Project Manager 3 – Agile Release Management

Location: Lansing, MI
Work Arrangement: Hybrid – Onsite Tuesday & Wednesday from Day 1
Duration: 1 Year with Possible Extension
Interview: In-Person
Candidate Requirement: Local Michigan candidates only

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager 3 to provide leadership, governance, and end-to-end project management for large, complex Agile technology initiatives.

The ideal candidate will be a highly independent professional with strong experience in Agile release governance, work intake, governance framework development, stakeholder management, and software development methodologies. The successful candidate will be capable of establishing work intake processes and governance structures from the ground up while managing projects through the complete lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage large, strategic technology projects from initiation through closeout.

• Establish and manage Agile release governance structures, work intake processes, and operational procedures.

• Coordinate between Product Owners, development leadership, business stakeholders, vendors, and project teams.

• Develop project plans, schedules, staffing strategies, status reports, risk plans, and governance processes.

• Manage project scope, schedule, resources, risks, issues, dependencies, quality, and deliverables.

• Facilitate planning meetings, governance forums, working sessions, and stakeholder discussions.

• Provide executive-level communication regarding project health, risks, issues, dependencies, and key decisions.

• Build consensus across teams with competing priorities and requirements.

• Resolve complex conflicts and negotiate outcomes between business and technical teams.

• Manage vendor relationships and coordinate vendor participation.

• Establish prioritization and decision-making processes for incoming work.

• Identify, manage, and escalate critical risks and issues.

• Ensure project activities follow established project management methodologies and organizational standards.

• Support long-term release planning based on organizational priorities.

• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

• Work independently in ambiguous environments and develop sustainable operating models with minimal supervision.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience working within Agile release governance structures.

• 5+ years of experience working in matrix organizations and cross-functional teams.

• 5+ years of experience resolving complex conflicts and competing priorities.

• 5+ years of experience applying Project Management methodologies and best practices.

• 5+ years of experience with SDLC/software development methodologies.

• Strong stakeholder communication and relationship management skills.

• Experience facilitating working sessions, building consensus, and negotiating outcomes.

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects from initiation through completion.

• Experience establishing or improving work intake, governance, prioritization, and operational processes.

• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous government or public-sector experience.

• Experience working as a Project Manager, Program Manager, Project Coordinator, or similar leadership role.

• PMP, CAPM, PfMP, or other relevant project management certification.

• Experience with Agile frameworks such as Scrum, SAFe, or Kanban.

• Experience working with executive-level stakeholders and sponsors.

• Experience managing complex technology projects involving multiple teams and vendors.

Primary Skills

Agile Project Management | Agile Release Governance | Project Governance | Work Intake | Governance Framework | Release Planning | Stakeholder Management | Executive Communication | Matrix Organization | Conflict Resolution | Consensus Building | Negotiation | SDLC | Risk & Issue Management | Vendor Management | Program Management

Important Requirements

• Michigan residents only.

• Candidate must reside in Michigan at the time of submission.

• No remote-only option.

• Must be available onsite in Lansing, MI, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Day 1.

• Must be available for an in-person interview.

• Candidates should be prepared to provide a separate Project Log/Portfolio outlining previous projects, roles, responsibilities, and major work performed.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a senior, self-directed Agile Project Manager or Program Manager who can independently establish governance and intake processes, manage complex cross-functional initiatives, communicate effectively with executive stakeholders, resolve competing priorities, and drive projects from initiation through successful delivery and closeout.