PROJECT MANAGER

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. The UW Graduate School has an outstanding opportunity for a full-time Project Manager to join their team. The Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives, is a key member of the UW Graduate School's Dean's Office, responsible for leading and managing high-priority projects and strategic initiatives for the Graduate School. Reporting directly to the Dean, this position collaborates with leadership across campus to identify best practices in graduate education and support the successful planning, execution, and evaluation of initiatives that impact graduate education across all three UW campuses. The Project Manager will lead cross-unit collaboration and ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget. This position operates at the intersection of academic leadership and administrative functions, directly supporting the Dean and working to elevate the graduate student experience. This role requires proactive project management skills and the ability to analyze data, execute strategic plans, and communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of experience in managing projects in higher education or a similar setting, with strong organizational, project management, analytical, and leadership abilities. The UW Graduate School believes in the power of graduate education to address today's pressing challenges and to foster a more prosperous, informed, and equity-minded future. Collaborating with partners on all three campuses, we provide our graduate students with professional development opportunities and the services to manage their academic progress from application through commencement and beyond into a vibrant alumni community. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful working and learning environments, and promote access, opportunity, and equity for all. Key Responsibilities Project Management & Strategic Initiatives: * Independently manage projects and initiatives for the Graduate School, ensuring alignment with best practices and the Graduate School's mission and strategic priorities. * Champion initiatives and collaborate with leadership to drive projects forward, gaining buy-in and participating in strategic planning and the identification of opportunities and challenges. * Align Graduate School initiatives with university-wide priorities. * Oversee multiple concurrent projects, providing regular interaction, direction, and leadership to project teams to ensure each team and initiative meets its goals and stays on track. * Develop project plans, including setting timelines, defining milestones, and ensuring that deliverables are met. * Conduct research, gather data, and prepare comprehensive reports, meeting materials and communications to support project objectives and inform decision-making. * Analyze project outcomes and recommend improvements or adjustments as needed to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. * Serve as a primary point of contact for key stakeholders across campus, ensuring smooth communication and coordination. * Oversee multiple project teams, providing regular interaction, direction, and leadership to ensure each team and initiative meets its goals and stays on track. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: * Work with senior leadership to build consensus on initiatives, identifying opportunities for collaboration across departments and units. * Independently initiate, schedule and facilitate meetings, discussions and partnerships with various internal and external stakeholders, ensuring project objectives are understood, supported and documented. * Act as a liaison between the Graduate School and other university departments to gather information, align efforts, and support strategic initiatives. * Develop and present clear, data-driven reports, presentations, and proposals to leadership and other stakeholders. * Partner with the communications and marketing team to develop effective and timely communications. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS * Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience. * Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, to include strategic planning, with demonstrated success in leading complex projects with multiple stakeholders. * Strong understanding of higher education administration and the ability to address complex institutional challenges. * Innovative problem-solving and adaptability to navigate unprecedented challenges. * Ability to lead numerous project teams and be a visible and accountable leader for the work of each team. * Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. * Proven ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams. * Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum requirements. DESIRED REQUIREMENTS * Experience using project management tools and software. Conditions of Employment This is a hybrid position requiring at least 2 days of onsite work a week at the Seattle UW campus during regular business hours. May work extended or non-standard hours based on project or business needs. Application Process: The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed. ______________________________________________________________

Created: 2024-12-28