Senior Project Manager

Grinnell College is seeking a collaborative and experienced Senior Project Manager to join the Information Technology Services Project Management Office (PMO). This highly visible position will lead complex, institution-wide technology modernization and business transformation initiatives that advance Grinnell College’s strategic priorities. Partner with senior leaders, faculty, and administrative offices to drive organizational change and deliver meaningful outcomes for students, faculty, and staff.

About the Role

The Senior Project Manager serves as a trusted partner and strategic advisor to project sponsors, campus leaders, and stakeholders across the institution, providing leadership in project planning, coordination, communication, governance, and execution. The position will initially play a significant role in supporting the College's upcoming Higher Learning Commission accreditation review, providing an opportunity to develop a deep understanding of Grinnell's culture, governance, and institutional priorities while leading important campus-wide initiatives. Other projects may include ERP modernization, software implementations and integrations, business process improvement, and digital experience improvements for students, faculty, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide initiatives involving organizational change, process improvement, technology modernization, and cross-functional collaboration in support of the academic mission and strategic priorities.
• Partner with project sponsors and ITS leadership regarding project priorities, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and implementation approaches.
• Establish trust and alignment across diverse stakeholder groups to advance initiatives.
• Apply project management best practices to develop project plans and schedules, and coordinate with specialists on communication, training, and change management plans.
• Ensure projects are completed successfully and institutional outcomes are achieved.
• Build productive partnerships across academic and administrative divisions while fostering collaboration, accountability, and shared ownership of outcomes.
• Facilitate meetings with project teams, vendors, consultants, and stakeholders; monitor progress, identify and resolve risks and issues, and communicate status, tradeoffs, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership.
• Participate in working groups and non-PMO led projects as requested to advance institutional objectives.
• Support PMO operations, governance, and portfolio management, including regular status reporting and consistent use of PMO methodologies, standards, and practices.
• Maintain project metrics, dashboards, and schedules.
• Contribute to strategic portfolio planning and prioritization discussions that help the College maximize institutional value and organizational capacity.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership, governance groups, and stakeholders.
• Serve as a mentor and thought partner for colleagues seeking to strengthen project and change management capabilities.
• Consult with faculty and staff on project management approaches, resources, tools, and best practices.
• Develop and deliver training, resources, templates, and guidance to advance project management maturity across the institution.
• Participate in professional development to maintain project management expertise and certification requirements.
• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of project and portfolio management practices in the PMO and at the College.

About Grinnell College

At Grinnell College, meaningful work is grounded in collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to advancing student success. Senior Project Managers lead initiatives that influence the experiences of students, faculty, and staff while helping advance systems and technology at a nationally recognized liberal arts institution.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare
• Retirement benefits
• Paid leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational benefits

Grinnell College values diversity, equity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility. We seek candidates who share these commitments and are ready to collaborate across the College to strengthen belonging, advance our mission, and contribute to the communities we serve.