IT Strategist (Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Analyst), Lansing, MI, Hybrid.

Job Title: IT Strategist (Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Analyst)

Location : Lansing Mi -Hybrid Two days a week

Duration : 1 Year with possible extension

Job description

BACKGROUND

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) administers the IT Investment Fund (ITIF), a legislative appropriation that provides funding for critical IT modernization, cybersecurity, innovation, and infrastructure projects across State of Michigan agencies. Given the scope, visibility, and complexity of these initiatives, DTMB requires strong portfolio oversight and independent assurance activities to ensure successful project delivery. Within DTMB, the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office (EPMO) operates the State Unified Information Technology Environment (SUITE), which provides standards, methodologies, and governance support across Project Management, Systems Engineering, and Investment Management practices. As part of this structure, the Investment Management program within the SUITE team is specifically responsible for administering the ITIF portfolio, overseeing investment governance processes, portfolio- level reporting, and project performance monitoring.

This staff augmentation resource will be embedded within the SUITE Investment Management team and will play a critical role in:

Providing Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) services for selected ITIF-funded projects. Assessing project health, risk management, deliverable quality, and compliance with applicable standards. Identifying risks and opportunities for escalation to the EPMO and DTMB executive leadership. Supporting proactive oversight and risk mitigation efforts at both the project and portfolio levels.

While the primary focus will be on ITIF-funded initiatives, the resource may also provide IV&V services to other high-visibility, politically sensitive, or complex non-ITIF projects within the DTMB portfolio ascapacity and priorities dictate. The role is designed to strengthen DTMB's ability to deliver transformational projects successfully while maintaining public trust, fiscal responsibility, and operational excellence.

POSITION DUTIES

Conduct IV&V activities across assigned DTMB projects, ensuring objective, independent assessment of project health, deliverables, and compliance with DTMB standards.

Review key project documentation, including charters, project management plans, schedules, risk registers, and contracts.

Evaluate deliverables for quality, completeness, and adherence to requirements.

Identify risks, issues, and deficiencies early, and recommend mitigation strategies.

Monitor project progress against scope, schedule, budget, and quality metrics.

Develop and deliver:

o IV&V Service Plans for assigned projects.

o Monthly Project Health Assessment Reports.

o Independent Deliverable Review Assessments.

o Risk and Issue Logs with mitigation recommendations.

o Executive Briefings for Steering Committees and leadership as needed.

o Final IV&V Summary Reports at project closeout.

Collaborate with project managers, agency stakeholders, and executive sponsors while maintaining independence of judgment.

Ensure all reports and documentation meet DTMB's quality standards and templates.

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum 5 years of IT project management experience, preferably supporting large, complex technology initiatives.

Minimum 5 years providing Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) or equivalent quality assurance services.

Demonstrated experience supporting high-visibility, politically sensitive projects in a public sector or highly regulated environment.

Strong understanding of project management frameworks (e.g., PMI's PMBOK), risk management practices, and quality assurance principles.

Excellent analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills.

Ability to prepare professional-grade reports and executive briefings.

Proven ability to assess project health objectively and recommend actionable solutions.

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field (required).

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (preferred).

Additional certifications such as Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) are a plus.