Overview
Skills
Job Details
Job Title: Senior Project Manager
Location: Hybrid Springfield, IL (Onsite 2 times per week)
Duration: 18 Months
Project Overview
The Client is undertaking a critical modernization initiative to transform its Grant Management System (GMS), leveraging advanced platforms including AmpliFund Grant Management Software. The agency seeks a seasoned Senior Project Manager with a proven track record in managing large-scale, compliance-driven IT transformations in public sector environments.
This role will lead the end-to-end execution of the project, ensuring strategic alignment, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will act as the primary change agent, driving innovation through business process re-engineering, Agile delivery models, and vendor coordination. The position demands expertise in cross-functional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and technical oversight to optimize grant lifecycle workflows and streamline grants administration across the department.
Key Responsibilities
1. Comprehensive Project Leadership
- Direct all phases of the project lifecycle: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
- Develop and maintain essential project documentation, including charters, schedules, risk registers, budgets, and stakeholder communication plans.
- Apply Project Management Institute (PMI) standards and best practices to effectively manage project scope, time, cost, risk, and quality.
2. Strategic Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary liaison among leadership, technical teams, vendors, and external partners.
- Translate organizational objectives into actionable project deliverables and performance metrics.
- Provide executive updates and progress insights through dashboards, presentations, and formal reporting.
3. Business Process Re-Engineering
- Conduct detailed assessments of existing grant management workflows to identify inefficiencies.
- Lead the design and implementation of re-engineered processes using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
- Guide organizational and cultural transformation to support long-term adoption of new technologies and practices.
4. Governance and Compliance Oversight
- Establish and manage project KPIs in accordance with PMO standards.
- Ensure project compliance with internal IT governance frameworks and applicable regulatory requirements.
5. Vendor and Contract Management
- Oversee complex vendor relationships, ensuring performance against service-level agreements (SLAs).
- Contribute to procurement strategy, vendor onboarding, and contract lifecycle management.
6. Agile and Hybrid SDLC Execution
- Facilitate Agile ceremonies and enforce consistent delivery practices in line with DHS's Agile and hybrid SDLC models.
- Integrate iterative development with overarching project governance to maximize agility and accountability.
7. Performs other related duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the organization.
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
Education & Certifications
- Master's degree in business administration, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification required.
- Lean Six Sigma certification (or equivalent) strongly preferred.
Experience
- 7+ years of experience leading large-scale technical programs or modernization initiatives.
- 5+ years of experience in business analysis, IT transformation, or project leadership within regulated environments.
- Demonstrated experience with public sector or federal/state grant management systems.
- Familiarity with performance tracking and PMO operations.
Technical and Software Proficiency
- Expertise in AmpliFund Grant Management Software is highly desirable.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Project, Visio, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
- Experience with project documentation tools, collaboration platforms, and dashboard/reporting software.
Additional Preferred Skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Project Management Tools for resource planning and scheduling.
- Skilled in standard documentation tools such as SharePoint, Confluence, and Microsoft Teams for collaboration and information governance.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiation abilities.
- Demonstrated executive presence with the ability to engage senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
- High emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the capability to lead through change and ambiguity.