Work Model: Hybrid, 2 days a week on site

Allows Relocation: NO, must be within 90 miles

SUMMARY/RESPONSIBILITIES

This position provides oversight, leadership, accountability and project management functions for large strategic projects and programs with high visibility at the Agency Executive level. These projects and programs require a fully dedicated project manager due to the level of complexity, degree of intricate detail and accountability to executive leadership. Strategic projects typically have a large diverse set of stakeholders, utilize vendor participation, require coordination of multiple complex schedules and significant integration with other systems. Strategic projects typically have durations of 2 years or longer with 50 or more team members, require communication at the Agency Executive level and have a significant risk. This position will ensure consistency with the State of Michigan project management methodology (SUITE), perform long-term release planning based on organizational direction, regularly interact with the project management teams for status of budget, quality and schedule, escalate issues and risks as needed to executives and exercise project quality control activities to ensure project scope expectations are met.

RESPONSIBILITIES

·        Manage direct engagement with stakeholders and vendors, dedicating approximately 15–20% of time to executive-level communication, including high-level project oversight, stakeholder alignment, and leading monthly sponsor meetings to provide project health updates

·        Serves as a central point of coordination between product owners, development leadership, and business stakeholders to ensure clarity in release scope and expectations. 

·        Proven track record of taking ownership of program or operational functions, including designing intake models, defining governance structures, and driving execution independently without requiring significant direction.

·        Provide planning, staffing, and reporting to ensure the successful completion of assigned projects according to the sponsor’s goals and objectives. Planning, staffing and reporting should adhere to the State of Michigan’s SUITE Project Management Methodology and the Agency’s project prioritization process. Planning, staffing and reporting spans the entire lifecycle of the project from initiation to closeout.

·        Demonstrated ability to work independently in ambiguous environments, establishing work intake processes, governance frameworks, and operational procedures with minimal oversight.

·        Perform miscellaneous functions as needed to contribute to the overall operation and objectives of the Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB).

·        Highly self-directed professional capable of assessing organizational needs, building governance and work intake processes from the ground up, and creating sustainable operating models that enable effective prioritization, decision-making, and execution

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• 5+ years of experience working effectively in team environments within matrix organizations
• 5+ years of experience resolving complex, high-priority conflicts and competing requirements
• 5+ years of experience applying Project Management principles, methodologies, and best practices
• 5+ years of experience with system development methodologies for building new systems and enhancing existing information systems
• 5+ years of experience communicating stakeholder needs clearly and effectively
• 5+ years of experience communicating across teams, building consensus, facilitating working sessions, and negotiating outcomes
• 5+ years of experience managing stakeholder relationships, maintaining positive interactions, and resolving issues

Preferred:

·        Previous experience working in a government or public sector environment is preferred

·        Experience in multiple relevant roles (e.g., Project Manager, Program Manager, Project Coordinator, or similar leadership/support roles) is preferred

MANAGER NOTES

·        The team is looking for someone who is more independent and has experience with conducting work intakes/setting up their own governance structure. This is for the SOMI's MDOT Agile Release Management, Cold Fusion Development Project. The ideal candidate for this role should have previous extensive experience setting up and working on agile projects from start to finish.

·        A Project Log/Portfolio will be required for submission to the hiring manager.

PRE-EMPLOYEMENT & CLIENT SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Employment and/or client submission is contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment screening and verification processes. These requirements include:

• Background check: Candidates must successfully complete the required background screening in accordance with company policy and applicable law.
• Drug screening: Candidates must successfully complete the required drug screening in accordance with company policy, applicable client requirements, and applicable law.
• Identity and location verification: Candidates may be required to complete identity and/or location verification using a secure verification tool prior to client submission.
• Employment eligibility: Candidates must provide appropriate documentation to verify employment eligibility as required by law.
• Qualification verification: Information provided during the application and recruiting process, including employment history, education, certifications, licenses, and professional references, may be verified as applicable.
• Additional client requirements: Additional screening, documentation, or verification may be required based on the client, position, work location, or applicable requirements.

All screening and verification activities will be conducted in accordance with applicable company policies, client requirements, and federal, state, and local laws.

BENEFITS

This is a contract opportunity with a great organization. As a contractor for Smith Johnson, you are eligible for medical, dental, life, disability. Smith Johnson pays for 70% of your medical and dental and 100% of life and disability. The contract is also eligible for PTO/holiday accrued monthly. You are also eligible for a 3% retirement matching plan. Smith Johnson believes in taking care of our contractors.