Jobs and Careers
VA

Projects Manager, Senior

Vanderbilt University
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 22 Jan 2026

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director of Operational Excellence and Special Initiatives, the Senior Project Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing the Division of Administration’s operational excellence goals by leading and delivering high-level initiatives, services, and advancements. This role oversees multiple complex projects with concurrent deadlines, ensuring each is executed on time, within budget, and in alignment with institutional priorities. 

The Senior Project Manager applies advanced project management methodologies to coordinate cross-departmental efforts, ensure stakeholder engagement, and deliver measurable results. The role serves as an execution partner to senior leadership on initiatives with significant operational, financial, and reputational impact.

Current and Anticipated Projects May Include

  • Public Safety and Risk Management Initiatives

    • Security standards and compliance frameworks

    • Access control and surveillance modernization

    • Operational readiness and technology enablement

  • Mobility, Parking, and Transportation Initiatives

    • Policy and program redesign

    • Technology implementations and transitions

  • Identity, Access, and Card Services Initiatives

    • Platform transitions and vendor coordination

    • Service model optimization and data governance

  • Division-Wide Operational Excellence

    • Process standardization and documentation

    • Cross-unit technology enablement

    • Change management and adoption planning

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning and Execution

  • Oversee multiple high-priority projects from initiation through completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
  • Lead project intake, scoping, and prioritization in partnership with senior leaders.
  • Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, deliverables, milestones, and success metrics.
  • Manage project budgets and allocate resources effectively.
  • Identify risks, dependencies, and decision points; proactively escalate as needed.
  • Establish and maintain project governance structures.
  • Track and report on realized outcomes and benefits relative to original business cases.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Advise senior leaders on options, tradeoffs, and impacts.

  • Facilitate alignment across units with competing priorities.

  • Manage vendor performance and contractual deliverables in coordination with procurement and finance.

Strategic Analysis and Policy Development

  • Develop business cases, decision briefs, and implementation roadmaps.
  • Analyze cost, quality, efficiency, and risk impacts of proposed changes.
  • Support policy development that spans multiple operational units.

Communication and Reporting

  • Oversee the flow and exchange of project-related information, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
  • Develop presentations, reports, and briefings for senior leadership and other stakeholders.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, decision-making, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Software and Technical Skills

  • Microsoft Planner, Project, or equivalent PM tools.
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Familiarity with dashboards or data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI is a plus.
  • Comfort working with system owners and data teams, not hands-on administration.
<

Apply for this role

Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.

Apply Now →Generate Application Kit

Free account required — sign up in 30s

Company

Vanderbilt University

View company profile →