Senior IT Project Manager

20-Mar-2024

Harvard University Information Technology

65123BR

Position Description

This is a fully benefited, full-time Harvard University position that has been funded for three years through 6/30/2027.  There is the possibility of renewal, contingent on funding, university priorities and satisfactory job performance.

Reporting to the Manager of Project and Portfolio Management in Library Technology Services, the Senior IT Project Manager (SIPM) is a member of a high-performing, cross-functional team of library domain trusted advisors, project managers, business analysts, quality assurance experts, user experience and design experts, and technical analysts. The team stewards and manages a diverse portfolio of library technology services and platforms through effective project management, business analysis, Agile process, application design, and outreach and engagement with Harvard Library and other academic stakeholders at the University and beyond. Our focus is on delivery of world-class solutions to fulfill the core objectives of the Harvard Library: To advance scholarship and teaching through the collection, creation, application, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge.

This work is related to the Reimagining Discovery Project Charter to revolutionize how researchers, students, and the global community access and explore Harvard’s extensive collections, making all kinds of information easily discoverable and accessible. Leading the drive to develop a new, unified discovery platform, the Project Manager will ensure the project improves and democratizes access to digital collections, investigating the use of AI-powered tools for enhancing both metadata and user experience.  Key responsibilities will include the management and oversight of requirements gathering, user research, technical design, vendor selection (if needed), through the successful migration of content/metadata to the new platform.

The SIPM will plan, conduct, and supervise the activities of this complex project, ensuring that the project deliverables align with both the Harvard Library objectives and Harvard University IT priorities. This project to unify and enhance our digital discovery platforms will require exceptional and nuanced communication skills and the ability to successfully manage multiple tracks across disparate disciplines, products, and user groups.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for identifying appropriate resources, creatively resolving resourcing conflicts, and developing schedules to ensure timely completion of project
• Work collaboratively and build strong relationships with colleagues to ensure successful project completion
• Develop project plans, integrate key business requirements, facilitate decision making amongst stakeholder groups, and document outcomes and actions
• Serve as an expert regarding scope, project objectives, solution’s value and technology, as well as the role and function of each team member
• Proactively track and report on project work status and completion with a keen eye to keeping the project within schedule, budgetary, and design constraints
• Leverage relationships with steering and executive committees and other governance vehicles for decision-making, change management, and communications
• Identify and coordinate analysis, design, and testing tasks required by the project with the team. Communicate project statuses and outcomes of work completed to project sponsors and partners.
• Facilitate resolution of complex technical problems with key project team members and partners. Execute on independent decision making as needed within the context established by project charter, sponsors, and business owners.
• Participate in and help support an affinity group of project managers and Agile facilitators to foster the sharing of best practices and promote strong project management standards in LTS
• Adhere to Harvard University’s IT technical standards and best practices
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT Code of Conduct

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience working on technology projects in academic or research libraries or archives
• Knowledge of information technology applications and tooling in a higher education context, and advanced IT project management principles, especially related to Agile methodologies and processes
• Familiarity with user experience and user research methods that inform interactive and visual design solutions
• Proficiency with presentation and collaboration tools
• Demonstrated cross-functional project management experience, comfortable influencing without direct responsibility/control, a service mindset in the approach to the work, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor
• Change management experience, of similar scope and size as Harvard’s, across a large set of diverse stakeholder groups

Certificates and Licenses

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy Project Management Foundations course (or external equivalent) preferred
• PMP or other relevant certification and experience preferred, e.g., Scrum Master

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

Please provide a cover letter with your application.

Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening. 
• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship. 
• This position has a 180-day orientation and review period. 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Accessibility:
Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request an accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department. 

Work Format Details

HUIT actively supports hybrid work where business needs allow. This position has been designated as a primarily remote position. While this position is primarily remote, travel to campus may be necessary based on business needs and the nature of work. Examples include bi-annual or quarterly Town Halls, critical business meetings or other work events. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

More about HUIT:
Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is responsible for the strategy, planning, and delivery of information technology across the University.  Our mission is to assure Harvard’s leadership in IT. We strive to make it easier for faculty, students, and staff to teach, research, learn and work through the effective use of information technology.  HUIT’s core values are User Focused, Collaborative, Innovative and Open.

HUIT’s core values are: 

• User-focused 
• Collaborative 
• Innovative 
• Open 

IT Academy (designed for IT Staff):
HUIT’s IT Academy aims to enable each IT staff person to grow professionally and become a trusted partner to her or his team. The IT Academy is built on the belief that every IT staff member across the University (including technology employees at each school and campus) can grow in her or his area of expertise as well as building strong people and project management skills. Learn more here: https://itacademy.harvard.edu/  

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• 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.

Job Function

Information Technology

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

I0058P IT Project Manager IV

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Library Technology Services

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Appointment End Date

30-Jun-2027

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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