Senior IT Project Manager

Job Summary

Plan, conduct, and supervise the completion of complex information technology projects in a unit or department, requiring high levels of functional integration and involving multiple disciplines to be managed. May manage a number of projects and/or programs simultaneously.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

The Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research (CBAR), an organization within the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, is responsible for the design, monitoring and statistical analysis of clinical trials and observational studies for several major national and international NIH-funded clinical research networks. CBAR employs over 70 statisticians and epidemiologists including Harvard faculty, research scientists and staff. Investigators within CBAR have provided statistical leadership and support for clinical research networks for more than twenty five years. Currently this includes infectious disease networks such as: the Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Groups (ACTG), the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Group (IMPAACT), the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS), and the Influenza Research Collaboration (IRC).  Results from studies have helped to establish the paradigm for the treatment and prevention of HIV and other infectious diseases, and contributed to international treatment and prevention guidelines. The Senior IT Project Manager position is part of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's Department of Information Technology, providing state of the art computational expertise to the CBAR.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Leads and successfully delivers multiple (concurrent) high priority, complex information technology projects involving the IT and/or Programming Teams -- from ideation stage through delivery and transitioning to service operation; defines and clearly scopes out projects

• Estimates projects using multiple techniques to arrive at realistic schedules; clearly highlights methods used and assumptions made when communicating estimates

• Actively identifies and manages project risks, issues, and decisions; navigates a complex organization in order to facilitate resolution

• Facilitates coordination between teams, communications for planning, analysis, design, user testing and acceptance and implementation

• May be responsible for managing multiple CBAR partners and IT relationships; able to develop deep relationships through trusting interactions 

• Reviews documentation for completeness and accuracy (e.g., Project Charters, Risk Assessments, Scope of Work Statements, etc.); ensures documentation is properly completed according to established GCP standards, federal regulations and internal SOPs

• With assistance from the IT Team, responsible for creating and updating regulatory compliance documents; e.g., FISMA documents, ATO, ISA, MOU, SSP, Installation/Operation Qualification and Validation, etc.

• Lead effort to communicate with end users and senior management about downtime and changes. Provides consistent, timely, and well-crafted project progress status reporting and communications; will send out Smart Notice alerts and updates to users regarding system problems

• Delivers project results predictably; on time, on budget, and on quality

• Manage project budgets; able to develop long range resource forecasts

• Mentor others in project management and offers various problem-solving tools to guide people, processes and outcomes

• Other duties as assigned

Typical Core Duties

• Responsible for assembling project team, assigning individual responsibilities, identifying appropriate resources needed, and developing schedules to ensure timely completion of project

• Responsible for project discovery

• Serve as expert regarding scope and project objectives, solution’s value and technology, as well as the role and function of each team member

• Ensure work completion within schedule, budgetary and design constraints

• Make decisions about analysis, design and testing; solve complex technical problems; and, when necessary, provide alternative methods for achieving goals

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to leverage resources for successful project completion

• Make independent decisions within the confines established by sponsors/business owners

• Serve as primary contact with user groups and stakeholders

• Leverage steering and executive committees for decision-making, change management, and communications

• Absorb and leverage project related technology to ensure effective project management and collaboration

• Advise unit/school regarding post project operations

• Provide training to clients/staff

• Apply Harvard University’s IT technical standards and best practices

• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT Code of Conduct

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of five years' post-secondary education and/or relevant work experience

• Demonstrated cross-functional project management experience

Additional Qualifications

• Experience with large IT projects, including experience with cross-functional project management. Linux/Unix OS experience is a plus

• Experience with an enterprise PM tool such as MS Project, Jira, Asana, or related preferred

• Strong organization and communication skills, and experience communicating professionally with people inside and outside the organization preferred

• Experience working independently and as part of a team, paying close attention to detail, prioritizing diverse tasks, and coordinating workflow among staff preferred

• Knowledge of information technology applications, processes, software and equipment preferred

• Familiarity with human subject research, FISMA compliance, and 21 CFR Part 11 regulations is a plus

• Familiarity with key ITIL concepts or experience working in an IT organization is a plus

• Demonstrates the following interpersonal attributes: Adaptable, flexible; uses grace & tact under pressure; unflappable when confronting challenges; resilient; positive outlook and "can do" attitude; respectful and approachable style preferred

• Exceptional, yet flexible communication skills can "take charge of the conference room" as well as lead two-way, trusting communications with technical project teams preferred

• ​PMP or other relevant certification and experience preferred (e.g. - PMI)

Certificates and Licenses

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy Project Management Foundations course (or external equivalent) preferred

• PMP or other relevant certification and experience preferred, e.g., Scrum Master

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.

• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period.

• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship for administrative and staff positions.