Project Director - Columbia University Information Technology - New York City

Job description
Reporting into the AVP, Program Management Office within Columbia University's Information Technology group (CUIT); the Project Director provides full lifecycle project management of multi-client projects that range in complexity and type. Projects will cover a suite of IT services, including, but not limited to: Infrastructure, Applications, Communications, Process Transformation, Identity Management and other IT related initiatives. The Project Director ensures delivery of project objectives within the prescribed timeframe, within budget and overall, assists clients realize the intended project benefits. This role requires significant client engagement and active participation on tasks that may include other assignments related to the overall service improvement of CUIT.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Leads, directs and coordinates all project management activities for assigned projects.
- Has oversight authority/responsibility for multiple projects.
- Serves as a single point of contact for all aspects of assigned projects or programs.
- Ensures their projects remain on schedule, on budget and are completed with quality.
- Establishes full project lifecycle plans for assigned projects or programs (multiple sponsors, business units, and resources).
- Oversees the compliance with established program management methodologies practices and standards.
- Responsible for all project documentation, communications and reporting.

- Defines client requirements, project objectives, and project scope.
- Responsible for creating, tracking, controlling and reporting on project budgets and related financials.
- Creates and/or oversees the creation of project plans including detailed task plans and assignments.
- Manages dependent or interdependent projects.
- Provides business case development with costing and customer needs assessments.
- Manages RFP process with minimal oversight.
- Participates in vendor management and selection.
- Determines resource and skills set requirements for project team staffing.
- Allocates staff and budget, resources, as needed to achieve the objectives of one or more projects.
- Assesses on-going/future customer requirements and operational needs.
- Manages inter-project resource demands as required.
- Identifies and assesses project risk; develops plan/strategy to mitigate risks and executes accordingly.
- Responsible for identifying resolution or go forward assumptions for project issues/risks.
- Responsible for escalation of scope containment and identification of resolution.
- Ensures change readiness strategies are identified and implemented.
- Responsible for the oversight and reporting of Risk and Audit (Internal/External) management.
- Builds partnership relationships across Columbia University, including consulting partners and vendors.
- Owns related Project Management Office activities that are assigned, including internal improvement.
- Ability to work weekend and off-hour work on occasion.
- All other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience
- Bachelor's degree and/or its equivalent required. Advanced degree desirable.
- Minimum 7-9 years' related experience.
Applicant MUST meet these minimum qualifications to be considered an applicant
- Detailed knowledge of project management methodologies.
- Experience managing complex technical projects following the full life cycle methodology from inception to transition to production and post-implementation.
- In-depth understanding of the business & supporting strategies.
- Knowledge of technology, applications and interfaces designed to support the business.
- Professionally represents CUIT's PMO by adapting to circumstances and messaging appropriately.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
- Demonstrated excellence in a variety of competencies including teamwork/collaboration, analytical thinking, communication and influencing skills, and technical expertise.
- Ability to work with changing priorities and with multiple projects.
- Ability to be precise and attentive to detail is essential.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Weekend and off-hour work may be necessary on occasion.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficient in MS Project, Visio, and other Project Management tools.
- PMP or PRINCE2 certification a plus.
- ITIL certification a plus.

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