Director, Program Management (Campus Modernization) (supporting Kern Community College District/3 campuses)

About the role

The Director, Program Management, Campus Modernization will lead both strategic and tactical activities and campus communications to build consensus around the value of collaboration in a public higher education institution as a member of the CCC community and engage with the entire Kern Multi-Campus District.

This position is open to relocation and relocation assistance is offered.

Responsibilities

• Lead SaaS modernization and organizational change initiative through all phases of the Ellucian Implementation Methodology
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with internal team members, client stakeholders, and district-wide personnel (including Union/Classified Employees)
• Clearly communicate project plans, roles, constraints, milestones, and critical path activities to team members and stakeholders
• Apply standardized project management methodologies, delivery frameworks, and tracking practices to develop effective project plans and deliver high-quality solutions
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks while recognizing and leveraging opportunities
• Co-lead project team status meetings to monitor progress, manage dependencies, and ensure milestones are achieved
• Coordinate and manage both customer and internal resources
• Provide timely, proactive communication of project activities, decisions, and updates to all relevant parties up to and including Board Members
• Help translate goals into executable tactics through identifying responsible parties, needed resources, deadlines, and assessments
• Facilitate discussions with leadership and key sponsors to support decision-making related to project/initiative milestones and key decision points
• Lead project governance committees, managing resources effectively and guiding cross-functional teams in resolving risks and issues

Requirements

• Proven project management experience, ideally within SaaS or cloud implementation environments, leading complex, cross-functional initiatives with change leadership methods
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with an emphasis on clarity, professionalism, and impact
• Demonstrated commitment to customer satisfaction and delivering high-quality project outcomes
• Demonstrated expertise in leading CRM or ERP SaaS implementation projects, with deep knowledge of cloud-based project delivery practices
• Demonstrated experience leading projects with Ellucian solution set highly desirable
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed to support business objectives and project activities

Qualifications

• Current knowledge of use and trends of technology in higher education preferred
• Working experience within the higher education industry preferred

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
• Experience with Smartsheet is preferred