cost categories
• Understands core financial accounting concepts and metrics

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.