Director, Software Program Management

Director, Software Program Management

US-NJ-Princeton

Job ID: 2023-16308
Type: Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Information Technology

Princeton University

Overview

Software Application Services (SAS), a department within Princeton’s Office of Information Technology (OIT), is responsible for the implementation, maintenance, and support of Princeton University’s enterprise application portfolio of approximate 140 academic and administrative applications. SAS is comprised of approximately 105 developers and support specialists and completes on the order of 200 projects per year. These systems and projects cover essentially all major applications and business functions spanning the entire University.

The Director of Software Program Management is a new role and will be a key member of the SAS senior leadership team. This person partners with the Associate CIO of SAS to help ensure we are providing optimal services in support of the mission of Princeton University. The Director contributes to the departmental vision and guides our multiyear strategic initiatives, projects, and objectives.

The Director will play a central and coordinating role in ensuring that SAS’ software projects are being competently led, that the project documentation is accurate and complete, that responsibilities and status are clearly and completely communicated and understood, and that the needs and objectives of the functional partners and departments being served by these projects are being met. The Director will have their fingers on the pulse of SAS projects spanning the entire University and play an essential role in ensuring that these software projects are progressing as planned, the development teams are clear of obstacles and have the resources they require, and that the objectives of our projects are being met on-time, on-budget, and on-scope.

Responsibilities

• Play a central role in guiding progress on SAS’ annual project slate ensuring we are meeting project objectives on-time, on-budget, and on-scope without overstretching our developers’ capabilities.
• Employ a detailed understanding of SAS’ technologies, technical skillsets, and resource availability in measuring available capacity against business partner demand.
• Work closely with SAS Associate CIO to maintain an accurate, real-time understanding of department commitments against department accomplishments.
• Act as a partner, guide, and problem solver for project managers and software project resources, clearing obstacles, recognizing resource needs, and bringing solutions to project teams.
• Prioritize, manage, and continuously fine-tune project priorities for the department.
Review the risk landscape on SAS services and projects, identifying areas of concern and needed action plans.
• Partner with SAS Directors to establish KPIs for projects that are part of key programs.
• Provide guidance and leadership to SAS’ ongoing planning and coordination efforts.
• Be a trusted advisor to the Associate CIO for SAS on a wide range of project, customer, and business decisions.
• Partner with the Associate CIO and other Directors to define and develop internal and external project- and service-related communications.
• As part of the department’s senior leadership team, contribute to developing the department vision and multiyear strategy.
• Keep abreast of campus customer needs, aspirations, and initiatives and notify the SAS senior leadership team as appropriate.
• Lead special initiatives in partnership with the Associate CIO as needed.
• Represent SAS at various OIT and campus meetings and events.
• Monitor SAS’ progress and performance by watching and tracking key metrics and indicators.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

7+ years of project and program management leadership experience, preferably supporting software services, enterprise applications and technology. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate and influence broadly. Exceptional analytical skills and the ability to identify opportunities and solve problems creatively Strategic thinker with a business mindset. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to assess and communicate a problem and recommend solutions. Listen to and understand the interests of business partners, stakeholders and staff, and advocate for their needs. Exceptional consensus builder. Strong planning skills. Strong experience coordinating and overseeing a large number of diverse and complex projects and initiatives. Ability to work effectively at all levels of an organization and influence others to progress toward a common goal. A commitment to building a diverse organization and an inclusive culture. Education: Bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of IT leadership and management with operations experience at an institution of higher education.
• Project management certification.
• Solid experience working with Agile methodology.
• Education: Master's degree

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

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