Project Manager

Application Instructions CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click Apply and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. Position Specifics The Office of Physical Plant (OPP) seeks a talented and motivated Project Manager - Advanced Professional to join our Project Management Office (PMO). This position will report to the PMO Supervisor and focus on providing effective project management on large initiatives across OPP. The selected candidate will be responsible for delivering all projects on time, within budget, and with a high-quality outcome to OPP business operations. The Project Manager is a professional practitioner of project management responsible for leading and delivering complex projects through the application of established project management methodologies, governance frameworks, and industry best practices. The candidate will manage the full project lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closeout. They will serve as the central point of accountability for project performance and will work across organizational boundaries to align stakeholders, resources, schedules, budgets, risks, and deliverables to achieve project objectives. Responsibilities Lead projects through the full lifecycle, applying established methodologies, standards, and governance practices. Develop and maintain comprehensive project management plans, covering scope, schedule, budget, quality, communications, procurement, resources, stakeholder engagement, and risk management. Facilitate project steering committees, executive reviews, and stakeholder decision-making processes. Partner with executive sponsors, stakeholders, functional leaders, and project teams to define project objectives, business requirements, success criteria, and expected outcomes. Direct project planning activities including charters, business cases, work breakdown structures, schedules, resource plans, cost estimates, and baselines. Monitor and control project performance through tools, metrics, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms. Manage project scope, schedule, cost, quality, risks, issues, assumptions, dependencies, and change requests to ensure project objectives are achieved. Identify, assess, escalate, and mitigate project risks and issues; develop contingency and recovery plans when necessary. Coordinate cross-functional teams and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders without direct reporting relationships. Lead project meetings, status reviews, risk assessments, lessons learned sessions, and project closeout activities. Facilitate vendor evaluations, feasibility studies, requests for proposals, and contract-related project activities as applicable. Ensure project compliance with institutional policies, governance requirements, regulatory obligations, and industry standards. Produce and maintain project documentation, including charters, schedules, status reports, financial reports, risk registers, issue logs, change requests, stakeholder analyses, and closeout reports. Advise leadership on project management practices, portfolio priorities, project health, and organizational maturity. Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of project management standards, methodologies, tools, templates, and processes. May provide mentoring, coaching, and professional development guidance. Education and Experience Industry-recognized project management certification (e.g., PMI PMP, CAPM, PRINCE2, Agile certifications) is preferred. A strong commitment to customer service, substantial technical aptitude, excellent problem-solving, analysis, and critical thinking skills, quality verbal and written communication, and presentation skills. Ability to learn new things quickly and independently, high performance in a team environment, and proven ability to work successfully in a diverse work environment are required. Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. No required certifications. Background Checks / Clearances Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Salary & Benefits The salary range for this position is $81,312.00 - $122,016.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. EEO Statement Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. 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