Strategic Project Manager

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is seeking a talented Strategic Project Manager to support and coordinate high-priority University projects from concept to implementation. The person in this role will work collaboratively across the University to support high-level strategic planning issues and initiatives within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration (SVPFA). The SVPFA leads all financial and administrative affairs for the University and oversees the financial offices of the controller, investment management, planning and budget, and treasury, as well as the administrative areas of human resources, public safety, facilities and real estate, information technology, purchasing, risk management and internal audit. This role will focus on key strategic initiatives within the Finance and Administration portfolio. The Strategic Project Manager must have the ability to lead projects and teams and to provide detailed project management support for a variety of different types of initiatives. This leadership 

will include the ability to prioritize competing demands, and to draw upon, delegate, and foster collaboration among team members and stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the project in the allotted time frame. They must be able to diligently manage project resources, manage timelines, track milestones and deliverables, maintain budgets, and produce high-quality written reports/presentations.

This role requires considerable judgment, tact, creativity, adaptability, and initiative; the ability to produce high quality work product within tight deadlines; flexibility and willingness to adjust 

to changing priorities to meet organizational needs; an unwavering commitment to service; a positive outlook; and a high level of confidentiality.

Success depends, at a minimum, on,

• The ability to closely manage all aspects of a portfolio of complex, cross-functional projects from inception to completion. The person in this role must be able to flex into various roles as needed, sometimes managing projects fairly autonomously, and sometimes supporting and enabling the work of the Senior Advisor, other members of the SVPFA’s team, or other project managers throughout Finance and Administration.
• Significant experience with project planning methodologies, tools, and concepts.
• The ability to independently and objectively assess business processes and plans, and work with subject matter experts and leaders to develop recommendations for enhancements.
• The development and maintenance of relationships with colleagues throughout University Administration and the broader University.
• The ability to make sense of complex information and apply a systematic, disciplined approach to solve complex problems, manage projects, work collaboratively and in support of others, and adapt to changing situations.

The ideal candidate will organize tasks, set priorities, track deadlines, support the work of subject matter experts, and make decisions based on analytical and innovative thinking within

established guidelines.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

(80%) – Manage Individual Projects

• Support strategic initiatives, issues, and projects of high priority for senior leadership.
• Independently manage complex, high priority projects, including creating and adhering to project work plans, managing key stakeholders, and ensuring technical feasibility.
• Support senior staff/leadership with larger, more complex projects as needed.
• Lead or participate in multiple projects by completing and updating project plans and related documentation; managing project scope; ensuring efficient and on-time delivery
• of project tasks and milestones; following proper escalation paths; and managing relationships.
• Develop and maintain a detailed project plan to monitor progress. Track project performance to ensure the successful completion of short and long-term goals.
• Work with stakeholders to ensure that projects stay on track and are completed on time and on budget.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with projects and project timelines; report and escalate issues (and possible solutions) to leadership as needed.
• Measure performance using appropriate project management tools and techniques.
• Act as liaison/intermediary between multiple departments and provide direction to individuals and stakeholders to meet deadlines.
• Lead and facilitate meetings as requested; draft and maintain all meeting minutes through duration of the project including assessment and follow up of next steps to ensure project remains on track.
• Assess readiness among stakeholders and identify potential barri