Principal Project Manager

Harvard University
Position Title: Principal Project Manager
Req ID: 66819BR
School or Unit: University Administration
Description: Job Summary
The Principal Project Manager (PM) is a key member of the Central Administration (CADM) Project Management Office (PMO) and reports to the Director of the CADM PMO. The CADM PMO addresses a wide variety of projects across CADM and the University's multiple disciplines. Projects vary from delivering on a straightforward task to solving complex challenges that have university-wide impact.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Principal Project Manager to lead process improvement initiatives across various departments within our university. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing a variety of complex projects. The Principal Project Manager will be responsible for driving decision-making processes, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring the successful execution of initiatives that enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the university.
Position Description
Lead Process Improvement Initiatives: Identify, design, and implement process improvements across different functional areas, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
Project Management: Simultaneously manage several projects at different stages of completion. Oversee planning, execution and operationalization, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within scope. Develop project plans, build content to facilitate discussions, and document key business requirements and outcomes.
Facilitate Decision Making: Collaborate with university leadership and stakeholders to facilitate decision-making processes that align with strategic goals.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the university, including faculty and administration, to ensure alignment and support for project initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with diverse teams across different functional areas-including sponsored research administration, campus services, finance, human resources, and other university departments-to drive project success.
Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the successful delivery of projects.
Change Management: Lead change management efforts-including communication, training, and support-to ensure smooth transitions and adoption of new processes.
Continuous Improvement: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented changes and make recommendations for ongoing improvements.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
Minimum of 8 years' post-secondary education or relevant work experience
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
Demonstrated cross-functional project management experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Experience transforming business processes in a large, decentralized environment highly desired
Ability to build consensus amongst stakeholders from a variety of functions across the organization that have differing priorities
Demonstrated team-based, client service mindset, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor and maintain confidential information
Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple, challenging projects simultaneously
Exceptional interpersonal, communication (both written and oral), and negotiation skills
Demonstrated track record of effective leadership and ability to foster strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders across all levels and ranges of expertise
Demonstrated ability to influence others without direct supervisory responsibility
Ability and willingness to quickly understand and navigate new functional areas, even without direct prior experience
Proficiency with MS Office suite and project management software and tools
Project management experience in a higher education environment is preferred, but not required
Experience with sponsored research administration is preferred, but not required
PMP or other relevant certification and experience preferred, e.g., Scrum Master
Additional Information
Candidates meeting some of the qualifications who are looking for an exceptional opportunity to contribute to university initiatives are encouraged to apply.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
#LI-CS1
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 360059 Admin Offcr/SrIndiv Contrib
Job Function: General Administration
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 059
Department: CF&A
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity
Schedule: Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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