IT Project Manager*

This work involves leading projects through budgeting, planning, implementation, and supporting documentation. The work requires considerable judgment, discretion, and expertise to successfully implement, manage, and evaluate projects and initiatives at the agency level and is characterized by significant technical or project leadership that may include organizing and motivating a project team. A successful candidate will:

• Coordinate their portfolio of agencies’ software and database access
• Workwith staff to determine technology needs and propose solutions to meet those needs. This includes leading projects through budgeting, planning, implementation, and supporting documentation.?
• Use judgment, discretion, and expertise to successfully implement, manage, and evaluate IT projects and initiatives at the agency level and is characterized by significant technical or project leadership that include organizing and motivating a project team.

We are looking for candidates who are able to demonstrate the following skills:

• Implement third-party software purchases from evaluation to production.?
• Plan for system scalability, growth, and budget requirements.?
• Develop realistic estimates, establish realistic schedules and meet deadlines on a consistent basis.?
• Facilitate projects, recommend change and communicate methods.?
• Work independently, manage multiple projects on an ongoing basis.?
• Work with both users and project team members to resolve problems in a timely and effective manner.?
• Communicate and work effectively with users, department staff, vendors, and consultants.?
• Work well under pressure.?

• Develop, maintain, and execute comprehensive project plans covering scope, schedule, budget, quality, human resources, communications, risks, and impacted parties.
• Manage full project lifecycle, including requirements gathering, design, change management, testing, integration, implementation, and post-project evaluation.
• Track, review, and report project progress; identify variances and implement corrective actions to ensure project objectives are achieved.
• Identify project parties of interest and their needs, influence, and potential impact.
• Develop and implement communication strategies to keep all parties informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage organizational changes resulting from projects, ensuring adoption, buy-in, and minimal disruption to employees and operations.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks; develop response strategies to minimize negative impacts.
• Ensure resources are allocated effectively and team interactions are productive.
• Conduct post-project reviews, document lessons learned and update organizational process assets.
• Coordinate handoffs and ensure smooth transition of responsibilities to agencies and IT teams.
• Oversee third-party software implementations: Identify and evaluate products, define requirements, participate in Request For Proposal (RFP) process and contract negotiations, create project plans, and facilitate the management of projects.
• Coordinate and implement security best practices and standards with vendors, IT and agency staff in compliance with regulatory requirements and auditors.
• Develop and produce system documentation, instructional and procedural manuals.
• Maintain effective and professional relationships with vendors and their technical support personnel.
• Ensure adherence to best practices and City policies and procedures.

• Conduct regular meetings with agencies to assess new technology and project requests and track outstanding tickets.
• Collaborate with agencies on prioritizing project requests based on strategic value, risk management, and anticipated return on investment.
• Communicate with IT Leadership, Agency Leadership and impacted parties on project priorities and project progress.
• Facilitate a collaborative environment and strong working relationships with agencies and IT staff.
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews to ensure that project work stays on track and will deliver anticipated benefits.
• Work with system owners to track lifecycle of existing IT solutions and proactively plan for end of life and depreciation of aging systems.
• Account for planned growth and expansion of systems.

• Train and stay current on industry standard technologies as needed.
• Attend team meetings.
• Maintain records, prepare status reports, and document communications.
• Develop and deliver progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation, and presentations.
• Include racial equity and social justice considerations in projects and initiatives.
• Assist in emergency preparedness activities by ensuring you are trained to internal policies and procedures to meet agency response and recovery needs safely. Be prepared and respond as directed to all hazards when an agency's emergency plans are activated.

• Four (4) years of experience applying the following:
  • Personal computer system technology (hardware and software) installation and/or troubleshooting
  • A wide range of software and hardware applications;
  • Project management tools and techniques on large-scale projects. 
  • Assessment and implementation of third-party software purchases.
  • Assessment of business needs and determination of appropriate technology solutions.    

• Two (2) years of advanced-level professional IT Specialist experience, similar to that of an IT Specialist 2 with the City of Madison
• Two (2) years of project management experience;
• Associate's or higher level degree in computer science or a related field.

Ability to meet the transportation requirements of the position.

Physical Requirements:

Work is primarily sedentary in nature and performed in an office environment. Employees will be expected to use standard office equipment such as a telephone, computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Employees may be expected to visit sites throughout the City in order to troubleshoot issues.

*Payroll title for this position is IT Specialist 3.