Project Manager for Strategic Initiatives

This is a fixed-term benefits-eligible position expected to last 3 years with the possibility of renewal.

About the Department

The Office of the Provost (OtP) is responsible for carrying out the academic mission of the University of Oregon (UO). The office works collaboratively with faculty and staff to enhance academic excellence, student success, and the UO’s overall academic profile. Led by the provost and senior vice president, the OtP is a dynamic, caring community of colleagues committed to the core values of integrity, trust, equity, collaboration, and excellence.

The OtP leads the university's strategic planning efforts, called Oregon Rising, in coordination with other campus leaders. It supports and coordinates matters pertaining to faculty success, including hiring, retention, promotion, and tenure processes. The office promotes the highest standards in teaching, research, and service, working closely with schools, colleges, and other critical academic units to advance institutional and personal flourishing. The OtP is responsible for academic financial allocations and aligning resources with strategic academic priorities. In service to the public mission of the UO, the OtP cultivates reciprocal relationships of engagement and outreach with communities at the local, regional, national, and global levels.

About the Role

The project manager for strategic initiatives provides highly visible project management support for high-impact, strategic projects and initiatives that advance the university’s strategic plan, Oregon Rising, and strategic initiatives within the President’s and Provost’s office. Reporting to the associate Vice President for academic administration and chief of staff, the project manager serves as a strategic partner to all levels of leadership, including executive leaders, advising, coordinating, and directing cross-functional initiatives across the Office of the Provost.

This position is responsible for designing and implementing processes and structures that support institutional strategic planning, leading complex, multi-stakeholder efforts while ensuring alignment across units to execute the institution’s strategic plan, Oregon Rising. The project manager will handle confidential and sensitive projects and represent the Office of the Provost in strategic forums across the university. They will lead and oversee multi-stakeholder projects to guide strategy and action toward implementing Oregon Rising, working closely and collaboratively with other units reporting to the provost.

The project manager assists with the successful delivery of assigned projects within the Office of the Provost and with stakeholders, ensuring the use of standardized project management methodologies, processes, and tools. This position provides oversight and coordination with other project resources and supports personnel as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement processes and structures supporting institutional strategic planning.
• Lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects ensuring alignment across units to execute the strategic plan, Oregon Rising.
• Manage confidential and sensitive projects, representing the Office of the Provost in strategic forums.
• Oversee multi-stakeholder endeavors to guide strategy and action toward implementing Oregon Rising.
• Collaborate with other units reporting to the provost on priority projects and programs.
• Ensure the use of standardized project management methodologies, processes, and tools.
• Provide oversight and coordination with other project resources and support personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Four years of experience in leading high-impact projects within a complex organization.

Skills

• Effective and professional communication abilities.
• Ability to identify project outcomes, design processes, and facilitate meetings to meet project goals.
• Discretion in navigating multiple competing interests.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret complex information and present it effectively to various stakeholders, including senior leadership, faculty, students, and staff.
• Problem-solving skills for complex situations with multiple options.
• Expertise in working effectively and collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Proven ability to work in an interdisciplinary team environment.
• Strong project management, time management, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage details of multiple and complex projects within firm schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to move complex projects forward in a timely manner and maintain project momentum.
• Ability to manage stressful situations professionally and use sound judgment, particularly with sensitive or confidential information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn project management tools such as Smartsheet.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project management experience in a higher education environment.
• Facilitation experience.

Pay

$80,000 - $90,000

Benefits

The University of Oregon offers a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit the university's benefits website.