Associate Director - Project Management Office (Hybrid Opportunity)

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers.

In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Project Management Office (PMO) is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction, and oversight to the Project Management Office within the university's IT organization.

This role involves establishing and maintaining project management standards, processes, and methodologies to ensure successful delivery of IT projects aligned with the university's mission and objectives.

Essential Functions

Develops and implements strategic plans for IT Project Management Office that align with the university's IT goals and objectives.

Collaborates with senior leadership to ensure alignment of project priorities with institutional priorities.

Establishes and maintains project governance frameworks, standards, and processes to ensure consistency, transparency, and accountability across all projects.

Defines project management methodologies, procedures, and guidelines and ensure consistency across projects.

Oversees resource allocation. Leads and mentors a team of project managers and project coordinators, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.

Ensures appropriate staffing levels and skillsets to support project portfolio needs. Fosters a collaborative and high-performance culture within the PMO.

• Acts as point of contact for vendor selection and contract negotiation; monitors vendor performance to control project quality and to ensure compliance of contractual obligations.
• Identifies and mitigates risks associated with IT projects, ensuring proactive measures are in place to address potential issues and minimize disruption.
• Manages IT project portfolio, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure phases. Ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and of high quality.
• Manages project resources effectively, including human resources, budgets, and equipment. Optimizes resource allocation and utilization to maximize efficiency and productivity.
• Collaborates with university stakeholders to understand their IT project needs and priorities and ensure alignment with campus objectives.
• Drives a culture of continuous improvement initiatives within the PMO; promote innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness in project management practices.

Evaluate and implement new tools, technologies, and methodologies to enhance project delivery capabilities.

Supports IT change management efforts related to implementation of new technologies, processes, and organizational structure.

Facilitates the adoption of project management best practices across the university.

Other Functions

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree with 8 years of progressively responsible experience in project management -OR- four years of relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement, for a total of 12 years of experience.
• Experience in project planning, scheduling, tracking, and budgeting.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects and project portfolios.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques.
• Experience in change management, process improvement, and organizational transformation.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Proven track record of successfully establishing and leading a Project Management Office.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
• Experience working in higher education or academic setting.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week.

As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Level 32

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume (and cover letter / optional). References will be checked at the finalist stage, please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.

To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.

It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.