Project Manager - Local to SC only

Position: Project Manager

Locati 100% Remote, Monday - Friday.

Candidate Location: Current residences in the Southeast of US only. Must relocate to SC prior to starting the role.

Duration of the Contract: 12 months

Possibility for Extension: Yes

Interview Process: One initial round of Teams video interviews will be scheduled for the top 3 candidates after the close of the posting date. If no candidate is selected a second round of interviews will be conducted.

Job Description:

Scope of the Project:

The Project Manager will play a key role in advancing the SC Department of Public Health s cybersecurity posture by leading and managing security-focused initiatives and projects. This role requires close collaboration with IT leadership, technical teams, and business stakeholders to ensure that all efforts align with the agency s strategic goals, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), and applicable federal and state regulations.

Daily Duties / Responsibilities:

1. Project Documentation & Analysis
   Prepares essential project documentation such as needs analyses, business cases, and feasibility studies to support security and IT initiatives. Maintains comprehensive documentation throughout the entire project lifecycle.
2. Project Lifecycle Management
   Manages and directs all phases of the project lifecycle initiation, planning, execution, control, and closeout for small to mid-sized projects, with a focus on cybersecurity and IT modernization.
3. Project Coordination & Methodology
   Coordinates and manages projects using established project management methodologies. Defines, prioritizes, and tracks project requirements to ensure alignment with business and security objectives.
4. Work Planning & Communication
   Develops detailed work plans and manages project scope, budget, and schedule. Oversees the execution of communication plans, including updates to agency leadership, stakeholders, and, when applicable, the public.
5. Status Reporting & Change Management
   Prepares regular status reports and provides updates to project sponsors, champions, and stakeholders. Coordinates change requests and recommends adjustments to project specifications as needed.
6. Risk & Quality Management
   Identifies potential risks and facilitates resolution through mitigation strategies. Assists in developing quality management plans and ensures project design and execution comply with federal/state laws, agency policies, and cybersecurity standards (e.g., NIST CSF, FISMA).
7. Other Duties as Assigned
   Performs additional project-related duties as required to support the successful delivery of agency initiatives.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with IT leadership to confirm priorities, identify gaps, and support the development and maintenance of the IT project portfolio.
• Lead and manage security-related projects across all phases using established project management methodologies.
• Define and track business and technical requirements to ensure alignment with security objectives.
• Develop project scope, objectives, and milestones in collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring technical feasibility and compliance.
• Monitor project progress using tools such as Microsoft DevOps, Planner, SharePoint, Excel, and MS Project.
• Conduct regular meetings with team members and stakeholders to ensure alignment and progress.
• Ensure adherence to the agency s IT Change Management process for all production system changes.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation and measure performance using appropriate tools and metrics.
• Identify and manage project risks, escalating issues as needed to leadership.
• Promote and enforce agency IT and security standards in support of business operations.
• Assist in the development of policies, procedures, and training that align with cybersecurity best practices, including NIST 800-53, FISMA, and SC Information Security Requirements.
• Ensure all activities comply with DPH security policies and procedures.

Engagement Details:

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position for the duration of the project.
• Flexibility may be required to accommodate work outside of traditional business hours.
• The Project Manager will work closely with Section Managers, customers, and subject matter experts to prioritize, schedule, and implement work in accordance with IT standards.

Compliance and Confidentiality:

• The selected candidate must sign a DPH Confidentiality Agreement and/or Business Associate Agreement, if applicable.
• All work products, including source code and documentation, will be the sole property of SC DPH.
• Contractors must follow all agency IT standards, policies, and procedures.
• No uplift charges will be accepted; compensation must align with the established contract rate.
• DPH retains final authority over all project decisions.

Support and Resources Provided by DPH:

• Access to required agency systems.
• Staff support for project related questions/information.
• Conference rooms and scheduling systems.
• Workstation and required software.

Required Qualifications:

1. 3-5 years Project Management Expertise
   • Proven experience managing IT and security-related projects through the full project lifecycle.
   • Strong understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., PMBOK, Agile, Waterfall).
   • Ability to develop project plans, manage scope, schedule, and budget, and deliver results on time.
2. 3-5 years Cybersecurity Knowledge
   • Familiarity with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and related standards (e.g., NIST 800-53, FISMA).
   • Understanding of information security principles, risk management, and compliance requirements.
   • Experience supporting or managing security initiatives within a government or regulated environment is preferred.
3. 3-5 years Technical Acumen
   • Ability to understand and translate technical requirements into actionable project plans.
   • Experience working with IT teams on system integrations, infrastructure upgrades, or application deployments.
   • Proficiency with tools such as Microsoft DevOps, SharePoint, MS Project, and Excel.
4. Communication & Collaboration
   • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and present to stakeholders.
   • Experience facilitating meetings, managing stakeholder expectations, and resolving conflicts.
   • Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including technical staff, business users, and leadership.
5. Documentation & Compliance
   • Skilled in preparing and maintaining project documentation, including business cases, requirements, and risk logs.
   • Knowledge of IT change management processes and documentation standards.
   • Ability to ensure project activities comply with agency policies, state and federal regulations, and security protocols.
6. Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
   • Ability to identify project risks and issues, analyze root causes, and implement mitigation strategies.
   • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
7. Professionalism & Adaptability
   • Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
   • Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities, schedules, and project scopes.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. 3+ years Experience working with one or more state of south Carolina agencies in a project manager role for information security projects or initiatives.
2. Experience with security and information technology compliance related to CDC, HIPAA, and CJIS
3. PMP Certification or currently pursuing PMP certification.

Required Education:

Bachelor s degree in a relevant field of work or equivalent year for year work experience.

Preferred Education/Certifications:

• None