Strategic Project Manager (Project Manager II) - 61159195

Full Job Description

The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.

Job Purpose:
The South Carolina Department of Education is seeking an accomplished Project Manager to oversee the implementation of the Agency’s transformation initiatives. This role is crucial in ensuring projects align with Agency objectives and are delivered successfully. The ideal candidate will have experience in project management, requirement gathering, organizational transformation, and change management.

Responsibilities:

•Spearhead Strategic Project Planning: Lead the development of comprehensive project plans that encompass scope, risk, quality, cost, change management, communications, procurement, work breakdown structures, and scheduling to drive organizational success.
•Forge Collaborative Partnerships with Project Sponsors: Engage proactively with project sponsors to co-create project charters, define ambitious goals, and set strategic priorities that align with the organization's vision.
•Champion Proactive Risk Management: Lead risk assessments and mitigation strategies with a balanced, business-priority-driven approach, ensuring project resilience and adaptability.
•Lead Transformational Change Initiatives: Assume leadership roles in change management processes, guiding teams through transitions that enhance organizational effectiveness and innovation.
•Ensure Excellence in Project Documentation: Oversee the creation and maintenance of critical project documentation throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring transparency and accountability.
•Implement Strategic Communication Frameworks: Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans to facilitate effective internal and external stakeholder engagement, fostering a culture of openness and collaboration.
•Define and Drive Project Scope and Requirements: Conduct in-depth analyses to establish clear project scopes and requirements, identifying essential resources and skill sets to achieve strategic objectives.
•Coordinate and Advocate for Strategic Changes: Manage and recommend modifications to project specifications in collaboration with sponsors, teams, and stakeholders, ensuring alignment with evolving organizational goals.
•Stay at the Forefront of Project Management Excellence: Continuously enhance project management expertise by engaging in self-study, reviewing professional journals, and participating in industry forums to integrate best practices.
•Drive Continuous Process Improvement: Lead initiatives focused on refining delivery methodologies and related processes, contributing to the organization's agility and competitive edge.

This position is located in the Division of Agency Operations.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science, etc.).
• Three plus (3+) years of experience in project management with proficiency in technology.
• Proficient in planning, organizing, and managing strategic and tactical assignments and project management activities associated with state-wide enterprise and agency level information technology initiatives.
• Expertise in managing the planning, execution, and successful delivery of numerous concurrent projects, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and fostering transformative outcomes.
• Experience in delivering insightful and timely project performance reporting, enabling data-driven decision-making and proactive strategy adjustments to drive success.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Ability to combine deep business knowledge with management skills to inspire teams, cultivate a collaborative culture, and achieve strategic goals.

Additional Information

As a part of a generous compensation package, we offer comprehensive benefits that include generous paid time off, preeminent health care benefits, professional development opportunities, pension, a 401(k), and a hybrid work schedule with opportunity for remote work.

The South Carolina Department of Education offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs