Project Manager

Strategic Project Manager

This position provides oversight, leadership, accountability, and project management functions for large strategic projects and programs with high visibility at the Agency Executive level. These projects and programs require a fully dedicated project manager due to the level of complexity, degree of intricate detail, and accountability to executive leadership. Strategic projects typically have a large diverse set of stakeholders, utilize vendor participation, require coordination of multiple complex schedules, and significant integration with other systems. Strategic projects typically have durations of 2 years or longer with 50 or more team members, require communication at the Agency Executive level, and have a significant risk. This position will ensure consistency with the State of Michigan project management methodology (SUITE), perform long-term release planning based on organizational direction, regularly interact with the project management teams for status of budget, quality, and schedule, escalate issues and risks as needed to executives, and exercise project quality control activities to ensure project scope expectations are met.

Job Duties:

• Manage direct engagement with stakeholders and vendors, dedicating approximately 1520% of time to executive-level communication, including high-level project oversight, stakeholder alignment, and leading monthly sponsor meetings to provide project health updates.
• Establish and monitor project controlling methods to ensure timely knowledge and awareness of changes to project cost, quality, or schedule.
• Provide planning, staffing, and reporting to ensure the successful completion of assigned projects according to the sponsor's goals and objectives. Planning, staffing, and reporting should adhere to the State of Michigan's SUITE Project Management Methodology and the Agency's project prioritization process.
• Directs and coordinates the day-to-day activities, tasks, and deliverables required from the project team according to the project plan.
• Perform miscellaneous functions as needed to contribute to the overall operation and objectives of the Department of Technology, Management & Budget.

Requirements:

• 5+ years: Experience working effectively in team environments within matrix organizations
• Experience resolving complex, high-priority conflicts and competing requirements
• Experience applying Project Management principles, methodologies, and best practices
• Experience with system development methodologies for building new systems and enhancing existing information systems
• Experience communicating stakeholder needs clearly and effectively
• Experience analyzing data, identifying problems, and developing actionable solutions
• Experience communicating across teams, building consensus, facilitating working sessions, and negotiating outcomes
• Experience managing stakeholder relationships, maintaining positive interactions, and resolving issues
• Desired Skills: Previous experience working in a government or public sector environment
• Experience in multiple relevant roles (e.g., Project Manager, Program Manager, Project Coordinator, or similar leadership/support roles)
• Minimum Education: None
• Location: Local candidates (candidate MUST reside in the State of Michigan by the time of submission)
• Position is a hybrid schedule with NO REMOTE ONLY OPTION. Will need to be onsite from day 1, two days a week. (Onsite days are Tuesday/Wednesday)
• Working hours: Monday-Friday, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Additional Requirements: Must be authorized to work in the United States; We are unable to offer sponsorships at this time. Must undergo a background check and drug screening for employment.
• Employment Terms: This is a W2 position 40 hrs per week HYBRID schedule - NO REMOTE ONLY OPTION. Will need to be onsite from day 1, two days a week. (Onsite days are Tuesday/Wednesday)
• About Zenfreed: At Zenfreed, we are more than an IT company. We bridge the gap between people wanting to do the work they were meant to do and organizations needing the right talent. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
• Benefits: We understand a comprehensive benefits package is crucial to employment satisfaction. We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage options for all employees.